Professional Nautical Management
At Gestoría del Mar we are specialists in the comprehensive management of administrative procedures for all types of pleasure boats, jet skis and charter boats. With more than 10 years of experience and a team of nautical professionals, we guarantee a fast, safe and hassle-free service to the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy (DGMM) and the Maritime Captaincies throughout Spain.
Boat Registration
The registration of a recreational vessel in Spain is a mandatory procedure for all boats longer than 12 meters, as well as for those of shorter length that intend to carry out commercial activities (List 6) or that wish to navigate outside Spanish territorial waters. This process involves formal registration in the Ship Registry of the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine (DGMM), assigning a navigation license and a unique registration signal. Poorly managed procedures can lead to delays and severe penalties, so having experts in maritime law is essential.
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Documentary Analysis
Comprehensive review of the shipyard's technical documentation, sales contracts, purchase invoices, and vessel conformity certificates.
-
2. Settlement of Fees and Taxes
Payment of the Special Tax on Certain Means of Transport (Form 576 – 12% for vessels over 8 meters in length, except for charter exemptions) and settlement of DGMM Fees.
-
3. Presentation in Captaincy
Electronic introduction of the registration file in the Maritime Captaincy corresponding to the selected port of registration.
-
4. Issuance of Documentation
Delivery of the navigation role, assignment of the registration number (folio), and issuance of the official Navigation License.
Frequently asked questions about boat registration:
Do you need to process your boat registration today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Change of Vessel Flag
The flagging or reflagging of a ship consists of registering the vessel in a foreign country, which allows it to adhere to that country's specific maritime legislation. Historically, many Spanish shipowners have chosen to flag their ships in European Union countries (such as Poland, France, or the Netherlands at the time) to simplify safety equipment requirements, avoid the strict and costly Spanish periodic inspections (ITB) in the case of certain flags, and navigate with greater freedom. We handle the entire international registration process, ensuring that you comply with Spanish safety and customs regulations (payment of taxes in Spain for residents).
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Flag Selection
Advice for choosing the most suitable flag (currently the Polish flag is the most recommended due to its cost and indefinite durability).
-
2. Documentary Preparation
Sworn translation of the purchase documents and technical specifications into the official language of the destination registry.
-
3. Registration Request
Submission of the electronic application to the maritime authority of the chosen country (e.g. Ministry of Sports and Tourism of Poland).
-
4. Procurement and Delivery
Reception of the provisional flag in digital format in 24-48 hours and subsequent physical delivery of the final certificate on a plastic card.
Frequently asked questions about changing the flag of vessels:
Do you need to process your boat flag change today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Deregistration of Foreign Flag or Registration of Origin
When buying a boat abroad or when wanting to change the registration of an imported boat to the Spanish flag, the indispensable legal step is to process the Deregistration in the country of origin's Registry. No boat can be registered under two countries simultaneously; dual registration is strictly prohibited by international law. This process requires contacting the authorities of the issuing country (such as the maritime registries of France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, etc.) and providing proof of ownership and payment of the corresponding fees to obtain the Deregistration Certificate.
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Request to the Register of Origin
Drafting and sending the official deregistration request to the corresponding maritime authority of the ship's current country.
-
2. Settlement of Charges
Verification and settlement of possible mortgages, charges or pending liens on the vessel in the registry of origin.
-
3. Reception of the Certificate of Discharge
Obtaining the official physical document endorsed by the international nautical authority.
Frequently asked questions about deregistration of foreign flag or registration of origin:
Do you need to process your deregistration of a foreign flag or registration of origin today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Change of List (6th to 7th and vice versa)
In Spain, vessels are classified in the Ship Registry according to their use. List 7 is reserved for recreational vessels for exclusively private and sporting use, without profit. List 6 is intended for vessels dedicated to commercial recreational activities, mainly tourist rental (maritime charter), sailing schools, or commercial sport fishing. Making a list change involves adapting the vessel to the safety requirements applicable to professional boats, updating the insurance policy, and submitting a formal application to the Maritime Captaincy.
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Security adequacy
Verification that the ship has the mandatory equipment for the destination list (list 6 has higher demands for radiocommunications and lifeboats).
-
2. Administrative Request
Presentation to the Maritime Captaincy of the request to change the list and update the ship's entry sheet.
-
3. Extraordinary Inspection
Coordination with a Collaborating Inspection Entity (for extraordinary ITB of change of use if necessary).
Frequently asked questions about list change (6th to 7th and vice versa):
Do you need to process your list change (6th to 7th and vice versa) today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Import of Boats
Importing a boat from a country outside the EU (such as the USA, the United Kingdom or Türkiye) requires a rigorous customs and technical approval procedure. We manage the DUA, CE approval and registration in Spain.
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Customs Clearance
Presentation of the DUA (Single Administrative Document) at the customs of entry and payment of duties (if applicable) and the 21% import VAT.
-
2. Homologation and CE Marking
If the boat does not have the original factory CE marking for the European market, an inspection and project is carried out by a naval engineer to obtain the post-construction CE marking.
-
3. Enrollment in Spain
Registration in the Spanish Ship Registry once it is legally and technically cleared by customs.
Frequently asked questions about boat importation:
Do you need to process your import of boats today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Ship Export
If you have sold your Spanish boat to a foreign buyer, it is necessary to process the cancellation for export in the Spanish Vessel Registry. We are in charge of formalizing the process to free the seller from future responsibilities.
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Drafting of the Contract
Preparation of the international sales contract with delivery clauses and responsibilities.
-
2. Deregistration Request for Sale Abroad
Electronic submission of the ship’s deregistration file to the Ship Registry Office.
-
3. Delivery of Documentation
Sending the legalized Spanish Deregistration Certificate to the foreign buyer so that he can register the boat in his country.
Frequently asked questions about boat export:
Do you need to process your boat export today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Radio and MMSI License
The Ship Station License (LEB) and the MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number are mandatory for ships carrying VHF radio equipment with digital selective calling (LSD) or satellite equipment. It is a unique 9-digit code that identifies your vessel for safety at sea and rescue purposes (connected to the international SAR rescue system).
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. MMSI Application
Telematic submission of the technical radiocommunications file before the DGMM.
-
2. Assignment and Issuance
Issuance of the LEB where the brand, model, and national homologation number of the onboard equipment are recorded.
-
3. Programming
Delivery of the 9-digit MMSI code for an authorized technician to record the number into the VHF transceiver and radio beacon.
Frequently asked questions about radio license and mmsi:
Do you need to process your radio and mmsi license today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Technical Vessel Inspection (ITB)
The Ship Technical Inspection (ITB) in Spain is equivalent to the car ITV but adapted to the nautical field. It is mandatory for all Spanish recreational vessels on list 7 with a length equal to or greater than 6 meters, and for all those on list 6 (commercial) regardless of their size. The Certificate of Navigability expires if the ITB is not passed within the scheduled deadlines (generally every 5 years, with intermediate inspections for charter boats or longer lengths).
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Appointment Request
Scheduling of the dry dock technical inspection of the ship (to inspect the hull and sea cocks) and afloat.
-
2. Physical Inspection
The qualified inspector checks the condition of the hull, engines, radio communications equipment and safety equipment (vests, flares, fire extinguishers, rafts).
-
3. Issuance of the Certificate
If the inspection is favorable, the inspection report is issued and the official Airworthiness Certificate is renewed.
Frequently asked questions about ship technical inspection (STI):
Do you need to process your technical ship inspection (ITB) today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Vessel Name Change
An owner may wish to change the name of his ship for aesthetic reasons, superstition (although seafaring tradition says otherwise), or for purchase. This procedure requires a request for prior authorization from the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy to verify that the desired name is not already registered in the same maritime district or province, avoiding duplications.
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Name Request
Presentation of three name options ordered by preference before the Maritime Captaincy.
-
2. Authorization from the DGMM
The captaincy issues the resolution authorizing the change if there is no duplication of names in the same district.
-
3. Document Update
The new maritime documentation is issued with the updated identity of the ship.
Frequently asked questions about vessel name change:
Do you need to process your boat name change today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Procedures in the Central Maritime Registry
The Movable Property Registry (Ships Section) and the Central Maritime Registry are the entities where financing contracts (nautical leasing), naval mortgages and any charge or encumbrance that affects the ownership of the ship must be registered. We take care of registering and canceling these charges to ensure clean sales transactions.
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Request for Simple Note
Verification of the ship’s cargo status in the Movable Property Registry.
-
2. Drafting and Elevation
Management of notarial deeds if it involves the constitution or cancellation of a naval mortgage.
-
3. Registry Seat
Definitive registration of the legal act in the corresponding maritime registry books.
Frequently asked questions about procedures in the central maritime registry:
Do you need to process your paperwork at the central maritime registry today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Consulting for Charter Companies
The boat rental business (maritime charter) is subject to strict regulations in Spain, which vary significantly between autonomous communities (Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Andalusia, Canary Islands). We advise nautical companies on fleet registration, obtaining local navigation permits, tax exemptions for commercial activity, and lease agreements.
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Company Constitution
Support in the creation of a commercial company dedicated to recreational and charter activities.
-
2. Request for Exemptions
Presentation of Form 05 from the Tax Agency to obtain exemption from the Registration Tax based on commercial activity.
-
3. Autonomous Permits
Registration in the registers of maritime tourism companies of the Autonomous Communities where the fleet operates.
Frequently asked questions about advice for charter companies:
Do you need to process your advisory for charter companies today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Comprehensive Nautical Consulting
Maritime administration in Spain is complex and dispersed. We offer a continuous consulting service to resolve tax doubts (VAT on rentals, nautical ITP, navigation fees T0/T5), nautical insurance disputes for claims, or suitability of recreational certifications before inspections by the Civil Guard of the Sea.
Benefits of our management:
Step-by-step procedure:
-
1. Initial Consultation
Detailed study of the nautical fiscal or administrative case presented by the client.
-
2. Issuance of Opinion
Preparation of a legal or fiscal strategy citing BOE regulations and international agreements.
-
3. Active Representation
Filing of appeals, submissions, or technical defenses before the agencies of the Ministry of Development or the Ministry of Finance.
Frequently asked questions about comprehensive nautical consulting:
Do you need to process your comprehensive nautical advice today?
Free, no-obligation quote online.
Index of procedures
Shall we speak directly?
Call us or chat with a certified manager to resolve technical doubts.
+34 93 177 59 24