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 to the entire province or island where the boat is moored.
– Jet ski and recreational boat rental is allowed. The same occupancy limitations apply as those for private navigation.

The order emphasises that the limitations in each instance must be respected, and enhanced health and hygiene measures observed.