Seaman's discharge book required for yacht crew stamping out in Mallorca

Changes introduced by the Mallorca authorities mean any non-EU crew arriving in Mallorca will require a seaman’s discharge book in order to be stamped out of the Schengen Zone and onto the vessel.

From 1 January 2024, employment contracts will no longer be accepted as evidence of seafarer status, and stamping out is only possible upon presentation of a valid Seaman’s Discharge Book. Without a seaman’s discharge book, any non-EU crew joining yachts in Mallorca will not be stamped out and will now be subject to regular visa controls with their permitted days in the Schengen Zone counting down.

Any crew already employed and stamped onboard remain unaffected, with their days in the Schengen Zone ‘frozen’. However, if any crew disembark and are required to stamp back on, this may not be possible without a seaman’s discharge book.

There are currently no changes to the disembarkation procedure, and crew are permitted to stamp in; however, it is important to ensure that the correct visas are in place and all local regulations are adhered to.  

It is important to note that these rulings will apply to all non-EU yacht crew regardless of the vessel’s flag.

WHAT IS A SEAMAN'S DISCHARGE BOOK?

A seaman’s discharge book is often required for crew working onboard large yachts or commercial ships and provides a complete record of the crew member’s sea service, qualifications, and experience. It also serves as an accompanying proof of identity, identifying the holder as a seafarer and allowing them to travel to an assigned vessel.

HOW TO OBTAIN A SEAMAN'S DISCHARGE BOOK

The application process will vary depending on the nationality of the crew member and issuing flag state authority. Applicants must provide evidence of STCW Basic Safety Training certificates, a seafarer employment agreement (or equivalent), a valid employment letter, passport photos and proof of identity.

Further information on the application process can be found here:

British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Cook Islands
Gibraltar
Isle of Man
Malta
Marshall Islands
UK

We strongly encourage crew to apply for a seaman’s discharge book at the earliest opportunity and prior to commencing employment.  

Our crew team provides full support with the application process. If you would like further information, please visit our Yacht Crew Management page.

Please note that this article is intended to provide a general overview of the matters to which it relates. It is not intended as professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Any engagement in respect of our professional services is subject to our standard terms and conditions of business and the provision of all necessary due diligence. © Praxis 2023