Spain is a jurisdiction where the provisions of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control apply strictly. If the relevant PSC officer and Harbour Master decides to detain a vessel in view of deficiencies found on board, we recommend making arrangements without further delay in order to release her and minimize the shipowner’s financial losses. Time is of the essence, since the vessel will be detained until both deficiencies are repaired and a security is put up to guarantee the outcome of the ensuing administrative sanctions proceedings.

In that regard, please remember that Spanish Harbour Masters do not accept letters of undertaking issued by P&I clubs or civil liability insurers, and that security can only be arranged by means of a deposit or a Spanish banker’s draft filed with the Inland Revenue’s General Deposit Fund.

We provide full legal assistance at all Spanish ports in both managing release and sanctions proceedings at standard legal rates. Additionally, please note that similar actions may be taken by the Harbour Master Offices in case of spillage in Spanish waters, where the vessel does not comply with routing measures applying to traffic separation schemes, or if any other administrative offence is discovered.