New Order 3200/2007 regulating craft nautical qualifications calls for more practice hours and allows navigation between the Balearic and Canary Islands.

5 December 2007

The introduction of new procedures to the Global Maritime Distress Safety System necessitated adaptations in theoretical and practical training for captaining a boat. The Order from the Ministry of Development went into force on November 4th.

One of the measures has been the introduction of more practice hours and additional benefits conferred by the nautical qualifications, including:

– The possession of any of the 4 qualifications allows the use of jet skis beyond restricted areas.

– The elimination of the maximum boat length for yacht captains.

– Authorizations, granted to those whose qualification has been obtained abroad before November 4th, will expire within 4 years of the Order’s entry into force. During this period, those affected will be able to obtain a Spanish qualification by passing a practical exam. If they opt against obtaining the Spanish qualification, the foreign qualification will remain valid as long they adapt to the theoretical and practical requirements of this new order.

Lastly, it should be noted that the new law authorizes all boats whose captains have the qualification of “capitán” or “patrón de yate” and “patrón de embarcaciones de recreo” (or Member State equivalent) to navigate in the waters between the Balearic and Canary Islands.

For more information, please contact César García: [email protected]