Commercial charter yachts operating in Balearic waters this summer are being reminded of new identification requirements aimed at helping authorities tackle illegal charter activity, a longstanding concern across the islands.

Under the regulations, charter vessels are required to display the appropriate International Code of Signals pennant corresponding to the final digit of the current charter licence year. For 2026, this means flying the No. 6 pennant while operating commercially in Balearic waters.

The measure has been introduced to make legitimate charter yachts more readily identifiable to inspectors and enforcement agencies, while assisting efforts to distinguish licensed operators from vessels conducting unauthorised charter activity.

Illegal chartering remains a significant issue in the Balearics, particularly during the peak summer season, prompting authorities to introduce additional monitoring and compliance measures across the sector.

Charter operators are advised to ensure the correct pennant is displayed whenever the vessel is engaged in commercial activity within Balearic waters, as authorities continue to strengthen oversight of the region’s busy charter market.