The Balearic Government and the Civil Guard launch the eighth campaign against illegal charters after an 853% increase in cases since 2019

The Catalan government and the Civil Guard launch the eighth campaign against illegal charter flights after an 853% increase in cases since 2019

1 2026 June

So far in 2026, 35 sanctioning proceedings have already been initiated for irregular boat rentals, with proposed sanctions of more than 92.000 euros.

The Government of the Balearic Islands and the Civil Guard are launching a new edition of the joint inspection and surveillance operation against the illegal rental of boats, an initiative that this year reaches its eighth consecutive edition.

The Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant; the head of the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard, Captain Francisco Córdoba; and the manager of PortsIB, Kico Villalonga, presented this joint action campaign on the Balearic coast today.

“Illegal activities related to yacht charters not only create unfair competition, but can also pose risks to maritime safety and environmental protection. Therefore, we maintain constant coordination between government agencies and enforcement bodies to ensure compliance with regulations,” stated Director General Antoni Mercant.

So far in 2026, 35 sanctioning proceedings have been initiated for the illegal rental of boats, with proposed fines exceeding €92.000. In addition, more than 70 complaints and reports are still pending, submitted by the Civil Guard, the Customs Surveillance Service, Environmental Agents, and technicians from the Directorate General.

During 2025, 162 sanctioning proceedings were initiated related to infringements in maritime transport and vessel rental. Of these, 100 corresponded to minor infringements, 58 to serious infringements, and 4 to very serious infringements. The proposed sanctions amounted to €471.600,01.

The operation includes inspections of documentation, administrative authorizations, professional qualifications and service provision conditions, as well as actions related to the irregular transport of passengers, the collection of people at unauthorized points or illegal moorings.

In this context, PortsIB showcased one of the vessels that make up the Balearic Islands Government's Coastal Surveillance, Inspection, and Control Service. The service comprises 22 operational units distributed across the islands and contributes to strengthening maritime safety, monitoring coastal activity, and environmental surveillance.

Since 2019, the number of sanctioning proceedings initiated for irregular activities linked to nautical chartering has increased by 853%, going from 17 proceedings that year to 162 registered during 2025.