Spain simplifies clearance process for yacht charters in Spanish waters

By Katia Damborsky 25 July 2019

A new Service Instruction has clarified and simplified the clearance process for crewed charter yachts in the waters of Spain.

Following months of negotiations, a new instruction of service has laid out all the details on the new clearance process which will apply to charter yachts looking to cruise in Spanish waters.

Published earlier this month by the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine (DGMM), the document aims to streamline and clarify the clearance system for yachts which are applying to charter in Spain.

Sailing yacht in Spain above clear blue water

Luxury charter yacht at anchor in the cruising grounds of Spain, aerial shot

Bright blue bay in Spain, with several charter yachts at anchor

In terms of documentation, the Service Instruction states that the Spanish Maritime Administration will have to provide a comprehensive list of all the documents required in advance, and will not request documents which are already in their possession.

In addition, the Spanish Maritime Administration will now be able to accept copies and private translations of documents, something which was strictly banned before.

It’s good news for superyachts already in possession of a Spanish charter license as well, as yachts over 24m which are allowed to carry out charter activity in Spain will now be logged in a database in order to expedite clearance.

These measures can undoubtedly help us to be leaders in the Mediterranean.
Carlos Sanlorenzo, secretary general of ANEN

Carlos Sanlorenzo, secretary general of ANEN (Spanish Association of Nautical Companies) has said he is pleased that the economic value of the charter market has been recognised by decision-makers.

"These measures can undoubtedly help us to be leaders in the Mediterranean and [...] contribute to the growth of stable and qualified employment for Spanish society.” He said.

“We thank the maritime authorities, specifically the DGMM, that has understood our arguments and been able to work together in improving our procedures.”

Motor yachts at anchor in marina in Spain

It comes just months after authorities allowed passenger yachts carrying more than 12 people to anchor in Spain. This new move will make Spain’s ample cruising grounds popular among Passenger Yacht Code-compliant megayachts, signalling another huge win for the Spanish charter market.

It is hoped that these new measures will attract more yachts to the country's hotspots, which includes the beautiful Balearic islands. Here, yacht-goers can explore the buzzing coastlines of Ibiza, the sandy beaches of Formentera, and the elegant beach clubs over on Mallorca.