HOW TO NAVIGATE IN A SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE WAY IN THE PITIUSAS

In this post we will briefly tell you about the regulations and some recommendations related to the practice of navigation in a safe and sustainable way in the ports of the islands of Ibiza and Formentera.

To navigate safely it is advisable to have strict vigilance at all times, especially in those dangerous navigation areas such as the Es Freus pass in Ibiza and Formentera and the vicinity of the islets; or that are of busy transit as in the waters near the coast and in the usual areas of anchorage of pleasure boats.

Nor should we forget to respect the maximum speed of navigation at all times. Navigating at a safe speed allows us to execute maneuvers appropriately and effectively to avoid collision and stop at the distance that is appropriate to the circumstances and conditions of the moment.

Singular regulations to navigate in the ports of Ibiza and Formentera.
The ports of the Balearic Islands are considered narrow channels, that is to say, they are channels that are difficult to pass, so certain rules have been established to navigate safely:

• Vessels less than 20 meters in length or sailing vessels will not hinder the transit of vessels that can only navigate safely within a passage or narrow channel.
• Vessels shall not cross a narrow passage or channel if by doing so they hinder the transit of another vessel that can only navigate safely within said passage or channel.
• The passage is Freus is considered a narrow channel, so the same obligations must be observed by recreational boats less than 20 meters in length, sailing vessels, as well as by the vessels mentioned in paragraph previous.

1.- Port of La Savina (Formentera)
The regulations divide navigation into 2 zones:

– Zone I and the mirror of water located outside of it and to the south of the parallel that coincides with the green light of the outer breakwater: the maximum speed of navigation for any type of ship and boat is 6 knots or the minimum speed of government as appropriate.
– On the approach routes of ships and boats to the port, a maximum speed of 15 knots is established when crossing the parallel 38º44.4’N, which will have to be reduced progressively until reaching 6 knots at the height of the parallel coinciding with the green light of the outer breakwater, or the minimum speed of government in its fall. The maximum speeds and geographical references are the same for the maneuvers out of the port of La Savina.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, ships and boats may not navigate at speeds that produce waves that may cause damage to third parties or dangerous situations.

2.- Port of Ibiza.
The port of Ibiza is divided into 4 navigation zones:

– Dársena Interior (Zone I): the maximum speed of navigation for any type of ship and boat is 6 knots or the minimum speed of government, depending on the case.

– Botafoc Dock (Zone I) and Zone II (A): the maximum navigation speed for any type of ship and boat is 8 knots or the minimum steering speed, depending on the case.

– Zone II (B): the maximum navigation speed for any type of ship and boat is 15 knots.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, ships and boats may not navigate at speeds that produce waves that may cause damage to third parties or dangerous situations.

Now that we have told you how to navigate safely, rent your boat at IbizaCentralCharter and discover the coves and beaches of Ibiza and Formentera! Our agents will be happy to advise you.