Safe manning certificates for recreational vessels, as well as for auxiliary vessels engaged in maritime tourism activities, will have new models in the Azores.

The decision is part of an Ordinance issued by the Regional Secretary for the Economy, published in the Official Journal on Monday, and it is justified by the need to adapt those models “to the specificities of the Region and to maritime tourism activities.”

The legislation, which comes into force on Tuesday, also revokes Ordinances no. 74/2010 of August 9 and no.5/2008 of January 11 as, according the Government, the first “has raised doubts concerning its practical application.”

Under the Regulations on Maritime Tourism Activities in the Azores, all recreational vessels, as well as auxiliary vessels, are required to hold a minimum safe manning certificate, except the cases of bareboat chartering.

Hence, in addition to the issuing of a permit for the operation of maritime tourism activities, a certificate stipulating the minimum safe manning it is also required.

In the case of the Azores, the minimum safe manning is stipulated by the Regional Directorate for Air and Maritime Transport, with the exception of fishing-tourism which is under the supervision of the Regional Directorate of Fishing.