Files for nautical irregularities skyrocket: from 17 in 2019 to nearly 200 this year
The coastal surveillance device has carried out more than 1,350 checks this year and the Executive will reinforce the inspection staff with eight new positions
PalmaThe Government expects to close this year with about 200 files for irregularities in the nautical sector, after having reinforced controls against intrusion and illegal activities on the coast of the Islands. The figure would represent an increase compared to the 162 files completed in 2025 and would multiply by more than eleven the 17 that were processed in 2019.
The second vice president and minister of the Presidency, Antònia Maria Estarellas, and the general director of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant, presented the balance sheet this Monday during the fourth meeting of the Balearic Board for the Fight against Intrusion. The main novelty of this season has been the launch of the Coastal Control and Surveillance Service, integrated by 22 vessels distributed across the four islands and coordinated from a control center. In addition, the General Directorate of Ports has initiated 68 specific sanctioning files this year regarding charters and has carried out 1,350 controls against the illegal supply.
More than 1,300 checks on the Islands
Until mid-September, the inspection unit carried out 147 days of surveillance and 1,358 checks, which resulted in 128 reports and 39 complaint notices. The controls focused on charters, documentation and safety conditions of vessels, anchoring, protection of Posidonia, passenger transport, and buoy fields.
Among the irregularities detected are the provision of services without a responsible declaration or registration, the lack of the mandatory identifier, non-existent or inconsistent contracts, and skippers without the required qualifications.
Mallorca accounts for a large part of the actions, with 72 days of surveillance, 1,231 checks, 74 reports, and 16 complaint notices.
In 2025, 162 files were opened for infringements related to maritime transport and boat rentals, with sanction proposals totaling 471,600 euros. This year, moreover, the Government has excluded 36 vessels from the charter registry for failing to meet the requirements.
The Executive has also requested that Airbnb withdraw accommodation offers on boats and that ListaSeptima.com remove listings for seventh-list vessels intended for rental. In both cases, fines could reach 7,000 euros per file.
40% more inspection staff
The Government will incorporate eight new transport inspection positions, which will mean increasing the current staff by 40%. The positions, which are expected to be operational by the next tourist season, include four transport instructors, two technical inspection assistants, and two administrative positions.
The reinforcement will have 1.1 million euros from the 2026-2027 Sustainable Tourism Tax Plan. In addition, another million will be allocated to reinforce technological control resources, with license plate reading cameras at the ports and at the Mallorca airport and data analysis systems to detect irregular activities.
