Skipper Certification In Canarias

[captain-pat]

Holà todos,

I am planning to operate a small charter business in Spain (Canarias) with my own boat. Do you know what is needed in terms of professionnal certification as captain-skipper to be allowed to embark paying guests back there?
Many thanks for you replies.
Fair winds to all,
Captain-Pat

[weavis]

Originally Posted by captain-pat

Holà todos,

I am planning to operate a small charter business in Spain (Canarias) with my own boat. Do you know what is needed in terms of professionnal certification as captain-skipper to be allowed to embark paying guests back there?
Many thanks for you replies.
Fair winds to all,
Captain-Pat

Nationality?
Private boat or Company?
Residency?

[captain-pat]

I am french (so EU), I plan to live onboard (so do I need residency ? as I plan to stay in Spain all year long). I am the owner of the boat but I don't know if I can embark paying guests on a private boat or if this is mandatory to set up a local (or foreign?) company to do so. Also I need to know if it is better to flag the boat in Spain or entering Spain with a foreign flag (from France or elsewhere as the boat has not been purchased yet). Thanks for any useful information!

[BandB]

Originally Posted by weavis

Nationality?
Private boat or Company?
Residency?

Flag?
Size boat?
Number of passengers?

[weavis]

Originally Posted by captain-pat

I am french (so EU), I plan to live onboard (so do I need residency ? as I plan to stay in Spain all year long). I am the owner of the boat but I don't know if I can embark paying guests on a private boat or if this is mandatory to set up a local (or foreign?) company to do so. Also I need to know if it is better to flag the boat in Spain or entering Spain with a foreign flag (from France or elsewhere as the boat has not been purchased yet). Thanks for any useful information!

In my circumstances, I will have to a resident after 180 days (English) for tax reasons.
Some issues not yet resolved about reflagging the vessel to Spanish......and paying a fee.
the running of a charter business I cant give you details about.....You will need to consult a Spanish Lawyer.

[captain-pat]

Originally Posted by BandB

Flag?
Size boat?
Number of passengers?

flag : to be defined
size boat : 50 ft sailing monohull
number of pax : max 6 (me captain + my wife chef + 2 to 4 paying guests)

[weavis]

Yachtcharter in Mallorca – 30 questions worth asking

[barnakiel]

You are not supposed to live here beyond 3 mnths limit. This is not observed by anybody here UNTIL you own and run a business.

You can run your charters here under any EU flag.

Unless you speak Spanish well, I suggest you hire a lawyer to represent you in getting thru all paperwork. Beware local authorities vary wildly in proper understanding and knowledge of their own legal system. That's why you want a lawyer.

Avoid flagging your boat in Spain as a charter boat under Spanish flag will undergo a long line of Spanish requirements. You have been warned.

b.
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

[BandB]

Here is another article on some of the requirements to charter in Spain:

Changes to Spain’s charter licences and tax

Note also that just to sail in Spain:

In Spain you need a captain's licence to sail a recreational craft in the case of sailing vessels more than 5 metres in length, and engine-powered boats over 4 metres long and with over 11.03 kilowatts of power. In addition, it is necessary to have a captain's licence for the handling of any watercraft (except for rented vessels in certain circuits). For citizens of countries outside the European Union, a certified copy of their captain's licence may be required, which must be requested at the consulate.

If you are sailing your own boat, when entering port you must present documentation corresponding to the country of registration and flag showing proof of ownership, in addition to compulsory insurance. In the event that the authorities find the presence on the vessel of elements which affect maritime safety or the environment, you may be prevented from anchoring, leaving or entering the port.

[Arthur Garfield]

Hi,
If you come from a country outside of the "EU",you will need residency,work permit from Spain.Additionally,commercial captains licence or hire said.
Certainly there are more requirements.
You your mind and do the research.


All the Best

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by captain-pat

Holà todos,

I am planning to operate a small charter business in Spain (Canarias) with my own boat. Do you know what is needed in terms of professionnal certification as captain-skipper to be allowed to embark paying guests back there?
Many thanks for you replies.
Fair winds to all,
Captain-Pat

There is a grey area , technically you need to be spainish registered and followed the rules. However many participate " informally " using boats outside the rules.

It all depends on your intentions, if this is short or long term and will you face local competition etc.

Normally you would register as a spainish company or as a " self employed person " ( I forget the specific spainish term )

You will want to take advice to insure that your understand the insurance implications local rules etc

Dave

[boatman61]

You will need a minimum Coastal Skipper (RYA)... take it to the Harbour Master of the Port you intend to operate out off and fill in the appropriate forms.. get finger printed.. pay.. then wait a week or so for the paperwork and you'll be issued with a 'Marinheiro's' Blue Book.. Spain's Merchant Seaman licence.. its bloody handy to as it allows you to work on your own/other boats in B/yards when other have to hire..
I worked for a Brit owned Spanish company in Fuengirola a few years back.. ski boat/jet bikes etc... that's what I had to go through.. no big deal just paper work.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

There is a grey area , technically you need to be spainish registered and followed the rules. However many participate " informally " using boats outside the rules.

It all depends on your intentions, if this is short or long term and will you face local competition etc.

Normally you would register as a spainish company or as a " self employed person " ( I forget the specific spainish term )

You will want to take advice to insure that your understand the insurance implications local rules etc

Dave

There is no requirement to be Spanish flagged. If you state otherwise please point to relevant and up to date information or legal act.

The term you lost is possibly "autonomo".

Cheers,
b.

[barnakiel]

Tax is payable in Spain if the charter company owner is or becomes a Spanish tax resident. This is always the case if the owner of the chartered boat spends more than 180 days here.

PLS do not mix 'tax residency' with 'residency'. One is in charge of tax office, the other is a police matter.

You are not supposed to stay here beyond 3 months unless you check in with the authorities. Beyond the 3 months you can ask to become a resident. You will have to meet some requirements. This is how you may become a resident.

You are supposed to pay tax here if you stay beyond 180 days. This is how you become a tax resident. This is automatic and does not require any action on your side. You cannot avoid this either, unless you leave before the deadline.

These are two separate requirements.

There are only two ways to handle all this: DIY (learn Spanish and learn local law) or else hire a local lawyer (and one that specialises in this specific field) to do the paperwork for you.

Cheers,
b.

[captain-pat]

Wow, this is great and helpful. Thank you all. In addition, for those who need further explanations here is a great link : Tenerife News – Official Website » A tour round Club Sail
Fair winds,
Captain Pat