The squadron’s responsibilities include territorial integrity, law enforcement in connection with contraband, narcotics, illegal immigration, fisheries protection, search and rescue and assistance to civilian authorities.

The squadron’s duties encompass those assigned to independent organisations in other countries, including navy, coast guard, customs, police, environmental protection agencies and maritime rescue units. But Malta’s limited budget compels government to assign most of those duties to the AFM.

The Maritime Squadron is an experienced and economical sea-going force. Although its role has not changed much, the volume of its operations has increased dramatically. The Squadron’s most common duty is monitoring and controlling maritime traffic, especially since Malta is the southern frontier of the European Union. The Maritime Squadron investigated over 1,600 sea craft in 2003 and boarded 903 of them.

The Squadron’s base is currently being modernised, with the construction of a modern jetty. Most of the old and large Kondor vessels are being replaced by Protector Class boats and next year, another offshore patrol boat will be donated to Malta by Italy.

The Maritime Squadron is commanded by Major M. Cauchi Inglott.