Malta Fishing Forum

Marine => General => Topic started by: busumark on July 16, 2008, 20:33:38 CET

Title: double registration S and MFC
Post by: busumark on July 16, 2008, 20:33:38 CET
i know that someone started a topic about this but i coulndt find it. about 4 months ago i sent a letter to mep simon busuttil and asked him if it was legal according to EU rules if you have a boat that was previously registered 'S' and than registered 'MFC' you have to pay for both licences and than if you make a new boat you can choose either 'S' registered or 'MFC' registered and pay only one license. i got this reply to-day.

Dear Mr. Busuttil,
I am getting back to you on your message dated 25 March and apologise for this inordinate delay. However, I did not have the information myself and I had to refer your query to others.

Vessels registered in the MFC category are recreational vessels and therefore they do not form part of the European Fishing Fleet Register.

According to the "Fishing Vessels Regulations - S.L. 425.07" only fishing vessels of 6 metres or over in length are obliged to have a double registration, thus be registered within the Fishing Vessel Register and also registered under the Merchant Shipping Act of the Malta Maritime Authority. On the other hand according S.L. 425.07 vessels under 6m require a single registration within this Division and thus since the reopening of the Fishing Vessel Register for the MFC category in July 2006, the Fisheries Division is accepting both vessels without any other registration and also vessels already registered as "S" (i.e. registered in the Small Ships Register of the MMA).   The "Small Ships Regulations - S.L. 352.15" also considers the Fishing Vessels Register as a valid Vessel Register as follows:

No small ship shall be used in the internal and territorial waters of Malta unless such ship is registered with the Executive Director under these regulations or unless such ship is registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, or under the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, or unless such ship is registered or documented to the satisfaction of the Authority under the law of any country other than Malta."

However, the above seems to be in conflict with the main MMA Act which states that:

"No boat or ship shall be used in the territorial or inland waters of Malta unless such boat or ship is registered with the Authority in a Small Ships Register established in terms of regulations made under this article, or unless such boat or ship is registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, or unless such boat or ship is registered or documented to the satisfaction of the Authority under the law of any country other than Malta."

In view of the above there is a feeling within the Malta Maritime Authority that vessels under 6m in length overall in the Maltese Fishing Vessel Register, should also be registered within their Register. Therefore in the future there may be a move to ask for a double registration for vessels under 6m too.

Please note that since this is not an EU issue, it would be preferable to contact directly the Small Ships Register of the Malta Maritime Authority for further information.

Whilst hoping that you will find the above information interesting for your perusal, once again I apologise for this delay.

Yours faithfully, Simon Busuttil

like always when there is something that maybe the eu can help us they say that its a local matter

Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: shanook on July 18, 2008, 15:26:05 CET
the usual crap... sewwa jghid il Malti minghand Qajfas ghall ghand Pilatu kullhadd jahsel idu.

Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Jonathan on February 17, 2009, 09:27:38 CET
I came across this link, in Maltese, which explains clearly regarding what type of fishing each type of registration permits you to do
http://www.parliament.gov.mt/information/Papers/7579.pdf (http://www.parliament.gov.mt/information/Papers/7579.pdf)
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: busumark on February 17, 2009, 20:34:33 CET
but maybe they changed the law because those who are going to renew there S registration are telling them that they can fish with bottom lines(konzijit tal-qieh)
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: fish-noob on March 04, 2009, 16:59:39 CET
I am thinking on buying a boat sometime in the nea future, if i understood correctly does it mean that i should register as an mfc only??

thanks!
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: anglers on March 04, 2009, 18:15:42 CET
what about valletta???? it is not clear about valletta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: bigboy on March 04, 2009, 18:34:25 CET
If a boat if over 20ft then it should be registered as valletta and the fishing licence has to be paid aswell.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: anglers on March 04, 2009, 19:09:14 CET
big boy... do you mean if i pay valletta licence and i dont pay mfb or mfc i am not allowed to fish???
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: bigboy on March 04, 2009, 20:08:55 CET
If you pay the valletta lcence you can practice recreational fishing i.e. trolling and bottom fishing up to now. But to practice any other kind of fishing you must have a permit.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: skip on March 04, 2009, 20:15:33 CET
Quote from: bigboy on March 04, 2009, 18:34:25 CET
If a boat if over 20ft then it should be registered as valletta and the fishing licence has to be paid aswell.

A boat over 20ft doesn't have to be Valletta registered if the owner doesn't intend leaving the 12nm territorial waters, however there is most probably a cut off length. Visa's boat is 24foot and S registered to the best of my knowledge.

S registered boats can still fish recreationally within 12nm using rods, there is DEFINATELY no restriction on that, unless a legal notice has been published in recent weeks.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: visa on March 08, 2009, 20:32:35 CET
that's correct my boat is 24ft. and it is S registered, however i am going to have it Valletta registered this month as that way i can fish outside the 12mile limit there is of course some extra charges to be paid and insurance is also more expensive as well as having more safety equipment aboard. but that way i am covered.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: davian on March 13, 2009, 07:49:20 CET
jien ghandi fregatina kienet registrata s u ghamilta mfc mort biex nikancella l s u ikancelawili
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: skip on May 19, 2009, 18:12:39 CET
Try using this as well for reference:

http://www.doi.gov.mt/en/press_releases/2006/03/pr0357E.asp
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: shanook on May 19, 2009, 18:20:36 CET
the thing is if u have an MFC boat and its over 6mtrs u have to register Valletta as well whether u like it or not, I cant understand this. If i want to register valletta than ok i need a boat over 6mts but if i have a 6mts boat I should be left with the choice ofhow to register.
BUT thats the Maltese law........live it or leave it.............
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: ganni on May 20, 2009, 09:51:14 CET
that link dates back to 2006, things have changed from then i guess
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: skip on May 20, 2009, 14:10:22 CET
Didn't find anything more recent
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: busumark on May 21, 2009, 21:08:12 CET
i phoned this morning the maritime and ask them about those people who had an s registration changed to MFC. he told to drop the S registration one had to go to their offices with the ID card and the document of the S registration
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Gazzetta on June 04, 2009, 13:34:44 CET
Is it still possible to get double registration S and MFB or MFC ??
What's needed and what costs are involved.

Thanks
Chris 8)
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Destination Sea on June 04, 2009, 22:50:42 CET
at the moment since march for sure only new boats are being registered as MFC. When I picked my registration recently there was a guy who wanted to register his s to MFC. and they told him that only new boats are being registered. They asked him why and he said He wanted to do so because he said that he heard rumors that s etc wont be allowed to fish etc but they stated * le mhemx xejn min dan w S jistu jistadu ezatt bhall l MFC.* we haven't anything about this and S can fish the same methods  as  MFC
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: acciola on June 04, 2009, 23:17:50 CET
I also called the fisheries this morning on 25905214 and spoke to a certain Rita Spiteri about the possibility of changing my boat registration from S to MFC and was told precisely the same thing...  It makes no difference at the moment between S registration and MFC and are also not accept transfers for now as they are studying the situation...  well, at least thats what I understood.  So bugger it all, as I have no choice, I'm staying as I am and minding my own business.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Gazzetta on June 05, 2009, 14:03:13 CET
The only problem is the ""  ... FOR NOW ... "" bit . . . that is worrying me.

Thanks for your help guys.

Chris  8)
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Moonwalker on June 06, 2009, 11:22:19 CET
For MFC you must have less than 100HP or you can have more?
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: busumark on June 06, 2009, 17:54:32 CET
mfc from 100hp and less
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Moonwalker on June 06, 2009, 20:12:24 CET
So if you want more that 100hp then you have to go with S or Valletta (for more than 6m)?
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: bigboy on June 06, 2009, 20:14:42 CET
yepp thats it. It does not count for mfb or mfa though
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Moonwalker on June 06, 2009, 20:17:24 CET
Ok thanks. And what are the registration fees for MFC, S, Valletta?
For MFC I think it was LM100  on registration and then its Lm10 every year. What about S and Valletta?
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: bigboy on June 06, 2009, 20:22:02 CET
for how long has the boat been at you ?

if you have had the boat for more than 3 years then you wont pay anything to register as mfc. if not registration is lm 200
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Moonwalker on June 06, 2009, 20:38:20 CET
I have an 6year old 14' boat with an S registration but has not been paid for last 3 years. If I want to use it again, what are my options?
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: busumark on June 06, 2009, 22:47:20 CET
if it is registered with a 9.9 hp outboard you can leave it S you only pay 35 euros every 5 years
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Moonwalker on June 06, 2009, 22:50:36 CET
No it has 50Hp.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Destination Sea on June 06, 2009, 23:09:40 CET
License is about LM 25  if i recall correctly. I do not know what they will say due to the arrears.

II with VHF MFC can go upto 12NM
Reg is Lm 200 (Euro 465 xi haga)
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: bigboy on June 07, 2009, 08:39:28 CET
moonwalker go down to fisheries next to the bicceria and ask for rita spiteri. If you have had the boat for the past 6 years then registration for mfc is free. Go there and they will tell you the procedure.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Gazzetta on June 07, 2009, 10:27:03 CET
So they are giving MFC registrations to old boat owners ?? If it's like that I can get mine aswell I guess.
Let us know how it goes moonwalker.

Chris  8)
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Moonwalker on June 07, 2009, 10:55:24 CET
Ok will gve them a call first then try to find some time and pass over.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: busumark on June 07, 2009, 12:04:51 CET
i dont think that they are issuing mfc to S regsitered boats
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Barracuda on July 17, 2009, 14:00:03 CET
Igifieri jekk qieghed nifhem sew jekk jien ghandi dghajsa t' inqas minn sitt metri nista' nhallas MFC biss? Grazzi Hbieb
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: skip on July 17, 2009, 14:37:38 CET
So myself and The Gaffer have just come back from a meeting with Dr. Gruppetta and one of the things I asked concerned this whole registration issue.

Currently new MFC registrations are only being given out to new boats or new boats to the register (ie a boat that was registered in another country and is now registering locally after cancelling).

S registered boats can continue to fish with hand lines and rods....the reason why S boats cannot currently transfer over to MFC is due to some technicalities between the MMA and Fisheries. Namely that the annual fees for S boats was incorrectly listed during the last budget showing very high figures, prompting many to try and switch over to MFC as soon as possible. Therefore until these are sorted out, transfers have been placed on hold.

Vessels holding an S cannot double register with MFC.

Vessels less than 6m do NOT need to register with the MMA or pay any MMA fees if they are already MFC, they only pay fisheries.

Vessels over 6m must register S or Valletta and then apply for an MF registration, however note that MFC, MFB and MFA registrations are not currently being given out. And as mentioned MFC only to new boats.

You can continue fishing as you were without having to worry about being stopped etc.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Barracuda on July 17, 2009, 14:42:30 CET
Imma jekk fi zmien li kienu qed johorgu ta' l-mfc u xi nies marru jdawru minn S ghal MFC, xorta trid tibqa' thalasha l-S, avolja id-dghajsa izghar minn 6 metri? Grazzi
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: skip on July 17, 2009, 14:47:30 CET
No, if you are MFC you don't pay the S as well.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Barracuda on July 17, 2009, 14:49:39 CET
Grazzi siehbi ghax ahna konna qlibna minn S ghal MFc xi tlett snin ilu u l-S ghadna nhalsuwha ukoll ma nafx x'inhi raguni.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Perla 165 on July 18, 2009, 09:26:44 CET
dak sihbi ax malta bzonn il flus ( qas tamel sens... 2 licenzji al dajsa wahda lol)
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: xlukajr on August 12, 2009, 19:52:41 CET
aw hbieb tistaw tajduli b bdajsa registrata S ek nistax nistad perezemju biex imur naqra bil qazba al tal qih
10x
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: skip on August 12, 2009, 19:55:29 CET
Yes you can bottom fish and deep bottom fish up to 12nm from shore with an S registered boat.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: LapsiBoy on August 12, 2009, 20:00:57 CET
Qalek li tista tistad ghal tal qih uanke fil fond izda sa 12il mil il barra.
Tista ukoll tistad bil konzijiet tal qih u bin nasses u bir rix izda mhux konzijiet tal wicc.
Ghal iktar informazjoni ara ir regulazjonijiet.

You can also fish with bottom longlines, traps and using lures. But not surface longlines.
For more information check the regulations.
http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/index.php?topic=1433.0
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: robby017 on August 13, 2009, 09:47:47 CET
jigiefiri, b'daghjsa S tista tuza konz tal pistin imma mhux tal lampuki!?

with S reg you can use bottom longline but not a surface longline for dolphin fish?
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: LapsiBoy on August 13, 2009, 10:16:11 CET
Im not sure about the lampuki longlines since they even use them from land. But im not 100% sure about this. Check out the link i gave theres the regulations.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: bigboy on August 13, 2009, 10:17:02 CET
You can use a surface longline for lampuki but not for swordfish, tuna or albacore
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: LapsiBoy on August 13, 2009, 10:47:13 CET
Ok thanks for clearing it out.
There you go rob.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: robby017 on August 13, 2009, 10:50:13 CET
cause in the regulations there's nothing about this.... issa, just to double check.... can i set these longlines, lampuki and tal pistin with an S Registered boat ?
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: LapsiBoy on August 13, 2009, 10:51:53 CET
Yes

If im not mistaken S and MFC have become the same thing with same regulations etc
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: bigboy on August 13, 2009, 10:52:59 CET
Lampuki longlines yes but i have doubts on the pistin :(

I am registered as S right now but will still set bottom longlines!!!!!
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: robby017 on August 13, 2009, 10:56:32 CET
bomba!!!! thanks.....
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: LapsiBoy on August 13, 2009, 11:13:44 CET
Uzgur li bomba :P
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: ganni on August 13, 2009, 13:46:50 CET
with S registered boats no kind of long lines can be used

just be careful  ;)
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: robby017 on August 13, 2009, 14:07:37 CET
Quotewith S registered boats no kind of long lines can be used

if that's the case, then mfc and S registration are different....
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: xlukajr on August 13, 2009, 14:34:36 CET
10x for the information guys very helpfull
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: ganni on August 13, 2009, 14:41:43 CET
yes they are robby :)
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: robby017 on August 14, 2009, 00:23:33 CET
now i'm confused, just read the new rules for 2009.... and first paragraph says

QuoteINFORMAZZJONI DWAR SAJD MINN DGHAJJES RIKREAZZJONALI
? L-uzu ta? kull tip ta? xibka u konzijiet tal-pixxispad, tonn u alungi ma jistghux jintuzaw minn
bastimenti f?din il-kategorija. F?din il-kategorija jistghu jintuzaw  irkapti ohra bhal konzijiet
tal-qiegh, nasses u rixa skond il-Legislazzjoni Sussidjarja 425.01, ?Regolamenti dwar is-
Sajd?.


link----> http://maltafishingforum.com/talk/index.php?topic=1752.0


Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: LapsiBoy on August 14, 2009, 00:48:57 CET
Jin ghalek li konz tal qih zgur izda tal lampuki ma nafx ghax ma isemihx il konz tal lampuki imma tista.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: robby017 on August 14, 2009, 00:51:16 CET
ha nghidlek... hawadni ha nifmek........
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: LapsiBoy on August 14, 2009, 00:54:12 CET
ha najdlek jien.. mur u kala umbad ada naraw joe ...jek jisbah!
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: reuben485 on March 26, 2010, 19:46:34 CET
What do i have to do to register my boat as mfc.
I've bought a new boat and went this morning to Malta maritime at marsa and when i told them that i want to register it as mfc they didn't know because they told me that they register only s and not mfc and told me to go at pixkerija and ask there.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: malvizzu on March 26, 2010, 20:11:48 CET
Yes I think you have to go to the Malta Fisheries to register as MFC. But it's €465 (Lm200) if I'm not mistaken and if you sell the boat, either you or the buyer will have to pay again the €465.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: Destination Sea on March 26, 2010, 22:35:04 CET
You need
2 passport size photos (yours so look good)
3 boat photos front back and side
surveyors report (about Lm 15) amato if still doing this job is a very nice person.They will give you the list of surveyors.
boat builders certificate including EC certificate
Max HP 100 - only new boats are registered
Theres a list that you need example fire extingushers ,flares, ladder navigation lights etc
ID card.
Go to fishers and ask for france caruana. to apply. after about 1-2 months you get the blue book.  Fee Lm200 lic Lm10 annually
I would also call janice Mamo if mot mistaken to confirm the above requirments
All these persons are at the fisheries Marsa. near  il biccerija
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: busumark on March 27, 2010, 09:58:56 CET
it depends what hp you have because now an S registration is only 50 euros. so if your annual fee will not be much higher than 23 euros its better if you make an S registration.
Title: Re: double registration S and MFC
Post by: reuben485 on March 27, 2010, 21:02:15 CET
I havea 55hp outboard. I think its better a s registration because there's a big difference in the price and you can fish with the same methods with mfc and s registration.
Thanks for all the info guys