Registration of ships or boats is an essential procedure for any owner wishing to legally navigate in Spanish or international waters. This process regulates the registration of the vessel in the official registers, gives it a unique identification number and allows its control by the maritime authorities.

In this article we explain step by step how boat registration works in Spain, what types exist, the necessary documents and the benefits of having the boat properly registered. An essential content for both professional shipowners and owners of recreational boats.

What is boat registration?

Registration consists of registering a vessel in an official registry under the Dirección General de la Marina Mercante (DGMM), which allows it to legally navigate and accredit its ownership. Similar to the registration of a land vehicle, this process grants a “DNI” to the vessel.

There are two major records:

• Ordinary Maritime Register (RMO): for recreational, sport or private vessels.
• Vessel Registration: for professional or commercial vessels.

Types of lists and their meaning

In Spain, boats are registered in different lists depending on the use of the boat. Some of the most common are:

• List 6: pleasure boats for profit (e.g., charter or rental).
• List 7: pleasure boats for private use.
• List 3: professional fishing vessels.

Knowing the list is essential, as it defines the type of inspections, documentation and technical requirements that each vessel must comply with.

Documentation required for boat registration

Common documents that are usually required are:

• DNI or CIF of the owner.
• Invoice of purchase or sales contract.
• Construction or CE certificate.
• Initial Technical Inspection Report (ITB).
• Proof of payment of fees.
• Official application for enrollment.
• In case of imported vessels: customs declaration.

Tip: It is important to check with the corresponding Capitanía Marítima to see if there are any additional requirements depending on the type and length of the vessel.

Benefits of a properly registered vessel

• Full legality to navigate in Spanish and international waters.
• Access to ports, insurance and technical services.
• Legal protection against property disputes or accidents.
• Higher resale value.
• Possibility of access to grants, subsidies or tax credits.

Common case studies

Case 1: Recreational sailboat for personal use

Juan acquires a 10-meter sailboat to sail with his family. He must register it in list 7, present the construction certificate, the purchase invoice and pass the technical inspection to obtain its official number.

Case 2: Charter company

A boat rental company acquires several boats for commercial use. In this case, it registers them in list 6, complying with additional requirements such as specific insurance and commercial safety equipment.

Case 3: Artisanal fishing boat

A fishing boat of less than 12 meters is registered in list 3 to exercise its activity in a local fishermen’s association. It needs a fishing authorization and to pass the corresponding technical inspection.

Who performs the procedure?

The boat registration process can be carried out in several ways, depending on the needs and experience of the owner:

• Personally, before the corresponding Maritime Captaincy, requesting previous appointment and presenting the required documentation. This option is recommended if you have previous experience in nautical procedures and you want to save intermediation costs.
• Through a specialized nautical agency, which is in charge of reviewing, presenting and following up the file, speeding up the process and avoiding errors. This alternative is ideal for those who do not have time or do not know the administrative details of the maritime sector.
• Online, using the electronic services of the Electronic Headquarters of the Merchant Marine, if you have an electronic signature or digital certificate. Although this option is convenient, it requires familiarity with digital procedures and may not be available for all types of vessels or registries.

In all cases, it is important to ensure that the information is up to date and that the vessel meets the technical and safety requirements for its listing and intended use.

Conclusions

Boat registration is an essential procedure to navigate with legal guarantees, access port services and secure your investment. Knowing the requirements, lists and particularities of the process will save you time, money and future problems.

At Interseas Naval Service, we offer personalized advice for shipowners, charter companies, nautical schools and individuals who need support in the registration, flagging and maritime documentation procedures.