The Ports & Yachting Directorate has a regulatory role in monitoring the maritime activities which take place within the internal and territorial waters of Malta and also manages port facilities which are under the contol of the Authority, including yachting and mooring facilities.  The Directorate is primarily responsible for ensuring that port users and service providers comply with legislation and contractual obligations, while at the same time promoting the efficient use of our port and maritime facilities.   It also ensures the achievement of the right balance in the use of our waters for leisure and commercial operations.   

The Ports and Yachting Directorate is responsible for:

• The promotion of port services and maritime activities;
• Preservation of good order in internal and territorial waters, including safety of navigation;
• Registration of small ships;
• Prevention and control of pollution, including the control of ship-generated wastes;
• The provision of a safe and efficient maritime transport system;
• Ensure the provision of technical nautical services, fire fighting facilities, supplies and other ship requirements;
• Licensing of marine commercial craft;
• The management of port facilities;
• Regulation of yachting and maritime leisure facilities;
• The compilation of maritime statistics;
• The organisation of mooring areas; and;
• The organisation of popular bays and swimmers' zones.