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Nautical Licenses in Malta

Pleasure-craft licensing and how to get qualified
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Nautical Licenses in Malta

Tue 5 May 2026 by [email protected]

Whether you need a nautical licence to charter a boat in Malta depends on the boat. Many of our listings come with a captain or skipper included (or offer one as an option), in which case you don’t need a licence yourself — just turn up and enjoy the day. If you want to skipper your own boat, here’s a quick overview of the local rules and how to obtain a licence.

When is a licence required?

Maltese law requires a Pleasure Craft Operator Licence to operate motorboats above a certain engine power. Smaller, low-horsepower boats can typically be operated without a licence within defined coastal limits. Sailing yachts, larger motor yachts, and boats venturing further offshore generally require both a licence and additional certifications.

Always check the listing for the boat you want to charter, or message the owner. They’ll tell you what’s required for that specific boat and route — and whether they offer a captain so you don’t need to worry about it.

Licence categories

Pleasure Craft Operator Licences are issued by Transport Malta and are graded by the size and category of vessel:

  • Category A — small open boats and similar light craft, with restrictions on distance from shore.
  • Category B — boats up to a moderate length, full coastal navigation.
  • Category C — pleasure craft up to 24 m, extended coastal range.
  • Category D — full pleasure-craft licence, no restrictions on Maltese-registered pleasure craft.

How to get a Maltese nautical licence

To obtain a licence you’ll typically need to:

  1. Complete a recognised theory course (basic navigation, rules of the road, safety).
  2. Pass the Transport Malta theory exam for the licence category you want.
  3. Demonstrate practical skills on the water, either through a course-school assessment or an examiner.
  4. Apply to Transport Malta with the supporting documentation and pay the licensing fee.

Several local sailing schools and licensed instructors run regular courses covering the theory exam and on-water training. The list below covers nautical-licence resources in Malta — courses, training schools, and useful links for getting qualified.

Malta Sailing Academy

RYA-recognised and Transport Malta-approved academy in Swatar offering the Nautical Licence plus a full RYA progression from Powerboat Level 2 through Yachtmaster.

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Maritime MT

DNV-certified, Transport Malta-accredited training centre at Hal Far running the Nautical Licence as part of a wider STCW and superyacht curriculum.

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Maritime Training Malta

IYT Recreational Training Provider at MSL Boat Yard, Maghtab. The trading school is operated by the team behind Sun&Fun Powerboat Training, with around 40 years on the water.

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Prosailing Malta

Gzira-based RYA-accredited sailing school running the Transport Malta Nautical Licence online plus a full RYA powerboat, sail and shore-based curriculum.

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Rise Company Ltd.

Mellieha-based marine consultancy and STCW training provider led by Master Mariner Joe Gabriele. Listed historically on the nautical licence training providers register.

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Sailing School Malta

Santa Venera-based RYA-recognised and Transport Malta-approved school established in 2012, training over 250 Nautical Licence students per year.

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