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Spanish authorities detain "fraudsters"
01 Mar 2003
The group was operating in the Balearics and mainland Spain and was responsible for issuing false certification.
The Guardia Civil detained 72 people connected with the fraud, signalling a victory for the RYA and boat users worldwide.
El Servicio Maritimo and the Guardia Civil worked closely with the RYA in the enquiry after an RYA investigation in 2001 found that there were questions surrounding the issue of a number of certificates.
Several companies were identified, monitored and action taken against with detentions in the Balearics, Zaragoza, Madrid and Barcelona.
In total 106 ICC (International Certificate of Competence) and four Yachtmaster Offshore Certificates were issued fraudulently by several rogue companies.
"RYA courses and certificates are renowned throughout the world and indicate that the bearer has been trained and examined to the highest standards, " said James Stevens RYA training manager. If a person is being issued a certificate who has little or no boating experience the implications for the safety of other boat users are concerning, he added.
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