TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 1
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 234.19
TONNAGE REGULATIONS
1st January, 2003
LEGAL NOTICE 391 of 2002.
PART I
General
Title.
Interpretation.
requires:
Cap. 234.
"administration" means the Government of the state whose flag
the ship is flying;
"amidships" means the mid-point of the length (as defined
below), except in the case of a ship of not less than 24 metres in
length when it means the mid-point of the length overall;
"breadth" means the maximum breadth of the ship, measured
amidships to the moulded line of the frame in a ship with a metal
shell and to the outer surface of the hull in a ship with a shell of any
other material;
"break" means the space bounded longitudinally by a side to side
upward step in the lowest line of the upper deck and another such
step or the end of the ship, transversely by the sides of the ship and
vertically by the higher part of the deck and the lowest line of the
upper deck continued parallel thereto;
"cargo spaces" means enclosed spaces which are appropriated for
the transport of cargo to be discharged from the ship;
"certifying authority" means the Minister or any person
authorised by the Minister for the purposes of these regulations and
includes organizations or bodies of surveyors authorised by the
Minister in that behalf;
"contracting Government" means the Government of a country
which has accepted the International Convention on Tonnage
Measurement of Ships, 1969, signed in London on the 23rd June,
1969;
"Convention" means the International Convention on Tonnage
Measurement of Ships, 1969, signed in London on the 23rd June,
1969;
"enclosed spaces" means all those spaces, other than excluded
spaces, which are bounded by the ship’s hull, by fixed or portable
partitions or bulkheads, or by decks or coverings other than
permanent or moveable awnings. No break in a deck, nor any
opening in the ship’s hull, in a deck or in a covering of a space, or
in the partitions or bulkheads of a space, nor the absence of a
2 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
partition or bulkhead, shall preclude a space from being included in
the enclosed spaces;
and for the purposes of this definition "excluded spaces" means,
subject to paragraph ( f ) below, any of the spaces specified in
paragraphs ( a ) to ( e ) below:
( a ) that part of an enclosed space within an erection
opposite an end opening and extending from the
opening to an athwartship line at a fore and aft
distance from the opening equal to half the breadth of
the deck at the line of the opening. Such end opening
shall have a breadth equal to or greater than 90 per
cent of the breadth of the deck at the line of the
opening and shall extend from deck to deck or to a
curtain plate of a depth not exceeding by more than 25
millimetres the depth of the adjacent deck beams, as
specified in figure 1 of the First Schedule; provided
that -
(i) where at any point the width of the enclosed
space, because of any arrangement except
covergence of the outside plating, as specified in
figure 3 of the First Schedule, becomes less than
90 per cent of the breadth of the deck at the line
of the opening, the excluded space shall extend
only to an athwartship line intersecting that
point, as specified in figures 2 and 4 of the First
Schedule;
(ii) where the opposite ends of two enclosed spaces
are separated by a gap, which is completely open
except for bulwarks or open rails end of fore and
aft length less than half the least breadth of the
deck at the gap, then no part of the enclosed
spaces shall be excluded, as specified in figures
5 and 6 of the First Schedule;
( b ) a space under an overhead deck covering open to the
sea and weather, having no other connection on the
exposed sides with the body of the ship than the
stanchions necessary for its support. In such a space,
open rails or a bulwark and curtain plate may be fitted
or stanchions fitted at the ship’s side, provided that the
distance between the top of the rails or the bulwark
and the curtain plate is not less than 0.75 metres or
one-third of the height of the space, which ever is the
greater, as specified in figure 7 of the First Schedule;
( c ) a space in a side-to-side erection between opposite
side of openings not less in height than 0.75 metres or
one third of the height of the erection, whichever is the
greater. If the opening in such an erection is provided
on one side only, the space to be excluded from the
volume of enclosed spaces shall be limited inboard
from the opening to a maximum of one-half of the
breadth of the deck in way of the opening, as specified
in figure 8 of the First Schedule;
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 3
( d ) a space in an erection immediately below an
uncovered opening in the deck overhead, provided that
such an opening is exposed to the weather and the
space excluded from enclosed spaces is limited to the
area of the opening, as specified in figure 9 of the First
Schedule;
( e ) a recess in the boundary bulkheads of an erection
which is exposed to the weather and the opening of
which extends from deck to deck without means of
closing, provided that the interior width is not greater
than the width at the entrance and its extension into the
erection is not greater than twice the width of its
entrance, as specified in figure 10 of the First
Schedule;
( f ) notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs ( a ) to ( e )
inclusive, any space listed in those paragraphs which
fulfils at least one of the following conditions shall be
treated as an enclosed space:
(i) the space is fitted with shelves or other means
for securing cargo or stores;
(ii) the openings are fitted with any means of
closure;
(iii) the construction provides any possibility of such
openings being closed;
Cap. 425.
"fishing vessel" means a vessel granted a licence or permit to
fish in terms of the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act;
"foreign ship" means a ship which is not a Maltese ship;
"length" means the greater of the following distances:
( a ) the distance between the fore side of the stem and the
axis of the rudder stock; or
( b ) a distance measured from the fore side of the stem,
being 96 per cent of the distance between that point
and the aft side of the stern,
the said points and measurements being taken respectively at and
along a waterline at 85 per cent of the least moulded depth of the
ship. In the case of a ship having a rake of keel the waterline shall
be parallel to the designed waterline;
"length overall" means the distance between the foreside of the
foremost fixed permanent structure and the afterside of the
aftermost fixed permanent structure; and "fixed permanent
structure" includes any portion of the hull which is capable of being
detached, but which is fixed in place during the normal operation of
the vessel. It does not include functional arrangements such as
safety rails, bowsprits, pulpits, stemhead fittings, rudders, steering
gear, outdrives, outboard motors, propulsion machinery, diving
platforms, boarding platforms, rubbing strips and fenders, other
than where such functional arrangements are designed to replace
any part of the hull that has been removed;
S.L.234.12
4 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
relation to any ship not registered in Malta any corresponding rules
of the country in which the ship is registered;
"MARPOL Convention" means the International Convention for
the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, signed in London on 2nd
November, 1973 and the Protocol thereto signed in London on 17th
February, 1978;
"moulded depth" and in the case of a ship of less than 24 metres
"depth", means the vertical distance measured from the top of the
keel of a metal ship, or in wood or composite ships from the lower
edge of the keel rabbet, to the underside of the upper deck at side,
or, in the case of a ship which is not fully decked, to the top of the
upper stroke or gunwale, provided that -
( a ) where the form at the lower part of the midship section
is of a hollow character, or where thick garboards are
fitted, the distance is measured from the point where
the line of the flat of the bottom continued inwards
cuts the side of the keel;
( b ) in the case of a glass reinforced plastic ship where no
keel member is fitted and the keel is of open trough
construction, the distance is measured from the top of
the keel filling, if any, or the level at which the inside
breadth of the trough is 100 millimetres, whichever
give the lesser depth;
( c ) in ships having rounded gunwales, the distance is
measured to the point of intersection of the moulded
lines of the deck and side shell plating, the lines
extending as though the gunwales were of angular
design; and
( d ) where the upper deck is stepped and the raised part of
the deck extends over the point at which the moulded
depth is measured, the distance is measured to a line of
reference extending from the lower part of the deck
along a line parallel with the raised part; and for the
purposes of this definition:
(i) "upper deck" means the uppermost complete
deck exposed to weather and sea, which has
permanent means of weathertight closing of all
openings in the weather part thereof, and below
which all openings in the sides of the ship are
fitted with permanent means of watertight
closing. In a ship having a stepped upper deck,
the lowest line of the exposed deck and the
continuation of that line parallel to the upper
part of the deck is taken as the upper deck; and
(ii) "weathertight" means that in any sea conditions
water will not penetrate into the ship;
"moulded draught" means:
( a ) for ships assigned load lines in accordance with the
Load Lines Rules, the draught corresponding to the
Summer Load Line (other than timber load lines);
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 5
( b ) for passenger ships, the draught corresponding to the
deepest subdivision load line assigned in accordance
with the SOLAS Convention (as defined below) or
other international agreement where applicable or in
accordance with the provisions of regulations
implementing such Convention or agreement where
applicable;
( c ) for ships to which no load line has been assigned but
the draught of which is restricted by the Minister, the
maximum permitted draught;
( d ) for other ships, 75 per cent of the moulded depth
amidships as defined in this regulation;
"oil tanker" means a ship constructed or adapted to carry oil in
bulk in its cargo spaces and includes combination carriers; for the
purposes of this definition, "combination carrier" means a ship
designed to carry either oil or solid cargoes in bulk;
"passenger" means any person carried in a ship except:
( a ) a person employed or engaged in any capacity on
board the ship on the business of the ship;
( b ) a person on board the ship either in pursuance of the
obligation laid upon the master to carry shipwrecked,
distressed or other persons, or by reason of any
circumstances that neither the master nor the owner
nor the charterer (if any) could have prevented; and
( c ) a child under one year of age;
"pleasure yacht" means a vessel primarily used for sport or
recreation;
"similar stage of construction" means the stage at which:
( a ) construction identifiable with a specific ship begins;
and
( b ) assembly of that ship has commenced comprising at
least 50 tonnes or one per cent of the estimated mass of
all structural material whichever is the less;
"SOLAS Convention" means the International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea, signed in London on 1st November, 1974,
and the Protocol thereto signed in London on 17th February, 1978;
"STOW Convention" means the International Convention on
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
Seafarers, signed in London on 7th July, 1978;
"surveyor" means a surveyor appointed by a certifying authority.
(2) Any reference in these regulations to an international
convention or its related protocol or code shall include reference to
any amendments to such convention, protocol or code accepted by
the Govemment of Malta.
6 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
PART II
Application, Ascertainment of Tonnage and Certification for
Ships of 24 Metres in Length and Over
Application of
Part II.
3. This Part of these regulations shall apply to ships
(including fishing vessels and pleasure yachts), being ships of 24
metres in length or over, registered or to be registered as Maltese
ships under Part II or Part IIA of the Act.
Ascertainment of Tonnage
Method of 
measurement.
4. (1) The owner and the master of a ship to be measured
shall make it available for measurement by a surveyor and afford
all necessary facilities for its inspection, survey and measurement
and shall produce such plans, drawings, specifications and other
documents relating to the ship that the surveyor may require for his
use or retention.
(2) The gross and net tonnages shall be determined in
accordance with regulations 6 and 7 provided that in the case of
novel types of craft with constructional features which render the
application of the provisions of these regulations unreasonable or
impracticable, the gross and net tonnages shall be determined as
required by the Minister.
(3) All measurements used in the calculations of volumes shall
be taken and expressed in metres to the nearest one hundredth of a
metre.
(4) Gross and net tonnages shall be expressed as whole
numbers, decimals rounded off downwards.
Calculation of 
volumes.
5. (1) All volumes included in the calculation of gross and
net tonnages shall be measured, irrespective of the fitting of
insulation or the like, to the inner side of the shell or structural
boundary plating in ships constructed of metal, and to the outer
surface of the shell or to the inner side of the structural boundary
surfaces in ships constructed of any other material.
(2) Volumes of appendages shall be included in the total
volume.
(3) Volumes of spaces open to the sea shall be excluded from
the total volume.
(4) The method and accuracy of the calculations shall be to the
satisfaction of the Minister and shall be sufficiently detailed to
facilitate checking.
Gross tonnage. 6. The gross tonnage (GT) of a ship shall be determined by
the following formula: GT = K 1 V
where: V = total volume of all enclosed spaces of the ship
in cubic metres,
K 1  = 0.2 + 0.02 log 10  V or as specified in the Second
Schedule.
Net tonnage. 7. The net tonnage (NT) of a ship shall be determined by the
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 7
following formula:
where: 
V c  = total volume of cargo spaces in cubic metres
K 2  = 0.2 + 0.02 log 10  V c  or as specified in the Second
Schedule 
where GT = gross tonnage calculated in accordance with
regulation 6
D = moulded depth amidships in metres
d = moulded draught amidships in metres
N 1  = number of passengers in cabins with not more than 8
berths; and
N 2  = number of other passengers:
Provided that:
( a ) the factor
shall not be taken as greater than unity;
( b ) the term
shall not be taken less than 0.25 GT;
( c ) N 1  and N 2  shall be taken as zero when N 1  + N 2  is less
than 13; and
( d ) NT shall not be taken as less than 0.30 GT.
Segregated ballast 
oil tankers.
8. (1) Where segregated ballast tanks complying with
Regulation 13 of Annex 1 of the MARPOL Convention are
provided in oil tankers, an entry may be made on the International
Tonnage Certificate (1969) indicating the total tonnage of these
tanks. The tonnage of such segregated ballast tanks shall be
calculated according to the following formula:
K 1  x V b
where: K 1  = 0.2+0.02 log 10 V or as specified in the Second
Schedule;
V = the total volume of all enclosed spaces of the ship in
cubic metres; and
V b  = the total volume of segregated ballast tanks in cubic
metres measured in accordance with regulation 5.
NT = K 2 V c ( 4d ) 2  + K 3 ( N 1  + N 2 )3D 10
K 3  = 1.25 GT + 10,000 10,000
( 4d ) 23D
K 2 V c ( 4d ) 23D
8 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
Certification
Issue of 
certificates.
9. If it is in order to do so, the certifying authority shall issue
to the owner of every ship, the tonnages of which have been
ascertained in accordance with regulations 6 and 7, an International
Tonnage Certificate (1969) in the form set out in the Third
Schedule or as near thereto as circumstances permit, certifying the
tonnages of the ship and containing the particulars to be shown
thereon and such particulars, if any, as the Registrar-General may
deem proper.
Cancellation of 
certificates.
10. (1) Where alterations are made in the arrangement,
construction, capacity, use of spaces, total number of passengers
the ship is permitted to carry under the terms of the ship’s
passenger certificate, assigned load line, or permitted draught of
the ship such as would cause an increase in the gross or net
tonnage, the existing International Tonnage Certificate (1969) shall
cease to be valid and shall be delivered up to and cancelled by the
certifying authority.
(2) When a ship is transferred from the Malta Register the
International Tonnage Certificate (1969) shall cease to be valid
except when the transfer is to the administration of a state which is
a contracting Government, in which case the certificate may remain
in force for a period not exceeding three months or until the new
administration issues another International Tonnage Certificate
(1969) whichever is the earlier. The certifying authority shall
transmit to the administration of that Government as soon as
possible after the transfer has taken place a copy of the certificate
carried by the ship at the time of transfer and a copy of the relevant
tonnage calculations.
Change of net 
tonnage 
necessitating issue 
of certificate.
11. (1) When alterations in the values of V, V c , d, N 1  or N 2  as
defined in regulations 6 and 7 result in an increase in the net
tonnage a new International Tonnage Certificate (1969)
incorporating the increased net tonnage shall be issued.
S.L.234.12
(2) In the case of a passenger ship assigned subdivision load
lines in accordance with the SOLAS Convention or in accordance
with the provisions of regulations implementing such Convention
and load lines in accordance with the Load Lines Rules, only one
net tonnage shall be applied. Where the draught corresponding to
the Summer load line differs from that corresponding to the deepest
subdivision load line the net tonnage shall, subject to subregulation
(3)( a ), be the greater of the two values determined in accordance
with regulation 7 by applying the differing draughts.
(3) ( a ) Subject to paragraph ( b ), where alterations in the
values of V, V c , d, N 1  or N 2  as defined in regulations 6
and 7, or changes in the position of the load lines result
in a decrease in the net tonnage, a new International
Tonnage Certificate (1969) incorporating the
decreased net tonnage shall not be issued until twelve
months have elapsed from the date on which the
current certificate was issued.
( b ) A new International Tonnage Certificate (1969) may
be issued when:
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 9
(i) a ship which was registered elsewhere is re-
registered in Malta;
(ii) a ship undergoes alterations or modifications of
a major character. such as the removal of a
superstructure, which requires an alteration of
the assigned load line; or
(iii) the ship is a passenger ship employed in special
trades for the carriage of large numbers of
special trade passengers, such as the pilgrim
trade.
Use of previous 
applicable gross 
tonnage.
12. (1) In the case of a ship -
( a ) which is a ship the keel of which was laid or which
was at a similar stage of construction before 18th July
1982; or
( b ) which is a ship the keel of which was laid or which
was at a similar stage of construction not later than
31st December 1985, not being a ship referred to in
paragraph ( a ); or
( c ) which is a cargo ship of less than 1600 tons gross
tonnage when ascertained in accordance with
regulation 1.3(3) of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage)
Regulations, 1989 * , the keel of which was laid or
which was at a similar stage of construction before
18th July 1994, not being a ship referred to in
paragraph ( a ),
the Minister may permit the continuing use of a gross tonnage
ascertained in accordance with regulation 13(3) of the Merchant
Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations, 1989 for the purpose of the
application of the provisions of the SOLAS Convention, the
MARPOL Convention and the STCW Convention or for the
purpose of the application of the provisions of regulations
implementing such Conventions.
(2) An International Tonnage Certificate (1969) may be
annotated, under "Remarks", by the certifying authority -
( a ) in the case of a ship to which subregulation (1)( a )
refers, with the duly completed and signed entry -
"The ship is re-measured according to article 3(2)( d )
of the 1969 Tonnage Convention
The GROSS TONNAGE according to the
measurement system previously in force to the
measurement system of the International Convention
on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, is: ...............
RT, according to the regulations ........................"; and
( b ) in the case of a ship to which subregulation (1)( b ) or
( c ) refers, with the duly completed and signed entry -
"The ship is additionally measured according to
resolution A. 494(XIl).
*Revoked by these regulations.
10 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
The GROSS TONNAGE according to the
measurement system previously in force to the
measurement system of the International Convention
on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, is: ...............
RT, according to the regulations ............................. .
(3) Where such an entry has been made on an International
Tonnage Certificate (1969) and the ship undergoes alterations or
modifications which affect its tonnage the old tonnage referred to
in subregulation (1) shall be deleted.
(4) Where a gross tonnage has been ascertained and is to be
used in accordance with subregulation (1), then any certificate
issued for the purposes of the conventions referred to shall record
only that gross tonnage together with an appropriate footnote:
"The above gross tonnage has been determined by a
certifying authority (a tonnage authority) of Malta in
accordance with the national tonnage regulations
which were in force prior to the coming into force of
the International Convention on Tonnage
Measurement of Ships, 1969."; or
"See REMARKS column of the valid International
Tonnage Certificate (1969)".
PART III
Application, Ascertainment of Tonnage and Certification
for Fishing Vessels of 15 Metres or more in Length Overall
but less than 24 Metres in Length
Application of
Part III.
13. This Part of these regulations shall apply to fishing vessels
of 15 metres or more in length overall but less than 24 metres in
length, registered or to be registered as Maltese ships under Part II
or Part IIA of the Act, with effect:
( a ) for vessels first registered on or after 1st January,
2003, from the date when such vessels are first
registered; and
( b ) for vessels first registered before 1st January, 2003,
from 1st January, 2004.
Measurement and 
certification.
14. (1) Regulations 4, 5 and 6 shall apply for the measurement
of tonnage of fishing vessels to which this Part of these regulations
applies as they apply for the purpose of Part II of these regulations.
(2) The tonnage determined in accordance with subregulation
(1) shall be the gross tonnage and net tonnage.
Issue of 
certificates.
15. If it is in order to do so, the certifying authority shall issue
to the owner of every fishing vessel, the tonnages of which have
been ascertained in accordance with regulation 14, a Certificate of
Survey (Tonnage Measurement) for Maltese Fishing Vessels of 15
Metres Length Overall to Less than 24 Metres Length in the form
set out in the Fourth Schedule or as near thereto as circumstances
permit, certifying the tonnages of the fishing vessel and containing
the particulars to be shown thereon and such particulars, if any, as
the Registrar-General may deem proper.
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 11
Cancellation of 
certificates.
16. Where alterations are made in the arrangement,
construction, capacity, use of spaces, or permitted draught of the
fishing vessel such as would cause an increase in the tonnage, the
existing measurement shall cease to be valid, any certificate shall
be delivered up to and cancelled by the certifying authority and the
owner of the vessel shall make an application for it to be re-
measured in accordance with regulation 4(1).
PART IV
Application, Ascertainment of Tonnage and Certification
for Ships of Less than 24 Metres in Length,
other than Fishing Vessels to which Part III applies
Application of
Part IV.
17. This Part of these regulations shall apply to ships
(including fishing vessels and pleasure yachts), being ships of less
than 24 metres in length, and not being fishing vessels to which
Part III of these regulations applies, registered or to be registered as
Maltese ships under Part II or Part IIA of the Act.
Measurement and 
certification.
18. (1) The owner and the master of a ship to be measurcd
shall make it available for measurement by a surveyor and afford
all necessary facilities for its inspection, survey and measuremert
and shall produce such plans, drawings, specifications and other
documents relating to the ship that the surveyor may require for his
use or retention.
(2) The tonnage of a ship shall be the sum of -
( a ) the product of multiplying together its length overall,
extreme breadth over the outside hull and depth in
metres ancl multiplying the resultant figure by 0.16;
and
( b ) the tonnage of any break or breaks, calculated for each
break by multiplying together its mean length, mean
breadth and mean height in metres and multiplying the
resultant figure by 0.35.
(3) For the purpose of this Part -
( a ) the breadth of a ship shall be its extreme breadth over
the outside plating, planking or hull, no account being
taken of rubbers or fenders even if they are moulded so
as to be integral with the hull;
( b ) the depth of a ship shall be measured vertically at the
mid-point of the length overall.
(i) The upper terminal point for depth shall be -
( aa ) in the case of a decked ship, the underside
of the deck on the middle line or if there is
no deck on the middle line at the point of
measurement, the underside of the deck at
the side of the ship plus the full deck
camber;
( bb ) in the case of an open ship, the top of the
upper stroke or gunwale.
(ii) The lower terminal point of depth shall -
( aa ) in the case of a wooden ship, the upper side
12 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
of the plank at the side of the keel or hog;
( bb ) in the case of a metal ship, the top of the
plating at the side of the keel;
( cc ) in the case of a glass reinforced plastic ship,
the inside of the hull. Where no keel
member is fitted and the keel is of open
trough construction, the lower terminal
point for depth shall be the top of the keel
filling, if fitted, or the level at which the
inside breadth of the trough is 10
centimetres, whichever gives the greater
depth.
(iii) Where a break exists in way of the point of
measurement for depth, the height of the break
shall not be included in the measurement of
depth.
(4) The tonnage determined in accordance with subregulation
(2) shall be the gross tonnage and net tonnage.
(5) In the case of a multi-hull ship the tonnage of each hull
shall be measured separately and the sum of such tonnages shall be
used in computing the tonnage referred to in subregulation (2).
(6) All measurements used in the calculations of volumes shall
be taken and expressed in metres to the nearest one hundredth of a
metre.
(7) Tonnage shall be expressed to two decimal places, the
second decimal place being increased by one if the third decimal
place is 5 or more.
(8) On completion of the measurement and if it is in order to do
so, the certifying authority shall issue to the owner of every ship,
the tonnages of which have been ascertained in accordance with
this Part of these regulations, a Certificate of Survey (Tonnage
Measurement) for Maltese Ships under 24 Metres Length, other
than Fishing Vessels of more than 15 Metres Length Overall in the
form set out in the Fifth Schedule or as near thereto as
circumstances permit, certifying the tonnages of the ship and
containing the particulars to be shown thereon and such particulars,
if any, as the Registrar-General may deem proper.
(9) Where alterations are made in the arrangement,
construction, capacity, use of spaces, total number of passengers
the ship is permitted to carry under the terms of the ship’s
passenger certificate, assigned load line, or permitted draught of
the ship such as would cause an increase in the tonnage, the
existing measurement shall cease to be valid, any certificate shall
be delivered up to and cancelled by the certifying authority and the
owner of the ship shall make an application for it to be re-measured
in accordance with subregulaLion (1).
(10) Notwithstanding the provisions of subregulation (2),
nothing in this Part of these regulations shall be taken to require
any ship the tonnage of which was validly determined under the
Tonnage Regulations in force immediately before the coming into
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 13
force of these regulations to have its tonnage re-determined.
PART V
Foreign Ships whilst within Malta or the Territorial Waters thereof
Acceptance of 
foreign tonnage 
certificates.
19. (1) An International Tonnage Certificate (1969) issued
under the authority of another contracting Government to a foreign
ship in accordance with the Convention shall be accepted and
regarded for all purposes covered by the Convention as having the
same validity as one issued under Part II of these Regulations.
Whilst such a ship is within Malta or the territorial waters thereof it
may be subject to inspection by a person duly authorised by the
Minister in that behalf for the purpose of verifying -
( a ) that the ship is provided with a valid International
Tonnage Certificate (1969); and
( b ) that the main characteristics of the ship correspond to
the data given in the certificate.
(2) Any such inspection shall not cause any delay to the ship.
(3) If the inspection reveals that the main characteristics of the
ship differ from those entered in the International Tonnage
Certificate (1969) so as to lead to an increase in the gross tonnage
or the net tonnage, the administration of the State whose flag the
ship is flying shall be informed without delay.
Ascertainment of 
tonnage and 
certification.
20. (1) The certifying authority may, at the request of the
administration of a contracting Government, ascertain the gross and
net tonnages of a foreign ship in accordance with Part II of these
regulations and issue to the owner an International Tonnage
Certificate (1969). In such cases the certificate shall be endorsed to
the effect that it has been issued at the request of the Government
of the state whose flag the ship is or will be flying, and a copy of
the certificate and the calculations of the tonnages shall be
transmitted to the requesting Government as soon as possible.
(2) The certifying authority may, at the request of an owner of
a foreign ship flying the flag of an administration of a non-
contracting Government, ascertain the gross and net tonnages of the
ship in accordance with Part II of these regulations and issue a
certificate of Maltese Tonnage Measurement. In such cases the
certificate will bear the endorsement "for use only whilst within
Malta or the territorial waters thereof".
PART VI
Penalties
Penalties.
cause to deliver up a certificate for cancellation as required by
regulations 10(1), 16 or 18(9) shall be guilty of an offence and
liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred
liri.
(2) Any person who contravenes or suffers any person under
his control to contravene the provisions of these regulations or any
person who omits or suffers any person under his control to omit
14 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
anything the performance of which is required by the provisions of
these regulations shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to
a fine not exceeding five hundred liri for each such offence
(3) Where an offence has been committed as provided by
subregulation (2), the Minister may direct that the sailing of the
ship in respect of which the offence was committed shall be
prohibited until the contravention or omission constituting the
offence has been removed.
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 15
FIRST SCHEDULE
Excluded spaces as defined in regulation 2
In the following figures: 0 = excluded space
C = enclosed space
I = space to be considered as an enclosed
space
Hatched in parts to be included as enclosed spaces.
B = breadth of the deck in way of the opening.
In ships with rounded gunwales the breadth is measured as indicated in Figure 11.
16 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 17
18 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
SECOND SCHEDULE
Coefficients K 1  and K 2  referred to in regulations 6, 7 and 8
V or V c  = Volume in cubic metres
V or V c K 1  or K 2 V or V c K 1  or K 2 V or V c K 1  or K 2 V or V c K 1  or K 2
10 0.2200 45000 0.2931 330000 0.3104 670000 0.3165
20 0.2260 50000 0.2940 340000 0.3106 680000 0.3166
30 0.2295 55000 0.2948 350000 0.3109 690000 0.3168
40 0.2320 60000 0.2956 360000 0.3111 700000 0.3169
50 0.2340 65000 0.2963 370000 0.3114 710000 0.3170
60 0.2356 70000 0.2969 380000 0.3116 720000  0.3171
70 0.2369 75000 0.2875 390000 0.3118 730000 0.3173
80 0.2381 80000 0.2981 400000 0.3120 740000 0.3174
90 0.2391 85000 0.2986 410000 0.3123 750000 0.3175
100 0.2400 90000 0.2991 420000 0.3125 760000 0.3176
200 0.2460 95000 0.2996 430000 0.3127 770000 0.3177
300 0.2495 100000 0.3000 440000 0.3129 780000 0.3178
400 0.2520 110000 0.3008 450000 0.3131 790000 0.3180
500 0.2540 120000 0.3016 460000 0.3133 800000 0.3181
600 0.2556 130000 0.3023 470000 0.3134 810000 0.3182
700 0.2569 140000 0.3029 480000 0.3136 820000  0.3185
800 0.2581 150000 0.3035 490000 0.3138 830000 0.3184
900 0.2591 160000 0.3041 500000 0.3140 840000 0.3185
1000 0.2600 170000 0.3046 510000 0.3142 850000  0.3186
2000 0.2660 180000 0.3051 520000 0.3143 860000 0.3187
3000 0.2695 190000 0.3056 530000 0.3145 870000 0.3188
4000 0.2720 200000 0.3060 540000 0.3146 880000 0.3189
5000 0.2740 210000 0.3064 550000 0.3148 890000 0.3190
6000 0.2756 220000 0.3068 560000 0.3150 900000 0.3191
7000 0.2769 230000 0.3072 570000 0.3151 910000 0.3192
8000 0.2781 240000 0.3076 580000 0.3153 920000 0.3193
9000 0.2791 250000 0.3080 590000 0.3154 930000 0.3194
10000 0.2800 260000 0.3083 600000 0.3156 940000 0.3195
15000 0.2835 270000 0.3086 610000 0.3157 950000 0.3196
20000 0.2860 280000 0.3089 620000 0.3158 960000 0.3196
25000 0.2880 290000 0.3092 630000 0.3160 970000 0.3197
30000 0.2895 300000 0.3095 640000 0.3161 980000 0.3198
35000 0.2909 310000 0.3098 650000 0.3163 990000 0.3199
40000 0.2920 320000 0.3101 660000 0.3164 1 000000 0.3200
Coefficients K 1  or K 2  at intermediate values of V or V c  shall be obtained by linear
interpolation.
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 19
THIRD SCHEDULE
International Tonnage Certificate (1969)
Issued under the provisions of the
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON TONNAGE MEASUREMENT OF SHIPS 
(1969)
under the authority of the Government of the Republic of Malta.
* Date on which keel was laid or the ship was at a similar stage of construction,
(article 2(6)) or date on which the ship underwent alterations or modifications of a
major character, (article 3(2)( b )), as appropriate.
MAIN DIMENSIONS
The tonnages of the ship are:
GROSS TONNAGE ...................................................................
NET TONNAGE ...................................................................
THIS IS TO CERTIFY
that the tonnages of this ship have been determined in accordance with the
provisions of the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships 1969.
Issued at ................................ ....................., ..............
(place of issue of certificate) (date of issue)
The undersigned declares that he is duly authorised by the said Governments to
issue this certificate
(signed) ...................................................
Name of Ship Official Number Port of Registry Date*
Length
(Article 2(8))
Breadth
(Regulation 2(3))
Moulded Depth Amidships to Upper 
Deck
(Regulation 2(2))
20 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
(Reverse side of Certificate)
SPACES INCLUDED IN TONNAGE
GROSS TONNAGE NET TONNAGE
Name of Space Location Length Name of 
Space
Location Length
Underdeck - -
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
(Regulation 4(1))
Number of passengers in cabins with not
more than 8 berths .....................................
EXCLUDED SPACES Number of other passengers ......................
(Regulation 2(5))
An asterisk (*) should be added to those
spaces listed above which comprise both
enclosed and excluded spaces.
MOULDED DRAUGHT
(Regulation 4(2))
Date and place of original measurements ..........................................................................
Date and place of last previous re-measurement ................................................................
REMARKS:
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 21
FOURTH   SCHEDULE
CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY (TONNAGE MEASUREMENT) FOR 
MALTESE FISHING VESSELS OF 15 METRES LENGTH OVERALL 
TO LESS THAN 24 METRES LENGTH
Issued under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) 
Regulations under the authority of the Governmext of the Republic of 
Malta.
Name of vessel Official number Port of Registry
Where built When built Name and address of builders
Number of decks Stern Stern Build
Framework Number of bulkheads
MAIN DIMENSIONS
Length Overall Breadth Depth
The tonnage of this vessel is:
GROSS AND NET TONNAGE
CERTIFIED EXTRACTS OF PARTICULARS SUPPLIED BY BUILDERS, OWNERS OR 
ENGINE MAKERS
Number of sets of 
engines
Description of engines When made Number of 
cylinders in 
each set
KW Name and address of makers Number of 
shafts
I, the undersigned Surveyor, having measured the above named vessel, hereby certify that
the above particulars are true and that the tonnage has been ascertained in accordance with
Part III of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations. I further declare that I am duly
authorised by the Government of Malta to issue this certificate .
Dated at this day of
( place of survey )
.............................................
Signature of Surveyor and Official Stamp
22 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
(Reverse side of Certificate)
SPACES INCLUDED IN TONNAGE
GROSS TONNAGE
Name of Space Location Length
Underdeck - -
EXCLUDED SPACES (Regulation 2 and First Schedule of the Merchant Shipping
(Tonnage) Rgulations
An asterisk (*) should be added to those spaces listed above which comprise both enclosed
and excluded spaces.
Date and place of last original measurement
Date and place of last previous re-measurement
REMARKS:
TONNAGE [ S.L.234.19 23
FIFTH SCHEDULE
CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY (TONNAGE MEASUREMENT) FOR 
MALTESE SHIPS UNDER 24 METRES LENGTH, OTHER THAN 
FISHINF VESSELS OF MORE THAN 15 METRES LENGTH OVERALL
Issued under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) 
Regulations under the authority of the Governmext of the Republic of 
Malta.
Before filling out this Certificate, surveyors are advised to see the 
instructions overleaf
Name of ship Whether a dumb, sailing, steam or motor
ship. If steam or motor ship how propelled
Where built When built Name and address of builders
Number of decks Number of 
masts
Rigged Stern Stern Build
Framework and description of 
ship
Number of
bulkheads
Overall length Breadth Depth
TONNAGE CALCULATION
TONS
0.16 =
overall length x breadth x depth x
0.16 =
overall length x breadth x depth x
Break, or breaks, if any, extending from side to side above line of deck
ADD
0.35 =
mean length x mean breadth x mean height x
0.35 =
mean length x mean breadth x mean height x
The tonnage of the ship, as detailed above is:
GROSS AND NET TONNAGE
CERTIFIED EXTRACTS OF PARTICULARS SUPPLIED BY BUILDERS, OWNERS OR 
ENGINE MAKERS
Number of sets 
of engines
Description of engines When made Number of 
cylinders in 
each set
KW Name and address of makers Number of 
shafts
I, the undersigned Surveyor, having measured the above named vessel, hereby certify that
the above particulars are true and that the tonnage has been ascertained in accordance with
Part IV of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations. I further declare that I am duly
authorised by the Government of Malta to issue this certificate .
Dated at this day of
( place of survey )
........................................
Signature of Surveyor and Official Stamp
24 [ S.L.234.19 TONNAGE
(Reverse side of Certificate)
Great care is to be taken in completing the Certificate of Survey (Tonnage Measurement)
and Surveyors should carefully note that no alterations are permitted on this Certificate and if
mistakes are made, it is to be re-typed or re-written.
The Surveyor should note the following when completing the Certificate of Survey
(Tonnage Measurement):
( a ) Under the heading "Whether a dumb, sailing, steam or motor ship how propelled", a
ship propelled solely by sails is to be entered as "Sailing Ship". If a permanent motor is fitted
to a sailing ship the entry is to be "Sailing and Motor: Single Screw". In the case of a vessel
provided with a portable outboard motor the correct entry is that applicable to the vessel
without the motor, with a qualification "fitted with portable outboard motor" eg. "Dumb fitted
with outboard motor" or "Sailing fitted with portable outboard motor". When the main
propulsion is by engine the entry will be "Motor Ship, Single Screw", "Motor Ship, Twin
Screw", as appropriate.
( b ) Under the headines "Where Built" and "Name and Address of Builders" when the
hull has been built in one shipyard and the vessel fitted out at another, both places should be
showm under the headings, eg:
Where Built: Hull: Southampton
Fitted Out: Poole
Name and Address of Builders: Hull: Boatyard Ltd, Southampton
Fitted Out: Yacht Fitters Ltd, Poole
( c ) Under the heading "When Built" should be shown the year in which the ship was
launched or entered the water for the first time or when it was completed, which is the earlier.
( d ) The description under the heading "Rigged" should describe the arrangement eg.
"Yawl", "Schooner", "Ketch", etc; if a sitip is not designed for sailing, and is not rigged for
that pupose "Not" is to be inserted.
( e ) The description of the "Stern" should be "Straight", "Raked", "Clipper", etc., as
appropriate.
( f ) The description of the "Stern" should be "Counter", "Cruiser", "Transom", etc., as
appropriate
( g ) The description of the "Build" should indicate construction of the hull i.e. "Clencher"
for in and out plating or planting or "Carvel" if flush; w,here there is a mixture then "Part
Carvel/Part Clencher" should be entered.
( h ) The entry as resgards "Framework and description of ship" should describe the
material of the hull and the type of ship; i.e. material should be shown as "Wood", "Steel,
"Glass Reinforced Plastic", etc., as appropriate.
( i ) The entry in respect of "Number of Bulkheads" should relate to the complete
bulkheads bounding main compartments up to the deck level. If no complete bulkheads are
fitted the entry should be "None".
( j ) The particulars of the propelling engines should be completed if an engine is fitted
inboard. Particulars of motors are not to be showm. The "Description of engine" is to be kept
as simple as possible and yet fulfill the function of accurately defining the type of engine
fitted. In most ships, it will be sufficient to insert "Internal combustion engine". The engine
power shall be the total of the maximum continuous power expressed in kilowatt(KW). In the
case of multiple engine ships, the combined engine power is to be quoted.
( k ) Where numbers are required to be inserted in respect of decks, masts, bulkheads, sets
of engines, shafts and cylinders, these are to be written in words; numerals are not to be used.
