How to Get a Maltese Nautical Licence: Your Complete Guide

For anyone living in Malta — or planning to spend more time on the water in the Mediterranean — obtaining a Maltese Nautical Licence is one of the most valuable steps you can take. Whether you want to operate a powerboat for leisure, improve your seamanship skills, or prepare for larger sailing qualifications, the Maltese licence is your official entry point into the world of recreational boating.

This guide explains what the Maltese nautical licence covers, who needs it, how to apply, and how Sailing School Malta can help you move from local certification to internationally recognised RYA qualifications.

What Is the Maltese Nautical Licence?

The Maltese Nautical Licence (commonly called "Boat Licence" or "Operator’s Licence") is the minimum legal requirement for operating small pleasure craft in Maltese waters.

It applies mainly to:

•  Small motorboats

•  RIBs (rigid inflatable boats)

•  Personal watercraft

•  Craft with engines above a certain horsepower

The licence ensures that boat operators understand essential navigational rules, safety procedures, and local maritime regulations before taking command of a vessel.

Who Needs the Maltese Nautical Licence?

You must hold a Maltese Nautical Licence if you intend to operate small boats or RIBs in Maltese territorial waters for personal, non-commercial use.

Typical candidates include:

•  Maltese residents who own or plan to buy a boat

•  Foreign residents who keep a boat in Malta

•  Anyone wanting to rent small craft or engage in Malta boat rental activities

•  Beginners planning to transition toward Day Skipper or Yachtmaster in the future

It’s the first step for many who eventually pursue RYA sailing courses, longer voyages, or Malta sailing charters.

What You Learn When Preparing for the Maltese Licence

Although the official licence is focused on basic boat handling and safety, preparing for it often involves learning key practical skills, including:

•  Basic navigation — understanding buoys, marks, and rules of the road

•  Boat handling — turning, maneuvering, and controlling the craft safely

•  Safety equipment — how to use lifejackets, kill-cords, flares, and VHF basics

•  Local maritime rules — regulations in Maltese ports, speed limits, swimming zones, and restricted areas

•  Emergency procedures — reacting to breakdowns, grounding, or man-overboard situations

For complete beginners, these essentials form the foundation for all future sailing or powerboating courses.

How to Apply for the Maltese Nautical Licence

Candidates must meet these basic requirements:

•  Be at least 18 years old

•  Attend an approved training course or theory session

•  Pass the official exam

•  Submit required documentation to the authorities

The process is straightforward, and once approved, you receive a licence that allows you to operate permitted vessels in Maltese waters.

How Sailing School Malta Helps New Boat Operators

Although the Maltese Nautical Licence is local, many learners prefer to continue training to gain more confidence or prepare for international boating experiences. Sailing School Malta offers a path that goes far beyond the basics:

RYA Powerboat Level 2 (International Certificate)

Many students take the Maltese licence and then move straight into RYA qualifications, which are recognised worldwide and highly respected for chartering and boat handling abroad.

RYA Competent Crew & Day Skipper Sail

If your goal is to learn to sail yachts rather than motorboats, the Maltese licence is a useful first step before progressing into RYA sailing courses.

Mile Builders & Malta–Sicily training passages

Those aiming for bigger adventures, charters, or longer passages can continue developing their skills through structured offshore experiences.

Sailing School Malta specialises in helping new boaters build confidence gradually, from the first day on a small motorboat to advanced sailing qualifications.

Why Consider Training Beyond the Maltese Licence?

•  They want to charter boats internationally

•  They want to learn on larger yachts

•  They want to pursue a sailing career

•  They want a safer and more confident boating experience

Is the Maltese Nautical Licence Enough for Sailing?

For motorboats, yes — but for sailing, the licence is only a starting point.

•  RYA Competent Crew

•  RYA Day Skipper Sail

•  Mile Builder trips

•  Sicily passages

The Maltese Nautical Licence is the ideal first step into the maritime world. It opens the door to safe, enjoyable boating in Malta’s beautiful waters — from relaxed afternoons exploring bays to preparing for a future Malta sailing charter.

For those who want to go further, develop real seamanship, or take on the Mediterranean with confidence, Sailing School Malta provides a complete pathway from beginner to advanced sailor.