A merchant vessel at the time and for the duration of its registration in Malta must be classed with a Classification Society authorised to issue statutory certificates on behalf of the Government of Malta. The following is a list of the classification societies recognized by the Malta Maritime Authority:

Furthermore, for the time being, Maltese ships classed with and certified by any of the classification societies listed hereunder may continue to be so classed and certified. However, new requests for classification with any of these societies shall be treated on a case-by-case basis. It is to be noted in this regard that, the principal place of business of the ship operators and the class of the ship during the previous twelve months shall be taken into consideration: