The reforms include the elimination of obsolete procedures, the modernization of certifications and the creation of a simplified regime for small vessels.

 

The Ministry of Security, together with the Prefectura Naval Argentina and the Ministry of Deregulation and Transformation of the State, announced yesterday a comprehensive update to the Regime of Maritime, River and Lake Navigation (REGINAVE). This reform seeks to deregulate, simplify and digitalize procedures, with the objective of optimizing the operability of the nautical sector and strengthening the competitiveness of the logistics and maritime industry in Argentina. According to the official statement, the amendments will reduce operating costs and eliminate barriers that limited economic activity in this area.

 

At the event, headed by the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, and the Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Federico Sturzenegger, the most relevant changes were detailed. Among them, the implementation of a simplified regime for vessels under 100 tons, the digitalization of security certificates and credentials, and the elimination of procedures considered obsolete, such as the obligation to hire serenos, stand out. In addition, navigation authorizations will now have national validity, eliminating the need for regional permits and significantly reducing processing times.

 

Concrete measures for a more efficient sector

 

One of the central points of the reform is the opening of the certification of safety conditions to private Classification Societies, in addition to licensed engineers. This change, according to Sturzenegger, will promote competition, reducing costs and speeding up the approval process. Safety devices may also be endorsed by these societies, which, in the minister’s words, will reduce the prices of navigation inputs to a third of their current cost in some cases.

 

Vessels under 100 tons will benefit from a simplified regime that takes into account the particularities of small vessels, such as Delta barges. This implies fewer administrative requirements, in addition to the possibility of transferring vessels in days instead of months. The Prefectura Naval will no longer impose mandatory lists of spare parts, giving shipowners the freedom to define their needs according to the type of operation.

 

Regarding the transportation of hazardous substances, it was established that the hiring of baqueanos will be optional, only required in specific cases. This measure is in addition to the elimination of the obligation to hire security guards, thus reducing costs associated with services considered outdated.

 

Digitalization and decentralization: the road to modernization

 

Digitalization plays a key role in this reform. According to the Naval Prefecture’s press release, all national and international safety certificates and the credentials of land personnel will be digitalized, streamlining procedures and reducing operating times. This transformation also impacts the yachting segment. Now, nautical federations will be able to grant licenses, and the validity of these authorizations will be extended to 10 years, a significant advance in terms of accessibility and efficiency.

 

The new regime also allows sport boats to be used for commercial purposes, opening up opportunities for the development of new markets in tourism and transportation. This represents a structural change that could boost the sector and generate employment, especially in areas related to nautical tourism.

 

Implications for logistics and foreign trade

 

REGINAVE’s transformation seeks to position Argentina as a competitive player in maritime and river transport, fundamental pillars of logistics and foreign trade. The reduction of operating costs, combined with the simplification of procedures, will have a direct impact on supply chains that depend on water transport. This includes both the import and export of goods, where logistics costs are often a decisive factor.

 

On the other hand, the incorporation of international standards and the validation of foreign professional diving and oil exploitation certifications could attract foreign investment. The creation of “safety zones for oil exploitation and exploration” is another strategic step to strengthen Argentina’s position in highly competitive global markets.

 

A boost to national competitiveness

The elimination of red tape and the implementation of measures aimed at obtaining greater economic freedom mark a move towards more dynamic and efficient logistics. These reforms not only benefit large players in the sector, but also small and medium-sized shipowners, who now face fewer barriers to operate.

 

The impact of these measures could be reflected in an overall improvement of Argentina’s logistics competitiveness, positioning maritime and river transport as viable and attractive alternatives for a constantly growing foreign trade. As these modifications are implemented, the sector will face the opportunity to consolidate its role in global supply chains, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

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