Jet-skis and their regulation: the worries of the Sea Council

The Councilor of the Sea and Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente, and the general director of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant, have met with Benito Núñez, general secretary of Air and Maritime Transport, to explore measures to boost the maritime sector and its sustainability in the Islands.

The meeting focused on constructively addressing the main challenges and opportunities facing the Balearic maritime sector.

The agenda of the day focused on a thorough analysis of Royal Decree 186/23, which regulates the nautical charter and establishes new guidelines for maritime navigation in Spain. This decree represents a fundamental pillar for the regulation of maritime activities, establishing clear guidelines for the dispatch of vessels and authorizations to operate within the Spanish maritime areas. Mr. Lafuente emphasized the importance of maintaining the balance and competitiveness of the sector.

The meeting has also covered the regulations on unlicensed nautical leasing vessels, focusing attention on the implementation of measures to ensure maritime safety and has highlighted the need to find a regulatory framework that provides for the leasing of vessels from non-EU countries. In this context, specific concern was expressed regarding the increase in the use of jet skis and the need for careful regulation to avoid accidents and minimize the environmental impact in sensitive areas.

Regarding bonuses, the extension of the benefit to vehicle transportation has been discussed, seeking to equalize the connectivity conditions of island residents with those of the national territory. In addition, the need to equalize the inter-island maritime transport bonus to 75%, as well as air transport, to avoid discrimination and guarantee a sustainable and accessible mobility for all residents, was also discussed. During the meeting, the issue of dredging in the ports of the Balearic Islands was also discussed, identifying this issue as another critical challenge for the region's maritime infrastructure and highlighting the concern about the pollution of the Balearic coasts by plastic pellets, with a special focus on the beaches of Menorca.

Once the meeting was over, Minister Lafuente expressed his satisfaction with the development of the meeting, highlighting the spirit of collaboration and mutual commitment to the continuous improvement of maritime transport and the protection of the natural environment of the Balearic Islands. "This meeting marks a step forward in our efforts to achieve a more sustainable and accessible maritime transport, while reinforcing our commitment to the conservation of our natural heritage," said Lafuente.