More than 35 cases initiated against illegal nautical charter since the beginning of the year
The Government reinforces surveillance on the coast with a device of 22 operational units distributed among all the islands
PalmaThe Balearic government has initiated 35 sanctioning proceedings this year for irregular activities related to boat rentals, within the framework of the joint campaign to control illegal nautical chartering carried out by various administrations and surveillance bodies along the coast of the Balearic Islands. The proposed sanctions already exceed 92,000 euros.
The campaign was presented this Monday by the Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant; the head of the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard, Francisco Córdoba, and the manager of PortsIB, Kico Villalonga.
As Mercant explained, irregular activities linked to nautical chartering generate unfair competition and can pose risks to both maritime safety and the environment. "That is why we maintain constant coordination between administrations and surveillance bodies to ensure compliance with regulations," he stated.
To the 35 sanctions already initiated, more than 70 complaints and pending proceedings are added, sent by the Civil Guard, the Customs Surveillance Service, Environmental Agents, and the technicians of the General Directorate.
Increase in proceedings
The data presented shows a sustained increase in the fight against illegal chartering in recent years. During 2025, 162 sanctioning proceedings were initiated related to maritime transport and boat rental infractions, with proposed sanctions amounting to 471,600 euros.
Of these proceedings, 100 corresponded to minor infractions, 58 to serious ones, and 4 to very serious ones.
The evolution is even more significant when compared to the data from 2019. According to the Government, since then, the number of sanctioning proceedings for irregular activities linked to nautical chartering has increased by 853%, rising from 17 proceedings to 162 in just six years.
Onboard controls
The operation includes inspections of documentation, administrative authorizations, professional qualifications, and service provision conditions. Activities related to irregular passenger transport, picking up people at unauthorized points, and illegal anchoring are also controlled.
As part of the presentation, PortsIB has shown one of the vessels that are part of the Balearic Coastline Surveillance, Inspection, and Control Service.
Currently, the device has 22 operational units distributed among the different islands, with the aim of reinforcing maritime safety, controlling coastal activity, and increasing environmental surveillance during the months of most nautical activity.
