→ in the end in Spanish

In this article, we guide you step by step through how to register a boat in Spain and what the legal, technical, and financial consequences are. We distinguish 5 key aspects of boat registration:

Purpose of use ⛵

Navigation zone 🌍

Engine power 🔧

License requirements 📜

Marina and operational costs ⚓

1. Purpose of Use

The first step is to determine whether the boat is for private or commercial use. This affects taxation and the type of list the boat is registered under:

💰 Tax Implications

Boats < 8 meters and < 25 kW under Lista 7 are tax exempt (no matriculation tax).

Lista 6 (commercial use) is subject to 12% tax on boat value.

VAT proof (IVA) must always be provided.

2. Navigation Zones & Technical Classification

Spain has 7 navigation zones, as defined by Real Decreto 339/2021:

The zone your boat can operate in is determined by its CE category:

If your boat was built before 1998, it may lack a CE mark. In that case, a technical survey (Informe técnico) is required to assign a zone. This also defines your required safety equipment.

📘 Equipment rules are governed by Real Decreto 339/2021 and Orden FOM/1144/2003.

🔍 Technical Inspection (ITB)

For boats in Zones 4 or 5, a technical inspection by an authorized entity (e.g. ITB, Capitanía Marítima, certified shipyard) is mandatory. It includes:

Hull and structural integrity

Serial numbers

Electrical systems and engine

Safety equipment compliance

🧮 The magic number: 6 meters

According to Article 10 of Real Decreto 339/2021:

No ITB required in Zone 5 if:

Boat length is ≤ 6 m AND

Engine is ≤ 15 HP (11.2 kW)

📏 Boat length definition

"Eslora" (length) refers only to the hull, excluding motor, bathing platforms, rudder, or bowsprit. Defined by UNE-EN ISO 8666.

This is key: many small boats with outboard engines may still be exempt from ITB if under 6 m and ≤ 15 HP.

3. Engine Power – Legal thresholds and obligations

Engine size is a key factor for inspection and registration requirements:

⚠️ Important thresholds

≤ 15 HP / ≤ 6 m → ITB not required in Zone 5

> 15 HP or > 6 m → ITB mandatory in Zone 5

⚙️ Inboard vs. Outboard

Outboards are not part of length measurement, but still count for power

Inboards often require more safety gear (e.g., fire protection, ventilation)

⚙️ Multiple engines

Total power counts: e.g., two 10 HP motors = 20 HP → ITB required

🔋 Electric engines

Electric engines are subject to equivalent HP thresholds if fixed or used for propulsion.

4. License Requirements

License needs depend on boat length, engine power, and zone:

📌 Notes:

Sailing boats over 6 m in Zone 5 or higher require a license

Licencia de Navegación can be obtained in one day (theory + practice)

Higher licenses require theory exam + miles logged at sea

5. Marina Fees & Running Costs

Berthing costs vary by region, port type, and boat size:

Additional Costs:

⛑️ Insurance (e.g., liability): from ~€50/year

🧼 Maintenance, trailer, winter storage: variable

🔍 ITB reinspection (every 5 years if required): ~€300–600

With this, you now have a full overview of boat registration in Spain – from choosing the right list to understanding licensing and inspection obligations.

⚓ For specific situations (e.g., importing a French boat without CE mark), we are happy to assist with detailed steps.

📎 Appendix 1: Legally Required Safety Equipment by Navigation Zone

The following list is based on Real Decreto 339/2021 and Orden FOM/1144/2003, each in its current version. All mandatory equipment applies to leisure boats registered under Lista 7. Commercial use (Lista 6) requires additional equipment.

🔹 Zone 7 – Protected waters (e.g., harbors, enclosed bays)

• 🦺 One life jacket per person (min. 100 N)
• 🪣 A paddle or bailing device (bucket or pump)
• 🧵 A towline/mooring line
• ⚓ An anchor or sea anchor, depending on boat type
• 🔦 A flashlight, when used at dusk or night
• 💡 Recommended (not mandatory): foghorn, first-aid kit

🔹 Zone 6 – Up to 2 nautical miles from shore

In addition to Zone 7 equipment:

• 🚨 3 red hand flares (pyrotechnic, certified)
• 💡 Navigation lights according to COLREG:
  • For boats < 7 m: white flashlight allowed for daytime use (Art. 10 RD 339/2021)
  • At night: certified or visible portable lights ≥ 1 nm
• 📣 Foghorn or other acoustic signaling device
• 📡 Radar reflector if boat is < 15 m and non-metallic

Length distinction:

• ✅ < 6 m + ≤ 15 HP: no ITB inspection required (Art. 10 RD 339/2021)
• ⚠️ > 6 m or > 15 HP: ITB required, full safety equipment mandatory

🔸 Zone 5 – Up to 5 nautical miles from shore

In addition to Zone 6 equipment:

• 🧭 Fixed compass (recommended even for small boats)
• 🚑 First-aid kit Type IV (updated standard)
• 🪝 Boathook
• 🪣 Bailer (min. 7 l) or manual pump
• 🪢 2 mooring lines
• ✨ Signal mirror or INT-code distress flag
• 📻 VHF radio (DSC capable recommended, portable allowed)
• 🇪🇸 Spanish flag, visibly mounted

🔸 Zone 4 – Up to 12 nautical miles from shore

In addition to Zone 5 equipment:

• 🦺 150 N life jackets, with whistle and light
• 🛟 Lifebuoy with 30 m line and light
• 🚀 6 red parachute rockets (SOLAS-approved)
• 🚨 6 red hand flares
• 🌫️ 1 orange smoke signal
• 📡 Radar reflector (mandatory)
• 🧭 Magnetic compass (fixed)
• 🗺️ Up-to-date nautical charts and publications
• 🔦 Waterproof flashlight with spare batteries
• 🔭 Binoculars

🔶 Zone 3 – Up to 25 nautical miles from shore

In addition to Zone 4 equipment:

• 🆘 Life raft for all persons on board (SOLAS/ISO 9650)
• 📻 Fixed VHF radio with DSC
• 🔧 Tool kit for emergency repairs
• 🧭 Second compass (e.g., hand-bearing, recommended)
• 🥫 Emergency rations: water (1.5 l/person) & food (24 h)
• 🔋 Second power source for nav. systems
• 🗂️ Laminated emergency plan, clearly visible
• 🧯 Additional fire extinguisher (for inboard engine or cabin)
• 🧪 Life raft servicing every 3 years

🟠 Zone 2 – Up to 60 nautical miles from shore

In addition to Zone 3 equipment:

• 📶 EPIRB (406 MHz, registered)
• 📡 AIS transponder (recommended)
• 🌐 Long-range communication (e.g., HF radio or satellite phone)
• 🧊 Cold weather gear for all crew

🔴 Zone 1 – Unlimited navigation (ocean/offshore)

In addition to Zone 2 equipment:

• 📘 Logbook (daily entries required)
• 🌊 Storm gear, hull reinforcement
• ⛴️ Life raft certified for SOLAS A
• 🔧 Redundant steering/navigation systems (recommended)
• 🧭 Backup navigation system (e.g., 2nd GPS or sextant)

⚠️ Notes and Exceptions:

• Applies only to boats under 6 meters + ≤ 15 HP, daytime only in Zone 5 or 6 → no ITB required, simplified lighting allowed (Art. 10 RD 339/2021).
• Pyrotechnics must be regularly renewed (check expiry dates!)
• All gear must be functional, accessible, and ready for use.

📚 Legal sources:

• Real Decreto 339/2021 – BOE
• Orden FOM/1144/2003 – BOE
• UNE-EN ISO 8666 – Boat length definition

📎 Appendix 2: Practical Case Studies and Legal Consequences

Based on the previous sections, we now analyze specific boat examples and derive what legal requirements apply in each case:

⚓ Example 1: Sailboat 5.8 m with 5 HP outboard engine, Zone 4

Length: 5.8 m → under 6 m

Engine: 5 HP → under 15 HP

Navigation Zone: Zone 4

CE Category: C required, or a technical report for older vessels

Consequences:

✅ No license required for pure sailing in Zone 4 (with limitations)

⚠️ ITB required, since Zone 4 always requires technical inspection regardless of length/power

🔧 Full safety equipment for Zone 4 needed (compass, VHF, smoke signals, etc.)

What if only Zone 5?

✅ No ITB required, as the boat is < 6 m and ≤ 15 HP (Art. 10, RD 339/2021)

📦 Less equipment required: no smoke signals or lifebuoy

📜 License required: Licencia de Navegación needed for engine use

💡 Suitable for coastal day trips with simplified safety gear (compass, VHF, etc.)

⚓ Example 2: Sailboat 30 ft (approx. 9.1 m) with 20 HP inboard engine, Zone 1

Length: approx. 9.1 m

Engine: 20 HP

Zone: 1 (open sea)

CE Category: A mandatory

Consequences:

📘 License required: Capitán de Yate mandatory

✅ ITB inspection is obligatory (Zone 1 = highest standards)

🧯 Full Zone 1 safety equipment required (SOLAS A life raft, dual nav systems, EPIRB, logbook, storm gear, etc.)

📄 Proof of seaworthiness may require additional offshore certifications

⚓ Example 3: Motorboat with 150 HP, 7 m length, Zone 5

Length: 7 m → above 6 m

Engine: 150 HP → clearly above 15 HP

Zone: 5 (up to 5 NM)

Consequences:

⚠️ ITB required due to engine power and boat length

📻 Required equipment includes: VHF radio, compass, first aid kit, mirror, Spanish flag, etc. (see Zone 5)

🪪 License required: at least PNB (Patrón de Navegación Básica)

⚓ Example 4: Motorsailer 6.0 m with 15 HP, Zone 5

Length: exactly 6.0 m → limit value

Engine: 15 HP → limit value

Zone: 5

Consequences:

✅ No ITB required, as it meets the exemption limits (Art. 10, RD 339/2021)

📻 Full Zone 5 safety equipment still required (e.g., VHF, compass, etc.)

📜 License: Licencia de Navegación sufficient for daytime operation

📎 Appendix 3: Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1️⃣ ❓ As a foreigner, do I need to register my boat in Spain if it stays there permanently?

🇪🇸 Yes. If the boat remains in Spain for more than 3 months continuously, or is home-ported in Spain, registration in Spain is mandatory. You must follow Spanish flag and inspection rules regardless of foreign origin.

2️⃣ ❓ What are the total costs to register and operate a 30 ft sailboat with a 20 HP engine in Spain?

Here is a short cost overview for private use (Lista 7):

📝 Registration: €299–€445 (incl. translations)

🛠️ ITB inspection: €400–€600

🧯 Safety equipment (Zone 4): €800–€1,500

🧾 Matriculation tax: 12% of boat value (if applicable)

🛡️ Insurance: from €100/year

⚓ Mooring fees: €150–€600/month (depending on region)

3️⃣ ❓ Who performs the ITB (technical inspection)?

The ITB (Inspección Técnica de Buques) must be carried out by an authorized maritime inspection entity, such as:

The Capitanía Marítima (local port authority)

Certified naval engineers or surveyors

Authorized inspection companies such as ITB España (technical inspection)? The ITB (Inspección Técnica de Buques) must be carried out by an authorized maritime inspection entity, such as:

The Capitanía Marítima (local port authority)

Certified naval engineers or surveyors

Authorized inspection companies such as ITB España

4️⃣ ❓ Is a 14-meter recreational sailboat subject to tax in Spain?

📌 Not necessarily. Recreational boats registered under Lista 7 are exempt from the 12% matriculation tax if they are:

Under 8 meters, or

Have an engine with less than 25 kW (≈ 34 HP)

🔍 A 14-meter sailboat without a strong auxiliary engine and for private use only can remain tax-exempt. However, if the engine exceeds 25 kW or the boat is used commercially (e.g., charter → Lista 6), tax becomes mandatory.

5️⃣ ❓ How much does the ITB cost?

Costs vary depending on boat size and region:

🛥️ Small boats (< 6 m): approx. €300–400

🚤 Larger boats (> 6 m): approx. €400–600 Additional costs may apply for crane use, travel of inspector, or port fees.

6️⃣ ❓ Do I need to carry full safety equipment even if ITB is not required?

✅ Yes. The legal obligation to carry safety equipment depends on the navigation zone, not on whether an ITB is required. Even without ITB, if you're in Zone 5 or higher, the corresponding safety kit must be on board and in working condition.

7️⃣ ❓ How often does the ITB need to be renewed?

⏳ The ITB must be renewed every 5 years, or earlier if major modifications have been made to the vessel.

Spanisch:

🚤 Cómo registrar una embarcación en España – ¿Qué significa esto? Bienvenido a la jungla.

👤 Por John Sailors
Publicado el 22 de abril de 2025

En este artículo, te guiamos paso a paso sobre cómo registrar una embarcación en España y cuáles son las consecuencias legales, técnicas y financieras. Distinguimos 5 aspectos clave del registro de embarcaciones:

Propósito de uso ⛵

Zona de navegación 🌍

Potencia del motor 🔧

Requisitos de licencia 📜

Costos de marina y operativos ⚓

1. Propósito de uso

El primer paso es determinar si la embarcación es para uso privado o comercial. Esto afecta la tributación y el tipo de lista bajo la cual se registra la embarcación:

💰 Implicaciones fiscales

Las embarcaciones de menos de 8 metros y menos de 25 kW bajo la Lista 7 están exentas de impuestos (sin impuesto de matriculación).

La Lista 6 (uso comercial) está sujeta a un impuesto del 12% sobre el valor de la embarcación.

Siempre se debe proporcionar prueba del IVA (IVA).

2. Zonas de navegación y clasificación técnica

España tiene 7 zonas de navegación, según el Real Decreto 339/2021:

La zona en la que puede operar tu embarcación está determinada por su categoría CE:

Si tu embarcación fue construida antes de 1998, puede carecer de marca CE. En ese caso, se requiere una inspección técnica (Informe técnico) para asignar una zona. Esto también define el equipo de seguridad requerido.

📘 Las reglas de equipamiento están regidas por el Real Decreto 339/2021 y la Orden FOM/1144/2003.

🔍 Inspección Técnica (ITB)

Para embarcaciones en las Zonas 4 o 5, es obligatoria una inspección técnica por una entidad autorizada (por ejemplo, ITB, Capitanía Marítima, astillero certificado). Incluye:

Integridad del casco y estructura

Números de serie

Sistemas eléctricos y motor

Cumplimiento del equipo de seguridad

🧮 El número mágico: 6 metros

Según el Artículo 10 del Real Decreto 339/2021:

No se requiere ITB en la Zona 5 si:

La eslora de la embarcación es ≤ 6 m Y

El motor es ≤ 15 HP (11.2 kW)

📏 Definición de eslora

"Eslora" se refiere solo al casco, excluyendo motor, plataformas de baño, timón o bauprés. Definido por UNE-EN ISO 8666.

Esto es clave: muchas pequeñas embarcaciones con motores fuera de borda aún pueden estar exentas de ITB si miden menos de 6 m y tienen ≤ 15 HP.

3. Potencia del motor – Umbrales legales y obligaciones

El tamaño del motor es un factor clave para los requisitos de inspección y registro:

⚠️ Umbrales importantes

≤ 15 HP / ≤ 6 m → ITB no requerida en Zona 5

 15 HP o > 6 m → ITB obligatoria en Zona 5

⚙️ Interior vs. Exterior

Los motores fuera de borda no forman parte de la medición de eslora, pero aún cuentan para la potencia.

Los motores interiores a menudo requieren más equipo de seguridad (por ejemplo, protección contra incendios, ventilación).

⚙️ Múltiples motores

Se cuenta la potencia total: por ejemplo, dos motores de 10 HP = 20 HP → ITB requerida.

🔋 Motores eléctricos

Los motores eléctricos están sujetos a umbrales de HP equivalentes si están fijos o se utilizan para propulsión.

4. Requisitos de licencia

Las necesidades de licencia dependen de la eslora de la embarcación, la potencia del motor y la zona:

📌 Notas:

Las embarcaciones de vela de más de 6 m en la Zona 5 o superior requieren una licencia.

La Licencia de Navegación se puede obtener en un día (teoría + práctica).

Las licencias superiores requieren examen teórico + millas registr