The Spanish authorities have found a new way to make the already steep mooring fees in Spain, and especially in the Balearic Islands, even more expensive, and to take money from sailors.
As of this year, a new law applies that requires a fee for sailing in Spanish waters. This "Tasa por servicio de senalizacion maritima" is required for all boats over seven metres in length that either have a permanent mooring in Spain or are operated as guests in Spanish waters. If the stay lasts longer than 50 days, the full fee is due, otherwise 20 per cent of the amount is payable for every ten days.
The fee is calculated in a similar way to the mooring costs for permanent berths: length times width of the boat multiplied by 4 euros. For an average 11-metre boat, this adds up to around 130 euros. In the meantime, the first long-term moorers are reporting that the marina administrations are actually collecting the fee. For the harbour operators, this is more than a chore, as they receive a share of the revenue via a commission, according to the DSV's cruising department. According to KA, the government hopes that the tax will generate revenue of around 12 million euros.
The official justification for the new tax is the cost of navigational aids, lighthouses and their maintenance. Attempts had already been made in the past to collect money via a fee known colloquially as a "lighthouse tax". This failed due to the lack of co-operation from many marina operators. However, the new levy now has legal status and must be collected.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
