How to Register a Kayak in Spain

⚓️ When must a kayak be registered?

In Spain, not all kayaks need to be registered, even if they have a motor. The obligation depends on three main factors:

• Type of propulsion: paddled or motorised.
• Engine power: electric or petrol, and its power in kW.
• Navigation area: open sea, coastal waters or protected zones.

Registration not required

You do not need to register your kayak if:

• You use it with paddles.
• It has a small electric or petrol motor (up to 3 HP / 2.24 kW).
• You sail in inland or protected coastal waters (ports, sheltered coves, reservoirs).
• You do not require insurance or a navigation certificate.

In these cases, the kayak is considered a beach or sporting craft, not a recreational vessel, and does not need to be listed on the Seventh Register of the Ship Registry.

Legal basis

• Royal Decree 1434/1999, art. 2.3: excludes from registration beach craft powered by human force or low-power motors.
• Royal Decree 98/2016: transposes Directive 2013/53/EU, applicable only to vessels with significant power or length.
• Interpretative notes from the DGMM (2019 and 2021): confirm that kayaks or vessels with engines ≤ 2.5 kW used in protected waters do not require registration.
• Law 14/2014 on Maritime Navigation, art. 264: only vessels that are not beach or sporting craft must be registered.

In summary, a kayak without a motor or with a small electric motor used for fishing or coastal recreation has no legal obligation to be registered, although it can be done voluntarily to insure the vessel or extend its navigation area.

⚡ Voluntary registration (recommended)

You can register your kayak voluntarily if:

• You wish to navigate with a motor up to 2 miles from the coast.
• You want to insure the kayak (insurers require registration).
• You seek official recognition from the Maritime Authority.
• You participate in official events or competitions.

Many users of Galaxy Kayaks with 3Lithium motors choose this option for the peace of mind and coverage it provides.

When must a kayak be registered by law?

It is mandatory to register your kayak when:

• It exceeds 4 metres in length.
• It has an engine greater than 15 HP (11.26 kW).
• It is used regularly outside protected waters.
• It is used for commercial purposes, hire or instruction.

Galaxy Kayaks models eligible for registration (Category C)

All current and previous Galaxy Kayaks models can be registered under CE Category C (coastal waters), except the Galaxy Supernova JR:

• Galaxy Wildcat FX
• Galaxy Alborán FX3
• Galaxy Supernova FX
• Galaxy Cruz (Pro Angler)
• Galaxy Hawaii Tandem
• Galaxy Alborán (previous versions)
• Galaxy Sturgeon FX
• Galaxy Blaze, Cruz, Wahoo, Catch and other coastal models

All these models are approved for coastal navigation up to 2 miles (Zone 5). The Supernova JR model is excluded due to its children’s/sporting nature.

Step-by-step: how to register your kayak

The official procedure with direct links:

1️⃣ Gather the required documentation

• CE Certificate of Conformity of the kayak.
• CE Declaration of the motor (if applicable).
• Purchase invoice in the owner’s name.
• ID card (DNI or NIE).
• Proof of payment of the T-5 fee (see step 2).

2️⃣ Pay the T-5 fee

MITMA Fee Payment – Form 790

Select: “Ship and Shipping Company Registry (025)” → “T-5 – Registration or flagging of recreational craft”.

Usual amount: €19–25. You can pay online or download Form 790 for bank payment. Keep the receipt with NRC code.

3️⃣ Submit the online application

Registration or flagging of recreational craft – MITMA

Select “Registration or flagging of recreational craft (Seventh Register)”.

• Access using a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
• Select your Maritime Authority (Málaga, Barcelona, Cádiz, etc.).
• Attach all required documentation.
• In the “Statement / Request” field, use the sample text below.

4️⃣ Wait for resolution

The file is processed by the selected Maritime Authority.

• Typical timeframe: 7–15 working days.
• Maximum by law: 3 months.
• Notification by post or via the Citizen Folder.

5️⃣ Receive the registration number

• Example: 7.ª-MA-1234-25.
• Paint it on both sides (minimum 7 cm).
• Keep the Registration Certificate and the CE documentation.

Text for the “Statement / Request” field (sample template)

You can copy and paste this text into the MITMA form, adapting it with your details:

STATEMENT / REQUEST

I am the owner of the kayak brand Galaxy Kayaks, model [indicate model], with serial number [HIN number], length [metres], CE category C – Coastal, and powered by [paddle / electric motor brand and model / power in kW or HP].

This kayak complies with Royal Decree 98/2016, which transposes Directive 2013/53/EU, and has its corresponding CE Certificate of Conformity issued by the manufacturer Galaxy Kayaks.

Furthermore, according to Royal Decree 1434/1999, Article 2.3, beach craft powered by human force or low-power motors are exempt from mandatory registration; however, voluntarily and preventively, I wish to proceed with its registration in the Seventh Register of the Ship and Shipping Company Registry, to provide the kayak with official identification and administrative coverage in accordance with current regulations.

I REQUEST: That the described vessel be registered in the Seventh Register under the Maritime Authority of [indicate province or home port], attaching the required documentation (CE certificates, invoice, ID and proof of T-5 fee payment), and that the corresponding registration number be assigned.

In [location], on [date].
[Signature or full name of applicant]
[DNI / NIE]

CE Categories and navigation zones

Do I need a licence to navigate?

Minimum safety equipment

• Approved life jacket (one per person).
• Bailer or absorbent sponge.
• Towing or mooring line.
• Whistle or sound signalling device.
• Torch or white light visible 360°.
• Dry bag or watertight compartment.

Flares or lifebuoys are not required in this zone.

✅ Conclusion

Galaxy Kayaks can help you

At Galaxy Kayaks Spain – Peskayak Iberia we handle the registration of your kayak for you, whether it is mandatory or done for convenience or safety. We process the registration with the Maritime Authority and deliver your kayak ready to sail.

Sail legally, sail safely. With Galaxy Kayaks, your fishing kayak or touring kayak can be much more than a kayak: a registered and safe vessel.