PortsIB guarantees a minimum staffing of three port agents in directly managed ports and deploys a special team in the 43 ports of its network to ensure safety throughout the day.

The Ministry of the Sea and the Water Cycle, through Ports de les Illes Balears (PortsIB), will deploy a special operation for the solar eclipse on August 12, given the forecast of a significant increase in maritime traffic and the concentration of vessels on the coast of the Balearic Islands.

The aim of this reinforcement is to guarantee security in the ports under regional management, facilitate coordination between the different services involved and contribute to the proper development of a day in which a high influx of people is expected both at sea and on the coast.

For this reason, PortsIB will reinforce its port agent staff during the afternoon and evening of August 12. The plan includes a minimum of three port agents at each of the directly managed ports, as well as extending the working hours of these agents until 11:00 p.m., with the aim of strengthening the capacity to provide assistance, information, and response to any incidents that may occur.

In addition, PortsIB has issued specific instructions to the 43 ports in its network, both directly and indirectly managed, with the aim of ensuring the safety of port operations and navigation during a day in which a high concentration of vessels is expected.

These instructions include reinforcing surveillance and security measures to guarantee the safety of vessels entering and leaving the port, maintaining special control of port areas and harbor entrances to facilitate orderly and unhurried maneuvers, and keeping radio communications with the respective ports open. Port authorities have also been asked to ensure that vessels do not exceed their maximum authorized capacity and, should they detect clear signs of a potential risk related to overcrowding or any other incident that could compromise safety, to immediately contact the Civil Guard.

PortsIB will also make all its resources available to support the operation, not only in the ports but also along the coastline. In this regard, the ten vessels of the Coastal Surveillance Service will reinforce preventative measures and can provide support, whenever necessary, to operations by the Civil Guard, emergency services, or any other competent authority.

An informational poster with key safety recommendations for mariners has also been distributed in directly managed ports. Among other things, it reminds sailors of the importance of preparing for navigation before setting sail, respecting maritime safety regulations, avoiding alcohol consumption while at the helm, and not anchoring on Posidonia seagrass meadows. It also recommends observing the eclipse only with eclipse glasses certified according to ISO 12312-2:2015 and, in case of emergency, contacting emergency services via VHF channel 16 or by calling 112.

Posidonia Surveillance Service

Meanwhile, the Posidonia Monitoring Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment will reinforce its preventative measures in anticipation of a high concentration of boats during the afternoon and evening of August 12. Teams will intensify surveillance in areas where a greater influx of boats is expected and will inform skippers about the importance of anchoring responsibly to protect the Posidonia seagrass meadows. This reinforcement is part of the Government's overall plan for the solar eclipse.