Easing Restrictions: What are the new rules in Spain?
With the restrictions across Spain being slowly lifted after two months of the tightest lock-down in Europe, you may be wondering when you will be able to visit and use your boat again. Some preliminary guidelines have been shared by local marinas including Puerto Banus, outlining the how and when the professional and recreational use of boats will be permitted.
Although we expect these rules will be more or less uniform across Spain, some regions may differ slightly. It is also worth noting that the dates are subject amendments by the Spanish government in response to the quickly changing landscape.
A Phased Approach to Ending Lockdown
The below are noteworthy dates for the easing restrictions in Spain, based on phases 0 – 3 which we will detail below:
04 – 10th May : Phase 0
11 – 24th May : Phase 1
25 – 7th June : Phase 2
08 – 21st June: Phase 3
PHASE 1
01-10th May: Works + Security Checks Only
During this period professional maintenance teams and captains are able to work on the boats under their management. Owners are able to check on the security of their boats, but only if they do not have to travel beyond the municipality that they live in.
Boatyards will be open although limited strictly to professionals who are permitted to operate within them.
PHASE: 2
11 – 24th May: Restricted Recreational Use
For boat owners residing in the same municipality that their boat is moored in, recreational use will be allowed given that the groups on board are acting within their ‘personal limitations’ – which could refer to the time of day that their age groups are allowed – and that hygiene guidelines are followed.
PHASE: 3
27th May – 7th June: Inter-Municipality Travel Permitted
Boat owners can now travel within their province (but not beyond) to visit and use their boats recreationally. Usage is now permitted for larger groups too, so long as wider government guidelines are followed. Trips will be limited to within the same province, which also means travelling to islands outside the province is not yet allowed.
PHASE: 4
08 – 21st June: Minimal Restrictions Will Apply
No further restrictions on group sizes or travel within Spain is expected. Rules on international travel have not been specified yet given the unpredictability of outbreaks in countries beyond Spain. Our own view is that there may be ongoing restrictions that are yet to be announced, and make sure your paperwork is in order as we expect more police checks during normal navigation!
We hope this helps to clarify the position for owners and captains. Of course all of this could change, but these are the up-to-date guidelines at the time of writing (05/05/2020).
Stay safe!
The Team at Pier Zero Yachts & Sanlorenzo Spain