The Government Calls for Regulation of License-Free Boat Rentals and Increased Control of Nautical C

Minister Lafuente urges the Ministry to strengthen the control of boat rentals and suggests the need for new national regulations to rigorously regulate nautical activities.

The Minister of the Sea and Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente, met yesterday, November 7th, in Madrid at the headquarters of the General Directorate of Merchant Shipping, with the General Director of Merchant Shipping, Gustavo Santana, to convey the Government's growing concern regarding maritime safety and to request the implementation of new national regulations that more rigorously regulate nautical activities in the archipelago. The meeting, which also included the participation of the Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant, and the manager of PortsIB, Kiko Villalonga, put forward various proposals to ensure navigation safety and combat illegal practices in the nautical sector.

Among the main demands, the minister highlighted the urgent need to regulate the rental of boats without a license, a practice that has alarmingly grown in the islands and poses significant risks both to navigators and the environment. As explained, the increase in nautical activity has been accompanied by incidents and conflicts in high-traffic areas, especially during the summer, and there is an urgent need for regulations that establish stricter controls to prevent this activity from developing without safety guarantees.

The Government has expressed its intention to collaborate with state authorities to implement control mechanisms that can eradicate these activities and ensure that nautical charters on the islands develop under conditions of legality and safety. According to the minister, "it is essential that this activity complies with regulations and is carried out with the utmost guarantees for all involved."

Moreover, the minister emphasized the importance of reviewing and strengthening the regulations surrounding nautical licenses. Given the increased demand for licenses in the Balearics, the Government deems it crucial that navigators have proper training and the necessary qualifications to operate in the archipelago's waters without compromising the safety of other sea users.

Another issue the Government raised was the need to expand Maritime Rescue services in Formentera, an island particularly prone to risk situations due to the high influx of recreational and commercial vessels, especially during the peak season. Resources would enable a quick and effective response in emergencies, especially in sensitive areas like the Ses Salines Natural Park, which bears intense maritime activity. The Government also discussed the issue of maritime connections between Ibiza and Formentera at the start and end of the day, a matter that affects both residents and workers who rely on this route for their daily commutes.

Regarding coastal safety measures, Lafuente has communicated that the Government will include in the future Coastal and Littoral Management Act a speed limit of 10 knots for vessels over 12 meters in length when navigating within one mile of the coast. This measure, he explained, responds to the problems of saturation and the risks of accidents that occur in the summer in some areas of the Balearic coast.

Finally, the need to establish regular dredging plans in the ports of the Balearics was reiterated to prevent sediment accumulation and ensure the operability of port infrastructures. The minister has requested the Ministry to designate specific controlled dumping areas on each island to minimize the environmental impact of these operations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the minister expressed satisfaction with the Ministry's willingness to collaborate on these priority issues for the Government. "Safety in our waters and the regulation of nautical activities are essential to protect both our citizens and our visitors, in addition to contributing to the preservation of the marine environment," he stated.