IMMEDIATLY the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine PROHIBITS the navigation in Spanish territorial waters of vessels registered in the Dutch ICP (the so-called “Dutch Light Registry), as it is not recognized as an official or governmental nature, but as an association or sports entity.
On the other hand, this measure does not prevent the possibility of changing the flag to other EU flags, but the text of the measure especially emphasizes that this possibility is not an instrument to circumvent Spanish regulations on tax or security matters. And even more so when it is expected that before the end of the year the new regulations that will regulate the safety equipment of recreational boats will come into force, expanding its scope of application to foreign vessels sailing in Spanish sovereign waters, as long as their owners have an authentic link with Spain.
Of course, the owners of these vessels with Dutch ICP who wish to return to the Spanish flag may do so by taking advantage of the Service Instruction 3/2019, which will facilitate the re-flag procedure to the Spanish registration and flag.
For more information and advice on your case contact us.
AITAMAR, S.L.
T.: 965637006
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aitamar@aitamar.com