If you’ve been searching for “sailing school Malta” or “boat licence Malta,” you’ve likely come across two very different things: RYA certifications (international sailing/yachting qualifications) and the Transport Malta Nautical Licence (a local licence for operating a boat within Maltese waters). They’re often confused, so here’s a clear breakdown of what the Nautical Licence actually is, who needs it, and how to get one.
What Is the Transport Malta Nautical Licence?
The Transport Malta Nautical Licence is a legal requirement for anyone residing in Malta who wishes to operate a powered vessel with an engine of 30 hp or more within Malta’s territorial waters. This includes powerboats, jet skis, and most recreational motorboats. Issued directly by Transport Malta, the licence permits holders to operate these vessels within the territorial waters surrounding Malta, Gozo, and Comino, extending up to 12 nautical miles from the shore.
Unlike an RYA qualification, which is recognised internationally and lets you charter or operate vessels around the world, the Nautical Licence is specifically a Maltese local licence – it won’t be recognised for chartering a boat abroad, but it is a legal requirement if you plan to buy, rent, or regularly operate a motorised boat in Malta.
Who Needs This Licence?
You’ll need a Nautical Licence if you’re:
- A Maltese resident planning to operate your own powerboat or jet ski
- Renting or planning to own a recreational vessel over 30hp
- A foreign resident living in Malta who wants to operate a boat legally in local waters
- Looking to build boating confidence with an official, government-recognised qualification
No previous boating experience is required to enrol – the course is designed to take you from zero experience to a fully licensed, confident boat operator.
What Does the Course Actually Involve?
At Prosailing Malta, the Transport Malta Nautical Licence Online course is structured to fit around work and daily life:
- Online theory sessions — held via Zoom, covering navigation, maritime regulations, safety procedures, collision regulations, anchoring, and emergency response.
- A hands-on practical session — in person, on the water, covering real boat handling.
- The official Transport Malta oral exam — held roughly one to two weeks after the course, in person at Transport Malta’s offices.
Because the theory is delivered online, you can complete a significant part of the course from anywhere in Malta, fitting sessions around your schedule before coming together for the practical day.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Alongside completing the course, Transport Malta requires:
- Applicants to be over 18 years old
- A Maltese residential address
- A completed medical fitness certificate from an approved GP
- A recent passport-style photo (usually retrieved via your eID)
Our team will guide you through exactly which forms are needed and when, so nothing holds up your exam date.
Nautical Licence vs RYA Certification: What’s the Difference?
This is the question we get asked most often, so here’s the short version:
| Nautical Licence | RYA Certification | |
| Issued by | Transport Malta | Royal Yachting Association (international) |
| Valid where | Maltese territorial waters only (12nm) | Recognised worldwide |
| Vessel type | Powerboats, jet skis, motorised craft 30hp+ | Sailing yachts, motor cruisers, powerboats (course-dependent) |
| Who it’s for | Malta residents operating locally | Anyone wanting to sail, charter, or skipper internationally |
| Can you charter abroad with it? | No | Yes, depending on qualification level |
Many of our students actually complete both — the Nautical Licence for legally running their own boat in Malta, and an RYA qualification (like Day Skipper or Powerboat Level 2) if they want to charter or sail further afield.
How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?
The course is priced at €300, including the exam fee, making it a great-value option compared to other schools that typically charge €300 plus an additional €40 exam fee. The course can usually be completed within a few weeks, taking into account the online theory sessions, the practical training day, and the waiting period for your Transport Malta exam slot. See our full course pricing guide for how this compares with our other qualifications.
FAQs
Can tourists or short-term visitors get a Nautical Licence? The licence requires a Maltese residential address, so it’s designed for residents rather than short-term visitors – if you’re visiting and want to sail, an RYA course like Start Yachting or Day Skipper may suit you better.
Do I need to already know how to drive a boat? No — the course assumes no previous boating experience.
How far can I travel with a Nautical Licence? Up to 12 nautical miles from shore, within Malta’s territorial waters covering Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
What happens after the course? You’ll sit the oral exam with Transport Malta about one to two weeks later, in person, before being issued your licence.
Thinking about getting licensed to operate your own boat in Malta? View the Nautical Licence course details or contact our team to check the next available dates.
