The Port Authority of the Balearics on Monday issued fresh guidelines for yachts stationed in yards and marinas. The clarification follows reports of yacht crew having been stopped by authorities from washing down over the weekend.

In addition to existing restrictions already in place, which prohibit work of any kind being undertaken in yards, the new clarification stipulates the limitations for activities undertaken by crew living on board.

The only work that may be carried by live-aboard crew while in yards and marinas is:

work that can be done autonomously, without any non-crew coming on board
work within the confines of the boat’s deck perimeter, including the superstructure and interior

Work on, including cleaning of, the exterior part of the hull is not permitted.

For boats without crew living on board, the Port Authority clarifies that authorised personnel may inspect boats daily for security and safety purposes, subject to the same restrictions as above.

Unchanged restrictions

Please note, that only essential travel is permitted, solo, to and from the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, etc, and you can be asked to produce receipts. You may also be required to produce written authorisation from the boat’s Captain/CO/Manager to travel to and from the boat, as well as passport/ID, crew list and documentation stating where the boat is stationed.

Please note that while on board, crew must have basic protection, depending on their duties. At a minimum, you should have gloves, mask and eye protection, if possible, plus hand sanitiser. Please let us know if you require any of these items.

Please see our previous posts for details regarding the requirements for travel authorisation.

NB. There has been much speculation that Spain/Balearics may ease some restrictions after the Easter break. As yet, there has been no official notice of any change, with the current lockdown remaining firmly in place until further notice.