Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements Regulations, 2004 (L.N. 458 of 2004).

Pursuant to Directive 2002/59/EC, these Regulations apply to vessel traffic monitoring and information system with a view to (i) enhancing the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic, (ii) improving the response of authorities to incidents, accidents or potentially dangerous situations at sea, including search and rescue operations, and (iii) contributing to a better prevention and detection of pollution by ships. These provisions apply to ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards. Warships, fishing vessels and the ships specified in regulation 3 are excluded from the scope. The Malta Maritime Authority is responsible for the implementation of these Regulations. Regulation 6 concerns the duty of operators, agents or masters of ships to notify the Authority prior to entry into port or territorial waters. Additional notification obligations concern ships carrying dangerous or polluting goods. Regulation 11 deals with reporting of incidents and accidents at sea. Regulation 14 provides for the establishment of the Maritime Safety and Pollution Prevention Committee. Regulation 15 sets out the penalties to be applied in case of infringement.