Malaysia re-implements Domestic Shipping Licence requirement for multiple port calls

The Malaysian Marine Department is re-implementing the requirement for a Domestic Shipping Licence (DSL) for multiple port calls in Malaysia, effective immediately, according to GAC Hot Port News on Friday (24 January). 

The requirement will apply as follows:

• Vessel arriving to discharge foreign cargo at multiple local ports and sailing to a foreign port (multiple discharges of foreign cargo), DSL not required
• Vessel arriving to load cargo at a single local port for discharge at the next foreign port (single port loading), DSL not required
• Vessel arriving to discharge foreign cargo at one local port, then loading cargo at the next local port for discharge at the subsequent foreign port (multiple port calls in Malaysia), DSL required
• Vessel arriving to discharge cargo at one local port, then loading cargo at the same port for discharge at the next local or foreign port (multiple operations in Malaysia), DSL required
• Any domestic cargo movement, i.e., loading and discharging cargo within Malaysia, DSL required
• Vessel arriving to load cargo at multiple local ports for discharge at a foreign port (multiple loadings in Malaysia), DSL required
• Vessel arriving for bunkering at a Malaysian port, followed by loading or discharging at any Malaysian port, DSL required

Documentation required for DSL:

• Certificate of Registry of the Ship
• IOPP
• IOPP Form B
• International Tonnage Certificate
• P&I Certificate
• Charterer’s Letter
• Charter Party Agreement (Signed. Electronic signature is acceptable)
• Q88 / Vessel Particular
• Safety Construction Certificates.
• Safety Equipment Certificates.
• Safety Radio Certificates
• Certificate of Fitness (For Chemical tanker vessel/ applicable)

A minimum of three working days is required, if all documents are in order.

For information about operations in Malaysia, contact GAC Malaysia at [email protected]  

Photo credit: Aaron Lee on Unsplash
Published: 27 January, 2025