Boats & jet skis: rules of behaviour on Spanish coasts

Christian Klumpp

After the fatal boat accident off the coast of Mallorca: rules of behaviour reignited The death of 20-year-old Guillem C., who was struck and killed by a German and his luxury yacht near Cala Bona, has sparked a debate about safety at sea. Many are calling for new and, above all, stricter rules and, of course, controls - with corresponding consequences. Anyone can hire a boat up to 15 hp and sail across the water as a ‘boatman’ - without any knowledge. This relaxation in the shipping industry has led to a considerable increase in the number of watercraft in the Balearic Islands in recent years. But how do I behave correctly as the skipper of a watercraft?

Basically, traffic on the sea is not regulated much differently than on the roads.

The basic traffic rules at sea are internationally binding, from the rules of right of way when two ships meet to speed regulations near the coast. For example, motorised traffic at sea may not come closer than 200 metres to the beach and 50 metres to the coast. As soon as the vessel has fallen below the 200 metre mark, it may travel at a maximum speed of 3 knots.

Jet skis are also only allowed to travel 200 metres from the coast. If a jet ski driver approaches the harbour, he must reduce his speed considerably (max. 3 knots) and zigzag.

The safety issue is even more serious. Even ordinary jet skis can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour.

To be allowed to drive a jet ski on the Balearic Islands (not be able to), you only need to complete a six-hour course without passing an exam. On Mallorca, providers advertise that the course can be completed in five hours or less, and the cost of the licence is just a few hundred euros.

Zero tolerance for alcohol & drugs

Another factor: many people are out at sea when they are on holiday. This means that they sometimes let their hair down, drink alcohol or even take drugs, even though they are at the helm. They are often not aware of the danger.

Unfortunately, an alcohol test is only carried out in the event of an accident, for example by the Guardia Civil.

Nevertheless: Hands off alcohol & drugs - safe driving!

Checks? Lack of staff!

There is a serious lack of staff and equipment at the relevant authorities. The Guardia Civil has just three large patrol boats, all of which are stationed in Palma. There is also a temporary boat in Porto Pí and a better dinghy on Cabrera. With just five boats, it is impossible to effectively monitor thousands of ships and other vessels at sea.

There is little support from the Balearic government in terms of monitoring at sea. The General Directorate for Harbours on the islands has just two inspectors. They are also working at the limit, especially this year. The employees have already carried out 189 inspections so far. This compares to 109 for the whole of last year.