Although the answer may seem obvious (we just need something that floats), the truth is that nowadays nautical activities are strictly regulated so that they can be carried out safely for both sailors and the environment.
If you have any doubts about what you need to be able to sail, this post will answer them.
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Boat equipment and accessories
This refers to the most practical part that adds functionality to your vessel.
Although there are countless things you can get to make your navigation more comfortable, the truth is that there are some things that are essential, especially for your safety.
One of the main elements is the ship's communication systems. And how do ships communicate? Nowadays, radio communication technologies are used because of their high reliability.
This will allow you to communicate with nearby boats in case of danger via VHF channel 16; the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda recommends keeping an active watch on this channel during the crossing.
Orientation at sea is also vital, so you should get a system such as radar or GPS navigation. This will help you avoid getting lost, and in many cases can also give you the position of other vessels.
Mandatory documentation on ships
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Like any type of vehicle, boats also need a series of documents that must be kept in order and in force.
In order to register the boat, it will be necessary for the owner to have the corresponding licence for your boat (PNB, PER, or higher).
In relation to the boat itself, you will need:
- Flagging, registration and registration: in all three cases they are permanent in nature, unless significantly altered.
- Navigation patent: as its name indicates, authorises the ship to sail the seas under the Spanish flag and also legitimises the captain to exercise his functions on board.
- Navigation licence or ROL: is the document that certifies that all legal requirements for sailing are met and that the crew is suitable. There are some cases in which you will be exempt from this.
- Spanish registration certificate/permit to sail: It is a simile to the navigation licence for specific vessels, which are exempted from the previous one.
- Certificate of seaworthiness: It is the equivalent of the MOT for cars. It certifies that all technical inspections have been complied with.
- Insurance policy: This is the compulsory insurance of the vessel.
Another interesting practice is to make a list of where to anchor in Ibiza before setting sail.
If you want to know in detail what each document is, you can consult the section on Administrative documentation in recreational boating of the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda.
How to take out boat insurance
This is probably the simplest and most familiar section, as it works in exactly the same way as car insurance.
The easiest thing to do is to go to an insurance broker who will arrange it for you, as long as you have all the documentation listed in the previous section.
It's important to get good cover, as the sea is more unpredictable than the road, but we're sure you'll have a happy journey.
The technical inspection of ships or ITB
Image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi
The boats that have to do this are those on list 6, boats registered in Spain with lengths between 2.5 and 24 metres, those on list 7, boats registered in Spain with lengths between 2.5 and 24 metres, and finally boats with foreign registration between 2.4 and 24 metres that are used for chartering in our waters.
There are 5 types:
Initial inspection
It is compulsory.
It is a first examination carried out by the inspectors of the Directorate General of the Merchant Navy and certifies that the shipbuilding, navigation and safety parameters comply with the regulations.
Periodic inspection
It has a maximum duration of 5 years, and is compulsory for all recreational craft longer than 6 metres that are used for commercial purposes for profit.
Those under 6 metres are exempt if their certificate of seaworthiness specifies "no expiry date".
Intermediate inspection
In this case, it is carried out between the second and third year after passing the periodic ITB.
It is compulsory for commercial or list 6 vessels over 6 metres, for those over 15 metres in list 7, and for any length if the hull is made of wood.
Additional inspection
Image by Milada Vigerova at Pixabay
It is mandatory if the vessel undergoes major modifications or repairs to the hull, equipment, engine changes, changes to the navigation area or changes to the list.
Also in the event of an involuntary grounding, repair of a serious damage or collision.
Extraordinary inspections
They are carried out when required by legal proceedings or at the request of the Directorate-General for Merchant Shipping.
Blue Ocean Ibiza and safety at sea
At Blue Ocean we make sure to keep all the documentation of our boats in order so that you only have to go sailing with complete peace of mind.
If you want to rent a boat in Ibiza, do not hesitate to contact us; we will be happy to be part of your experience.
Happy cruising!
Cover photo: Zsófia Fehér:
