Assonautica Italiana discusses the latest developments in the Regulations implementing the Recreational Boating Code.
Public slipways and discounted rates are finally planned in the name of social boating; however, further simplification is still needed to implement the tourism impact.
A few days after the entry into force (exactly on October 21st) of the new Regulations implementing the Recreational Boating Code amended by the recent Decree 133/2024, Assonautica Italiana expresses its satisfaction at having seen its requests regarding simplification, incentives for recreational boating and the promotion of social boating accepted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
"A historic milestone," commented Vice President Marino Masiero. "For the first time, young people aged 16 and over will be able to obtain the so-called license, the D1 license, which Assonautica required to introduce young people to the sea. The new license, as required by the new Article 29-bis, can be obtained after attending a training course, supplemented by practical exercises and a final exam. Furthermore, the training course, exercises, and final test will be conducted by Nautical Schools and Nautical Education Centers."
"The new D1 license, which will allow young people aged 16 and over to operate boats and jet skis during the day within six nautical miles, is excellent," added Vice President Andrea Ciulla. "Adults, however, with the same license will be able to operate boats up to 12 meters. These categories may have a maximum engine power of up to 85 kW, equivalent to 115 hp. The new regulations—as now amended—are also of fundamental importance for social boating, i.e., for vessels under six meters, as well as for categories such as students and disadvantaged individuals, with priority given to dedicated spaces in port areas, as well as public slipways and discounts on fares. Finally, there are many other new features regarding assistance and towing services, and alternative combustion or electric motors. All of this is aimed at implementing and promoting recreational boating, a sector of excellence in the Italian Maritime Economy."
"This is a very important result," continued Vice President Marino Masiero, "which has seen Assonautica at the forefront of bringing less well-off segments of the population, especially young people, closer to the sea and inland waters. This is not only due to the introduction of the D1 license, but also to the mandatory provision of public slipways for launching boats within tourist ports and in publicly accessible areas, as well as adjacent trailer parking areas. We are working to ensure that public slipways are also mandatory in coastal and lakeside municipalities where there are no tourist ports. Now, however, we can say that popular boating is finally taking off."
Secretary General Antonio Bufalari clarified that "four years of collaborative work with other trade associations in the sector, the submission of contributions, and weekly participation in discussions organized by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the Port Authority – Coast Guard. With the joint approval of ten ministries and the favorable opinion of the Council of State, we have finally and happily seen the publication of the new Implementing Regulation. With the numerous provisions and amendments to Decree 146 of July 29, 2008, it will simplify administrative procedures and life on board, aiming to make boating increasingly popular and the sea accessible. We would also like to remind you that the new amendments also impact the licensing of candidates with specific medical conditions."
Finally, Vice President Francesco Di Filippo concluded by stating, "The new Regulation is important because it focuses on boating users, who can increase in number, driving growth in the sector. Furthermore, combined with the work done in recent years to promote recreational boating at the Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, and the State-Regions Conference, it could have significant economic and employment benefits. However, it is necessary to further simplify the provisions of the recreational boating code in order to maximize the tourism impact."
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