The Special Group for Underwater Activities (GEAS) of Las Palmas carried out a series of inspections in April, May, and June of dive centres in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. These inspections targeted 67 diving companies and centres resulting in 39 reported infractions and the temporary sealing of two compressors.
The primary goal of these inspections is to update the records of known dive centres and clubs, as well as to register any new entities. Additionally, they aim to ensure compliance with current regulations governing diving activities.
- Conducted 42 inspections across diving centres and clubs.
- Detected 26 administrative infractions, including:
- 3 for lack of boat dispatch.
- 20 for lack of authorisation to operate from the Vice Ministry of Fisheries as per Decree 35/2006.
- 3 referred to the Ministry for lack of annual or five-year inspections on bottles or compressors, leading to the sealing of one compressor.
Fuerteventura (April and June):
- Conducted 15 inspections across various municipalities.
- Detected 6 infractions for lack of authorisation from the Vice Ministry of Fisheries.
- 1 infraction referred to the Ministry for lack of inspections, resulting in the sealing of one compressor.
- 1 report to the Provincial Labour Inspectorate for incorrect employment contracts.
- Conducted 10 inspections.
- Detected 5 infractions for lack of authorisation from the Vice Ministry of Fisheries.
The most common infraction across all inspections was the lack of proper authorisation to operate, issued by the Vice Ministry of Fisheries. This often results from centres not meeting the required documentation standards, being in a period of rectification, or having received positive administrative silence without formal documentation.
Infractions under the Industry Law (R.D. 809/2021 regulating pressure equipment) are closely related to diving safety. Proper maintenance and specific inspections of compressors and bottles are crucial to prevent potentially severe accidents.
Additionally, further infractions related to the lack of necessary authorisations for operating professional boats or related documentation, such as insurance, dispatch, or ITB.
The affected dive centres will have a grace period to rectify the infractions but will be closed down if they do not meet the specified requirements.
