News

By virtue of Merchant Shipping Notice 171, the Merchant Shipping Directorate announced that it has introduced the Passenger Yacht Code (the “PYC”), which came into force on 25th May 2021. The PYC is a result of consultation with various industry stakeholders. The PYC applies to passenger yachts which: – carry more than 12 and not […]

The Commercial Yacht – Pleasure Yacht Changeover Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) were issued by Transport Malta’s Merchant Shipping Directorate on 2 September 2021. The aim of the Guidelines is to shed light on the process involved in the changing of the registration status of a yacht registered under the Maltese flag from pleasure to commercial (and […]

The recent amendments to the Seamen Wages Council Wage Regulation Order (Subsidiary Legislation 452.51) (the “Order”) by virtue of Legal Notice 469 of 2020 brought about an increase in the minimum wage of certain categories of seafarers in order to reflect an increase in the cost of living. The amendment came into force on 1 […]

Despite Brexit, citizens of the United Kingdom, whether residing or not residing in Malta, will remain eligible to register a vessel under the Malta flag. A timely amendment has been made to the Ships Eligible for Registration Regulations with the enactment of legal notice 466 of 2020. The right granted to individual citizens of the […]

The introduction of the Companies Act (Shipping and Aviation Cell Companies) Regulations (the “Regulations”), has allowed companies in the shipping and aviation industry to create cell companies. Similarly, a company already engaged in such business may convert its structure into a cell company, provided that such change is authorised by the memorandum and articles of […]

Matthew Cassar has recently represented the firm and participated in the Amsterdam Superyacht Forum held on the 18th to the 20th of November 2019. The Superyacht Group has been involved in delivering events through which they bridge professionals and brands in an environment which allows for debate and the collaboration of experienced and up and […]

The European Commission has granted its conditional approval of the Maltese Tonnage Tax Scheme for a period of 10 years. The scheme was assessed under European Union State aid rules and it was found to ensure a level playing field between Maltese and other European Shipping Companies whilst also attracting ship registration towards Europe. The […]

  Anndrea Mercieca, from David Zahra & Associates Advocates, recently attended ‘The Yacht & Superyacht Symposium 2016′. The event was held on 9 June 2016 at the Westin Dragonara Resort and was organised by the Malta Institute of Management (“MIM”). The symposium focused on yachting within the European territories and the advantages introduced by various jurisdictions […]

Anndrea Moran, Senior Associate at David Zahra & Associates Advocates, has recently been appointed an executive committee member of the Malta Maritime Law Association (MMLA). Anndrea has been a member of the MMLA since July 2013. The MMLA is a non-profit making voluntary organisation which was set up in 1994. The MMLA aims to promote […]

DZ&A has recently attended the ‘London on Water’ boat show organised at St Katharine’s Dock as well as the Superyacht Owners’ Summit at Old Billingsgate, in London. St Katherine’s Dock showed off the new lines from Princess and Sunseeker. Old Billingsgate, on the other hand, showcased an array of services offered relating to land, air and sea. […]