Two fined for offering kitesurf lessons in Fuerteventura without proper permits

A zodiac was inspected with six people on board, lacking permits, insurance, registration, and the necessary safety measures (photo archive).

The Fiscal and Border Patrol of the Civil Guard in Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) has sanctioned two individuals following an inspection carried out on 27 September in Corralejo. The operation targeted a recreational vessel that was about to set sail with six people aboard to practice kitesurfing without the necessary authorizations.

The Civil Guard reported that the action forms part of its ongoing effort to monitor tourist activities and ensure they comply with both legal requirements and essential safety measures.

During the inspection, agents discovered that the semi‑rigid boat was missing all mandatory documentation for the activity:

• No vessel registration (despacho) was presented.
• No compulsory insurance was in force.
• No registration with the Institute of Maritime Social Security was shown.
• No professional licence authorising the operation of the vessel was provided.

These requirements are fundamental not only to guarantee the legality of the activity but also to protect the safety of everyone on board in case of an incident.

Consequently, the Fiscal and Border Patrol conducted further inquiries at the premises of the alleged organizing company. They found that the boat actually belonged to a different individual than the one reported.

The owner admitted that the vessel lacked up‑to‑date documentation and that it had been leased to the purported operator for the contracted activity.

The Civil Guard emphasized that these facts reveal multiple irregularities on the part of both the lessee and the owner, which could constitute violations of the Merchant Marine regulations concerning vessel registration and authorisation.