Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible

Maritime Transport

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Versión en español

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom indicates the following consequences of its consideration as a “third country” in the field of the merchant navy since 1 January 2021 as a result of its withdrawal:

  • The coastal navigation services with the United Kingdom will be affected because Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3577/92 of 7 December 1992, which applies the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within the Member States (maritime transport). In accordance with these regulations, regular or non-regular coastal navigation is reserved for vessels flying Spanish and EU flags.
  • Furthermore, EU Member States may no longer issue a maritime security information exemption to UK ships before entering an EU port, as provided for in Article 6 of EC Regulation 725/2004, of 31 March 2004, regarding improving the protection of ships and port facilities.
  • Seafarers' certificates of competence issued by the UK will remain valid until they expire. The recognition of British maritime professional qualifications will only be possible after they have been recognised by the European Union and a bilateral agreement for the recognition of qualifications is signed.
  • British-flagged pleasure craft under 14 metres long also lose their current ability to carry out nautical leasing activities.
  • Regarding the importation and commercialisation of pleasure boats, jet skis and motors from third countries destined for the European Union, Directive 2013/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 20 November 2013, already establishes the Mechanism for European importers to carry out a post-manufacturing evaluation, allowing the commercialisation of these products once the CE marking has been obtained.