First of all: The new rule applies throughout Spain, but it affects Mallorca and the neighbouring islands in particular, as rental boats that do not require a licence are very common there for trips into coves and short holiday cruises. The basis for this is the Royal Decree 1188/2025. It amends an existing exemption under Spanish driving licence legislation with effect from 1 October 2026.
What used to apply
Until now, adults have been allowed to hire and operate motorboats up to five metres in length and with a maximum of 15 PS even without a licence. The only requirements were that the trip take place during daylight hours and that the boat not travel further than two nautical miles from its point of departure. In many places, that was enough to get to the nearest beach or the bay just round the corner. In the past, this was done mainly by a great many beach holidaymakers.
For larger or more powerful motorboats, however, a suitable licence has always been required. Even when chartering a sailing yacht on a bareboat basis, charter companies require proof of a licence appropriate to the boat, the sailing area and the intended use. The new regulation does not, therefore, make chartering generally subject to a licence requirement. Above all, it removes the exemption for small motorboats available for hire.
What’s new from 1 October
The revised Article 10 of the Spanish regulation now exempts motorboats up to five metres in length and with an engine power of up to 15 PS from the licence requirement only when used for private purposes. Rental boats are therefore no longer covered by the exemption. The Spanish government justifies the amendment to the regulation by citing the high number of incidents and accidents.
For holidaymakers, this means that although a small open motorboat used for a day trip is technically classified as a small craft, as soon as it is hired, the person operating the boat must present a valid certificate of competence appropriate to the boat and the area in which it is being operated.
An overview of the regulations:
| Effective from 1 October 2026 | Is a certificate required? | An important boundary |
| Your own motorboat up to 5 metres in length and 15 PS | No | During the day only, no more than 2 sm from the starting point, minimum age 18 years |
| Rented motorboat up to 5 metres and 15 PS | Yes | Proof must be sufficient for both the boat and the fishing grounds |
| A larger or more powerful hire motorboat | Yes | This was already a requirement |
| Charter or tour boat with a skipper | No, not for the guest | The commercial skipper is at the helm of the boat |
| Sailing boat up to 6 m for recreational use | No | During the day only, no more than 2 sm from the starting point, minimum age 18 years |
| Kayaks, SUPs and other beach or water sports equipment | No | No driving licence required under this rule |
| Jet ski | Yes | Jet skis are expressly excluded from this exception |
The law does not generally require German holidaymakers to hold a Spanish ‘Licencia de Navegación’. What is essential is a valid recreational boat licence or certificate of competence, the authorisations of which are appropriate for the planned trip. For Spanish hire boats, the regulations permit them to be hired out to persons holding a valid licence or certificate from their country of nationality or residence, provided that this country is part of the European Economic Area or is recognised under the regulations.
In practice, for German skippers this means: The Recreational Boating Licence (Sea) is usually sufficient as proof. Anyone who only holds an inland recreational boat licence, or who is travelling with an older or foreign certificate, should send the document to the charter company before booking and obtain written confirmation of its validity.
Who still doesn’t need their own licence?
This does not apply to guests on a trip with a professional skipper. In such cases, the skipper is the person in charge of the vessel and must hold the necessary qualifications. Under the new regulations, anyone operating their own small motorboat within the specified limits also does not require a licence.
Beach and water sports equipment also remains exempt from the licence requirement. An exemption for recreational use continues to apply to small sailing boats up to six metres in length. However, this is also restricted to daylight hours, a distance of two nautical miles and a minimum age of 18. Anyone chartering a sailing yacht should not rely on this exemption, but should check the required qualifications with the charter company before signing the contract.
Why the change is particularly noticeable in the Balearic Islands
The new regulation is likely to have the greatest impact on Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Small hire boats are often used by day-trippers who want to explore stretches of coastline and bays without much prior experience. At the same time, the rules for charter operators in Spain have already been tightened, for example regarding documentation and insurance. The new guidelines for charter operators and the dispute over the Private boat hire in the Balearic Islands are separate but closely related topics.
Book recommendation
The Yacht Logbook brings together key rules and practical basics for everyday sailing in the cockpit. Among other things, it covers navigation, weather and wind regulations, lighting requirements, sound signals, navigational marks, as well as documentation and customs formalities. For charter crews, it is particularly useful as a compact reference guide when traffic regulations, safety issues or documentation need to be checked once more before setting sail.
How sensible do you think the new rule for small hire boats is? Let us know in the comments.
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT