All navigator must know the mandatory documentation that you must carry on board, as it may be requested at any time by the Maritime Civil Guard. Failure to have it may lead to financial penalties.One of the most important documents is the certificate of airworthiness. In this article, we explain what it is, how to obtain it, and what requirements you must meet.
What is the navigability certificate?
It is the official document that collects the technical information of the boat and the mandatory safety equipmentIts function is similar to a vehicle's technical sheet and must include the following information:
- Name and tuition of the boat
- Vessel Identification Number (VIN)
- Technical data, including approval
- Propulsion type
- Navigation area authorized
- Technical Inspection Certificate for Ships (ITB)
- Generator set
- Fire and drainage systems
- Inventory of rescue, anchoring and navigation equipment
- Radio equipment installed
How is it obtained?
The certificate is issued by the General Directorate of the Merchant NavyTo request it, it is necessary to complete the official form with the details of the boat, the owner and, where applicable, the representative.
Afterwards, you must go to one of the authorized collaborating entities —available at the corresponding Maritime Captaincy— to carry out a technical inspection to verify that the vessel meets the established requirements. This procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 days.
If everything is in order, the certificate is issued and delivered to the applicant in the following days.
Requirements to apply for it
These are the requirements needed to process the certificate:
- Maximum length of 24 meters or capacity for a maximum of 12 people on board.
- Application form correctly completed.
- Original and photocopy of ID (in the case of foreigners, passport).
- Proof of ownership of the vessel: sales contract or title deed.
Where is it processed?
The certificate is issued by the merchant navy through authorized collaborating entities, who are responsible for carrying out the inspection and verifying compliance with the regulations before issuing the document.
How long is it valid?
The certificate of airworthiness has a indefinite validity, although it should update if key aspects change of the vessel, such as the name, navigation area or propulsion system. In addition, must always accompany the navigation permit for it to be valid.
Can the navigation area be changed?
Yes, it is possible to modify the navigation area authorized, but the procedure varies depending on the year of construction of the ship.
For vessels built from 1998, with CE marking, a new certificate of conformity issued by a naval engineer to modify the authorized navigation zone.
In the case of vessels prior to 1998, which do not have CE marking, the change can be requested by means of a Extraordinary ABI or one technical report prepared by a naval engineer, which must include:
- Detailed description of the boat
- Stability and minimum freeboard study
- Analysis of the laminate and structure
- Maximum load capacity study
Applicable regulations
The regulation of the certificate of navigability is established in the Royal Decree 1435/2010, of November 5, which details the requirements and application procedure.
Furthermore, in the Law 4/2000, of December 29, the are collected administrative fees applicable to the procedure.
How much does the certificate cost?
Although the official rates are regulated by the Ministry of Transport, the total cost depends on the type of vessel and the inspecting entity. As a reference, it can range from about 200 euros for 6-meter boats and more than 1,200 euros for larger boats.
