Yes! You can use AI to fill out MS(R) 21A, Application for the Registration of a Ship under the (Malta) Merchant Shipping Act, 1973

Field 29 explicitly requires engine power in kilowatts (kW), but applicants often enter the value in Brake Horsepower (BHP) or another common unit without conversion. This leads to incorrect technical data on the official registry, which can cause issues with certification, insurance, and port state control inspections. To avoid this, always use a standard conversion formula (1 HP ≈ 0.7457 kW) to calculate the correct kilowatt value before entry. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can automatically detect and convert units to match form requirements, preventing this error.

For corporate owners, applicants frequently enter a common trading name or an abbreviation instead of the full, official legal entity name as required by note (b) for field 31. This mistake can create significant legal and administrative delays, as the ownership details on the application must exactly match the company's registration documents. Always use the complete legal name, including suffixes like 'Ltd.', 'Inc.', or 'GmbH', as it appears on the certificate of incorporation. This ensures a smooth verification process.

The declaration in item 39 contains clauses with the instruction '(c) Delete whichever is inapplicable'. Applicants often forget to strike through the clause that does not apply, leaving the declaration ambiguous regarding the vessel's radio equipment or its transfer consent status. This ambiguity can halt the registration process until a clarification is provided. When filling out the form, carefully review each clause and physically cross out the one that is not true for your vessel. If using a digital tool, ensure it supports annotations or provides a clear way to indicate the correct choice.

Field 32 asks for a 'Passport No.' for an individual owner and a 'Partnership No.' for a body corporate. A common error is entering a personal passport number for a corporate application or a company registration number for an individual owner. This mismatch between owner type and ID number will cause the application to be rejected during verification. Double-check that you are entering the correct identifier in the corresponding field based on whether the owner is a person or a legal entity.

The form requests a proposed name in field 1, and note (a) explicitly asks for alternative names in order of preference. Many applicants only provide their first choice, overlooking the request for backups. If the primary name is already taken or not permissible, the absence of alternatives forces the registry to halt the process and contact the applicant, causing unnecessary delays. To avoid this, always research name availability and provide at least two alternative names.

Fields 12, 13, and 14 clearly specify that the ship's length, breadth, and depth must be provided in metres. However, applicants accustomed to imperial measurements often enter these dimensions in feet or feet and inches. This fundamental data entry error results in a grossly inaccurate vessel profile and immediate rejection of the application. Always ensure all measurements are converted to metres before filling out Section B. Smart form-filling tools can help by validating that the entered numbers are reasonable for the vessel type and flagging potential unit errors.

In the signature section, below the signature and date, the form asks for the 'Name and Description' of the owner or agent. Applicants often just print their name again, omitting the 'Description' part. This field is crucial for establishing the signatory's authority (e.g., 'Director', 'Authorised Agent', 'Owner'). Without this description, the legal validity of the signature may be questioned, potentially invalidating the application. Always include your job title or capacity to demonstrate you are authorized to sign on behalf of the owner.

Field 9 asks for the number of seamen for whom accommodation is 'certified', which refers to the official capacity stated on the ship's safety or accommodation certificate. A frequent mistake is to enter the current number of crew members on board or the planned crew size, which may differ from the certified maximum. This can lead to compliance discrepancies with maritime labor conventions. To prevent this, refer directly to the vessel's official certification documents to find the correct certified accommodation number.

Fields 23 (Builders) and 30 (Makers) require a full name and address. Applicants often provide an incomplete address, missing the city, postal code, or, most importantly, the country. For an international registry, a complete address is essential for proper identification and record-keeping. An incomplete address can slow down verification checks. Always provide the full, unabbreviated postal address for both the shipbuilder and the engine maker. Since this form is a non-fillable PDF, tools like Instafill.ai can convert it into an interactive format and use its database to help auto-complete addresses accurately.

The form distinctly asks for details of the 'Ship's Manager (ISM Code)' in field 35 and 'Ship's Manager Agents' in field 37. Applicants sometimes confuse these roles, providing the same information for both or only filling out one section. The ISM Manager is a specific legal entity responsible for the ship's safety management, while an agent may handle commercial or port operations. Failing to distinguish between them can lead to incorrect contact information being registered for critical safety and operational matters. Ensure you provide the correct details for each distinct role.