The Directorate General of the Merchant Marine resolves normative changes doubts of the RONM

The Directorate General for the Merchant Marine hosts an information session in Valencia to facilitate the transition to new maritime navigation regulations.

The Directorate General for the Merchant Navy (DGMM), under the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, held an information session today, July 28, in Valencia, aimed at addressing questions from the various sectors affected by the regulatory changes introduced by the Regulation on the Organization of Maritime Navigation (RONM), which comes into effect on August 15th. The session was intended to assist stakeholders in adapting to the new requirements and to ensure that the transition to digital processing of maritime procedures is carried out as efficiently as possible.

The new clearance regime established by the RONM introduces a new model in which the majority of vessels will operate under an authorization system based on a responsible declaration. This declaration, signed by the shipowner, operator, or charterer, confirms that the vessel complies with the necessary conditions for safe navigation.

The aim of this regulatory change is to streamline processes related to the clearance and crew management of fishing vessels, merchant ships, and recreational craft, through the implementation of a digital platform that will significantly reduce paperwork and processing times.

The information session in Valencia was specifically directed at the merchant fleet and recreational boating sector and was broadcast live via the Ministry's official YouTube channel. A similar session, focused on the fishing industry, was already held in Vigo on July 22.

In addition, Spain’s 30 Maritime Captaincies, located along the coast, will also organize informational meetings and address any questions that may arise in the lead-up to the changes.

The crew list and clearance document is a crucial element in maritime navigation, as it officially records the individuals authorized to crew a vessel for a specific voyage. From August 15th, this procedure must be completed exclusively through the new digital platform, which becomes mandatory for all national vessels. The platform will allow users to register and deregister crew members, declare any operational specifics relevant to the voyage, and enter voyage and activity data. The new system is designed not only to enhance administrative efficiency and reduce errors, but also to improve traceability, safety monitoring, and regulatory compliance. Once submitted, crew enrolments will take effect immediately, and the list of registered crew members will be instantly accessible through the electronic headquarters. The platform also offers real-time access for both users and maritime authorities to verify and monitor information.

The clearance process itself, through which the Maritime Captaincy formally authorizes a vessel to begin a voyage, will now be conducted, as a general rule, through digital procedures. This shift will lead to shorter processing times and less bureaucracy for shipowners and captains. The regulation also provides for the use of a simplified clearance model for vessels operating in inland waters or engaged in frequent and repetitive routes. This model is based on a responsible declaration submitted by the captain or shipowner and is intended to facilitate recurring operations, although its content remains subject to subsequent verification by maritime authorities.

Nonetheless, the RONM also maintains certain scenarios in which explicit authorization from the maritime administration remains required, particularly in cases concerning maritime safety, pollution control, or traffic management. One such case is the temporary change of use from private to commercial of recreational vessels, permitted for a maximum of three months per year, as outlined in Article 9 of the new regulation.

In order to obtain authorization for this temporary change of use, the vessel must be registered in the seventh list of the Ship Registry, possess all valid certifications, and during the authorized commercial period, comply with the same inspection and operational requirements that apply to commercial recreational vessels registered in the sixth list. Furthermore, during these three months of commercial operation, the vessel must have compulsory civil liability insurance in accordance with current regulations and must be managed by a company engaged in nautical charter services, or at least by an entity with the capacity to assume the legal responsibilities of the activity. The management of the vessel’s clearance during this period must be carried out by the charter company under a naval management contract. Through these regulatory updates, the Directorate General for the Merchant Navy reaffirms its commitment to the modernization of maritime administration, promoting a system that is digitally efficient, transparent, and adapted to the evolving needs of Spain’s maritime sector.