Dec 22
by admin in Coronavirus, Law and Regulations, Yacht Destinations Report 0 comments

Caribbean Yacht Destinations Update

Prepared: 10th December In advance of the Caribbean season, we present an overview of the COVID situation in most of the region’s most popular yacht destinations. Regulations are subject to change, so in order to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, we would always recommend using an accredited AYSS member yacht agent wherever possible. In the Caribbean, AYSS agents can be found in the following locations: Antigua, Bermuda, BVIs, Costa Rica, Dominica, Panama, St Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These agents will help you navigate your way around their and their neighbouring islands. Island-hopping is complicated this season by divergent regulations, such as in the French island bubble and CARICOM, whose mutual arrangements have been suspended temporarily. It should be taken as read that each destination has COVID sanitation regulations in place, such as health screening, restricted capacity, curfews, mask-wearing and other hygiene measures. Please consult each destination’s official website for details regarding health provisions, testing facilities and insurance requirements. ANGUILLA Open to pre-approved visitors, who must provide a negative PCR test result (<5 days) All visitors must complete an individual application (including children) For more information, visit: https://ivisitanguilla.com/escape/apply.html or telephone +1 264 476 7627 ANTIGUA […]
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Sep 28
by admin in Law and Regulations, Safety on board, what's on 0 comments

On-Board Health Control Certificate (SSC) now required for ALL yachts (Over 400GT) in the Balearics

Under WHO health regulations issued in 2007, the Europe-wide requirement for Ship Sanitation Certificates had been applied by Spanish authorities, until now, only to commercial vessels over 500 GT. We have been advised by the Balearic branch of the Department for Health (‘Sanidad’) that with immediate effect, the SSC, or ‘Certificado de Control de Sanidad a Bordo’ is now a legal requirement for any yacht (over 400GT ) visiting or stationed in the Balearics . The SSC covers items such as air, water, aircon, oil and waste systems, medical facilities, food sanitation and bathing facilities. Each vessel must be able to present a valid SSC to Sanidad, logged on the SHIPSAN platform. For any queries or to arrange your inspection, please contact us on palma@estelashipping.net
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Sep 08
by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations, Visa and immigration 0 comments

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CREW FLYING HOME ON TRANSIT VISAS

Spanish police issue new guidance for issuance of transit visas Spanish immigration police have issued new guidelines for the issuance of Schengen transit visas to seafarers departing the zone or travelling to join another vessel within the territory. Stipulations requiring a negative PCR test result prior to being admitted at destination country has been leaving crew in visa limbo in recent weeks. Having presented at Spanish airports for departure with transit visa in hand but without the requisite PCR test, crew can be denied boarding of their flight. The result is that crew are being left stranded in Spain illegally, unable to return to their boat and unable to travel onwards. To prevent this from happening, immigration officials have instructed authorised port agents to verify each crew member’s itinerary and the need, or not, for a PCR test at hand, PRIOR to applying for a transit visa. If you intend to fly home, or to any destination that requires a PCR test, you will be unable to obtain a transit visa from Spanish authorities without producing a test result that meets the requirements of your destination country. Compliance must be verified by an authorised consignatory port agent.
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Jul 03
by admin in Coronavirus, Law and Regulations, what's on 0 comments

Mallorca is OPEN!

Last week Spain re-opened its borders to tourists from the EU/Schengen zone, as well as a select number of non-European countries, including the United Kingdom. Without quarantine or COVID-testing requirements, Spain is one of the most easily-accessible places for yachts and for private flights, with up to 50 arrivals at Palma’s private LEPA terminal daily! What’s more, Mother Nature has enjoyed the rest that lockdown has provided, with our beaches and calas in pristine condition, and Balearic waters looking even more crystalline than usual. What’s more, summer is here and no rain is expected for the whole of July! Restaurants and bars and beach clubs are open, with masks required to be worn only in confined spaces where distancing is impossible. Smaller clubs are open, offering table service. Just leave your dancing shoes on board, as dance floors are closed. Reports of long delays for arrivals into Greece, for example, are no issue here in Mallorca, with all ports and marinas operating normally. Guests and crew are free to disembark and enjoy the island as normal. How safe are the Balearics? The first tourists to arrive in Mallorca this summer, from Germany, in a pilot programme last month, scored hygiene measures here at […]
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Jun 24
by admin in Law and Regulations, Melilla, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Need to clear out this year?

Looking beyond the imminent Mediterranean cruising and charter season, you may need to complete your TA and exit EU waters later this year. Consider doing this by visiting Melilla. Melilla is part of Spain, but is not in the Customs Territory of the EU (TAU) or the Territory of VAT application (TAIVA). This makes it a useful point in finalising Temporary Admission, as part of the Inward Processing Regime (RPA). Why not spare yourself the usual ‘cost of doing business’ in Algeria, with the associated inconvenience, and instead enjoy Melilla’s renowned hospitality and professionalism! And, in the event that coronavirus is still a cross-border problem to contend with, you will also avoid the need to quarantine upon your return to Spain. Oh, and as Melilla is part of the Territory of Application of Special Taxes (TAIIEE), you’ll find it very advantageous for tax-free refuelling and provisioning too! Contact us for assistance or information.
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Jun 04
by Estella in Coronavirus, Law and Regulations, Melilla 0 comments

Heading to Spain from the Atlantic? Need quarantine exemption?

There have been many discussions in the past week about quarantine requirements for yachts arriving in Spain from the Caribbean. By the letter of the law, as issued by the central government, all seafarers are exempt, without exception. This ruling does not discriminate between private and commercial vessels, as professional qualifications are IMO-compliant for both categories. However, having approached Maritime Health Authority in Mallorca, there is no consensus about the applicability of exemption and consider that ALL arrivals must be quarantined for 14 days regardless. Importantly, this includes those that arrive here having sailed for at least 14 days non-stop, prior to arrival. However, through our working relationship with the Port Authority of Melilla, we have managed to obtain definitive quarantine exemption for our clients, issued directly by Ministerial order, leaving no room for misinterpretation. So, if your yacht is due to arrive in the coming weeks from across the Pond, the smart move is to stop first in Melilla. There, we can furnish you with a Ministerial quarantine exemption and provide you with some of the lowest-cost yacht fuel in the Med and get your summer season off to a good start. Contact us for assistance or information.
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May 11
by Estella in Coronavirus, Law and Regulations 0 comments

Recreational boating enters phase 1

May 11, 2020 Today, Monday, May 11, the de-escalation for recreational navigation begins for Spain’s autonomous communities moving to Phase I, including the Balearic and Canary islands. The Order TMA/400/2020, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE, here https://boe.es/boe/dias/2020/05/10/pdfs/BOE-A-2020-4912.pdf), establishes limitations regarding the permitted number of passengers on board recreational vessels and geographical limitations. In accordance with this new Ministerial Order, it is worth highlighting, among others, the following requirements to practice recreational navigation in each phase: PHASE I – You can already practice “recreational navigation”, by people living in the same province, island or autonomous city in which their boat is moored.– Jet skis and pleasure boats or vessels may not depart more than 12 miles from the port or mooring facility from which navigation begins.– Occupancy on board may not exceed 50% of the certified capacity of the boat, unless all occupants reside at the same address, in which case 100% of capacity may be used, to a maximum of 10 persons.– In the Balearic Islands, navigation by boats used for recreational or sports purposes by their owners or authorised persons is allowed.– Permission for owners or authorised individuals to visit boats for security and maintenance checks is extended […]
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Sep 21
by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations 0 comments

CLEARANCE COMPULSORY FROM EU TO MONACO

Cruising to Monaco next week for the #MonacoYachtShow? Any yachts sailing from the Balearics to the non-EU waters of Monaco need to obtain clearance to exit the EU from border authorities. Upon return, documentation must likewise be presented in order re-enter. Contact us at Estela to prepare and submit your docs, at estela@superyacht.agency
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Jul 11
by admin in Balearics Experiences, Law and Regulations, The Y - Yachting Handbook 0 comments

WARNING: Posidonia Vandals Named and Shamed on Twitter

The Twitter feed of the Balearic Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture, the Environment and Regional Planning (CAIB) has been working overtime the past few weeks. The Ministry tracks, names and shames yachts that fall foul of the area’s strict anchoring laws, designed to protect the environment. Posidonia seagrass is considered to be the world’s oldest organism, at some 100,000 years old, and is responsible for the beautiful, turquoise waters that we all love so much. The Balearics boasts the largest Posidonia reef anywhere in the Mediterranean, so the local authorities are, rightly, very protective of this wonder of nature. Aware that private boat owners are mostly affluent individuals or corporations, fines for anchoring on Posidonia can be truly eye-watering, while the ultimate sanction for the most egregious offenders can include a custodial sentence!   The good news is that any fine or sanction is entirely avoidable.   As Balearic experts, Estela Shipping keep abreast of local rules and regulations, ensuring that our client Captains know to avoid anchoring in forbidden locations. So much so, our annual superyacht handbook, ‘The Y’ 2018/19, contains an entire section on Posidonia and other regulations. ‘The Y’ is free, so to obtain your copy just drop […]
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Jun 20
by Estella in Law and Regulations 0 comments tags: agency, arrival, balearics, captain, estela, formalities, immigration, mallorca, palma, police, rules, shipping, the y, yachting handbbok

What are Captains obliged to do on Arrival and Departure into Mallorca Marinas?

Interview with Inspector Luis Porto and Subinspector Juan A.Lemos of the foreign control. Pag 28 – The Y / Yachting Handbook – Captains Chapter   All recreational embarkations that come to Palma, the Captain being the person responsible for the embarkation has certain obligations that he must comply with at the maritime port authorities; these are not only for Mallorca but Spain the EU and all Schengen areas. The requirements that they need are the following. Crew list with nationality and passport details Guest list with nationality and passports, name surname all details, not only crew members but guests on board. I understand that some people want to stay anonymous, but we must be able to identify who is on board and who is in the country. We understand that captains want to be discreet about who they have on board but this is inevitable, not only here but all over the world.   Read More (Pag 28)
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Mar 25
by Estella in Balearics Experiences, Law and Regulations, what's on 0 comments

Diving In Mallorca

Diving in Mallorca Authorisation is required if you wish to dive in the marine reserves of the Balearics. There are 7 marine reserves, we can organize this prior to your arrival or once you arrive. Los Freus of Ibiza and Formentera Migjorn of Mallorca North of Menorca Palma Bay Levante of Mallorca Islas Malgrats Isla El Toro Dive Sites: El Toro The diving area of El Toro is located in a nature reserve, there is a great wealth of fauna. Level: Intermediate Depth: 42Meters Area: El Toro Malgrats In 2004 Malgrats was declared a nature reserve and this has had a positive impact of the fauna. Level: Intermediate Depth: 42 Meters Area: Isla Malgrats Cap de Llebeitx- Isle of Cabrera Cabrera is a natural reserve; it has one of the best preserved coastlines in the Mediterranean. Level: Intermediate Depth: 30 Meters Area: Cabrera Cap de Llebeig – Isla Dragonera The island of Dragonera, this is one of the top dive sites in Mallorca due to its crystal clear water. Level: Difficult Depth: 38 Meters Area: Isla Dragonera Barcos hundidos de Palma In the Bay of Palma, divers have the opportunity of exploring 2 wrecks, visibility is not great here so […]
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Dec 15
by Estella in Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

FLYING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS?

Are you sure all your paperwork is in order for departure? Are you heading home for the festive season? Are you a NON-European passport holder? Is your visa still in date? Do you require a stamp? If you have any queries concerning your eligibility to fly home without incurring any problems when leaving Spain or reentering, give us a quick call or message and we can advise you on any issues you may have. Let us make sure you get away for Christmas without any glitches, We will collect you passports from your boat and take care of all the details. Contact :             0034 971 722 532 palma@estelashipping.net
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Dec 15
by Estella in Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

THE TRITON – NAUTICAL NEWS FOR CAPTAINS AND CREWS – NOW IN MALLORCA!

The Triton is a monthly newspaper for the people who earn their living working on luxury yachts. It was first published in April 2004. The main aim of Triton magazine is to be a voice for the community of people who earn their living working on yachts. To give captains and crews the information they need to help them run their boats and manage their careers. Based in Fort Lauderdale, it remains one of the only independent yachting publications in the industry today. Triton is a Greek sea god, the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite. He is often seen as a merman: a man from the waist up, a fish from the waist down. Triton had the power to calm or rile the seas by blowing his conch horn. We liked that as a metaphor for what the best newspapers can do: to deliver news that will dispel rumors and encourage discussion on the issues and trends yacht captains and crew face. The Tritons only distributer in the Balearics is in Palma at the Estela Shipping Offices on Av. Gabriel Roca, nº 37 local C, 07014 Palma de Mallorca. Tel: +34 971 722 532 www.estelashipping.net Feel free to pop into […]
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Nov 30
by Estella in Law and Regulations 0 comments

New regulations in Balearics for NON EU YACHTS

When the yachts arrives into an EU Customs Port coming from an NON EU Port, a CUSTOMS DECLARATION must be done in order to officially declare her entrance In Mallorca the official customs port of arrival is Palma. Once the process has been completed, the vessel can head to any other port in Mallorca. If the  yacht has professional crew on board, all crew members must make an IMMIGRATION ENTRY CLEARANCE through the Port Police, even though they are EU or they stay on the yachts The same is required for IMMIGRATION DEPARTURE CLEARENCE. A change has been made to the Custom law, as of the 1st of May 2016. The moment that a NON EU private yacht enters into EU waters; she has a total of 18 months to be in EU waters before declaring herself to the relevant authorities. It is no longer possible to request a bond for the yacht in order to extend the 18 months.  Once the 18 months period is completed, the vessel must either pay EU Import VAT or leave EU waters. If any of these requirements are not met, EU VAT will be applicable. Before your arrival, contact our office and we will organise all […]
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Yachting Itineraries 2021
Yachting Itineraries 2019
Yachting Itineraries 2018
Handbook 2017
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ESTELA SHIPPING PALMA, S.A

Avenida Gabriel Roca, 37 local C, entrada Carrer de la Pedrera
07014 Palma de Mallorca (Spain) – P.O. box 415
Tel. +34971722532
Fax. +34971511726
Email: palma@estelashipping.net

Introducing 'The Y' 2019/20

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