In 5 Years, Sanction Proceedings Against Illegal Nautical Charters Have Increased by 541.18%

The increase in the initiation of sanction proceedings over the past five years, from 2019 to 2023, is 541.18%.

The Minister of the Sea and the Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente; the Lieutenant Colonel of the Civil Guard, Francisco Martínez; and the Chief of the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard, Captain Francisco Córdoba, accompanied by the Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant, presented this morning the campaign for the control and inspection of boats conducting rental activities without meeting legal requirements or violating other applicable regulations.

This is the fourth consecutive year that this campaign has been conducted with joint operations between different public bodies with competencies in the control and surveillance of the maritime-terrestrial domain to intensify the fight against illegal nautical charters.

The objective of this coordinated exercise is to control and inspect irregular activities related to the commercial transport of passengers, as well as anchoring in illegal zones or picking up people at unauthorized points. They also perform documentation and permit checks, as well as verifying the qualifications of the skippers.

“It is crucial to put an end to illegal activities that compromise safety and the environment in our waters,” stated Minister Juan Manuel Lafuente: “These controls not only protect our marine resources but also ensure that all operators adhere to the same rules, guaranteeing fair competition.”

Since the start of inspections this season, 44 sanction proceedings have been initiated for violations related to the rental of recreational boats in the Balearic Islands. Of these 44 proceedings, 32 correspond to minor offenses and 12 to serious offenses, totaling 43,100 euros in fines.

“Collaboration between different bodies is essential to maintaining the integrity of our coasts and the safety of those who use them,” indicated Lafuente, who acknowledged that the “Government’s commitment is to continue intensifying these efforts throughout the season.”

The Directorate General of Ports and Maritime Transport and the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard will continue these controls on the different islands to intensify the supervision of irregular activities related to nautical charters, thus avoiding unfair competition and the improper use of the coast. “We want to send a clear message: we will not tolerate illegal activities that put our natural and economic heritage at risk,” emphasized the minister.

The history of sanction proceedings for illegal rental activities of boats and recreational vessels in the Balearic Islands is as follows:

• In 2019, 17 sanction proceedings were initiated, of which 8 were for minor offenses and 9 for serious offenses, with a total of 35,250 euros in fines.
• In 2020, 24 proceedings were initiated, of which 6 were for minor offenses and 15 for serious offenses, totaling 59,200 euros in fines.
• In 2021, 64 proceedings were initiated, of which 35 were for minor offenses, 27 for serious offenses, and 2 for very serious offenses, totaling 77,000 euros in fines.
• In 2022, 101 proceedings were initiated, of which 50 were for minor offenses and 51 for serious offenses, totaling 122,360 euros in fines.
• In 2023, 109 proceedings were initiated, of which 53 were for minor offenses and 56 for serious offenses, totaling 125,020 euros in fines.