Records of service
Governing: MS Notice 118 Rev.2 (23 Sep 2026); MS Notice 165 Rev.1 / CY Notice 5 (28 Jun 2022). Builds on: L4.1.
Two different books
| Maltese Seaman's Record Book | Yachting Record Book | |
|---|---|---|
| Notice | MS Notice 118 Rev.2 (23 Sep 2026) | MS Notice 165 Rev.1 / CY Notice 5 (28 Jun 2022) |
| For | Seafarers on Malta commercial vessels, Maltese nationals, Maltese CoC holders | Pleasure-yacht personnel keeping a log of service and qualifications |
| Form | Digital only | As issued under MS 165 Rev.1 |
| Fee | €60 + €25 digital service and wallet | €60 (+€25 mailing) |
| Validity | Not stated | 10 years |
Neither is the same thing as an endorsement, and neither replaces the CoC.
The digital Seaman's Record Book
Rev.2 says the book "will be issued exclusively in digital format" and is available only to the seafarer through an electronic wallet. The applicant downloads the IDSURE app and registers with the email address given in the application.
To apply (Seafarer Portal), provide:
- a personal email address;
- passport or ID card;
- passport-style photo (full face, white or light background);
- signature in black or blue ink;
- valid STCW VI/1 basic training certificates;
- a statement from the Master or employer confirming engagement on a Malta-flag vessel;
- payment: €60 + €25 = €85.
If TM asks for outstanding items, they must be supplied within 90 days or the application is abandoned and rejected with no refund.
Recording service: the seafarer enters sea service in the digital book and submits it for authentication to the Master's designated email address or to authorised officials.
CAUTION — Two different deadlines Endorsement applications lapse after 15 days without the missing documents (MS 92 Rev.2). Record Book applications lapse after 90 days (MS 118 Rev.2). Do not mix them up in the crew office.
Why yacht crew care
- Sea service evidence counts towards the next CoC. A book authenticated by the Master every trip is far easier to present than a stack of testimonials.
- Some ports and immigration officers still ask for a seaman's book at crew change. Check whether a wallet display is accepted before relying on it at a Schengen border.
- The Master must be ready to authenticate entries. Set up a designated ship's email that survives a change of captain.
TIP — Keep the other flag's records too A UK, US or Australian officer serving on a Malta yacht still needs the evidence their own administration wants: MCA testimonials, USCG sea-service letters, AMSA records. The Maltese book adds to those; it does not replace them. See Keeping Your CoC Valid.
Yachting Record Book
MS Notice 165 Rev.1 created a Yachting Record Book for personnel on pleasure yachts, valid 10 years, costing €60 (plus €25 mailing). It suits crew on private Malta yachts, who fall outside the commercial Seaman's Record Book scheme.