National cabotage, demarcation and inland transport are reserved for vessels flying the Malagasy flag. The crew [including its captain] of a Malagasy vessel must be of Malagasy nationality.
"CHAPTER 3 - Naturalization
Art. 2.3.01. - Application domain
All ships, with the exception of warships, are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
Art. 2.3.02. - Definition
Naturalization is the administrative act which gives the ship the right to fly the Malagasy flag with the privileges attached to it.
Art. 2.3.03. - Possession of an act of naturalization
Any Malagasy vessel setting sail must have its naturalization certificate on board.
The maritime administrative authority may exempt from the act of naturalization certain ships of less than ten tons of gross tonnage.
Art. 2.3.04. - Conditions of naturalization
To be naturalized Malagasy, a vessel must meet the following conditions:
1. belong either to a natural person residing on Malagasy territory, or to a company having its registered office in Madagascar;
2. produce the documents required in article 2.2.08;
3. have undergone a commissioning visit by the central safety committee;
4. be manned by a Malagasy crew. However, an exemption may be granted by the central service of the Merchant Navy in the event of a shortage of Malagasy officers. In return, the shipowner will pay a special contribution to the operating budget of the National School of Maritime Education of Mahajanga, the amount of which will be fixed by decree.
[...]
CHAPTER 4 - Genres and titles of navigation
Art. 2.4.01. - Application domain
All ships, with the exception of warships, are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
Art. 2.4.02. - Types of navigation
Commerce navigation is subdivided into:
- port navigation
- navigation at boundary;
- cabotage navigation;
- long-distance navigation;
[...]
CHAPTER 2 - Conditions for exercising the profession of seafarer
Art. 3.2.01. - Nationality
The quality of Malagasy sailor is reserved for Malagasy nationals holding a passport or a sailor's identity booklet.
[...]
CHAPTER 9 - Function on board and composition of the crew
Art. 3.9.01. - Authority of the captain
The crew of a ship constitutes a hierarchical society under the authority of the captain who is the sole judge of the conduct of the expedition and the decisions to be made.
[...]
Art. 3.9.05. - Nationality of the crew
The crew of a Malagasy vessel must be of Malagasy nationality, except for derogation provided for in article 2.3.04 paragraph b, or have, subject to reciprocity, the nationality of one of the States having concluded with the Republic of Madagascar special agreements.
[...]
BOOK IV - THE ORGANIZATION OF MARITIME TRANSPORT
CHAPTER ONE - General organization [...]
[...]
4.1.02. - Reserved transport
National cabotage, demarcation and inland transport are reserved for vessels flying the Malagasy flag, unless waived by the maritime administrative authority. However, the above provisions do not apply in the event of assistance and rescue. [...]" (Law n°99-028 of February 3, 2000 revising the Maritime Code [google translation])
Law n°99-028 of February 3, 2000 revising the Maritime Code [google translation]
[<a href="https://www.apmf.mg/sites/default/files/inline-files/Code%20maritime.pdf">Law</a>]