Extension of accreditation for dangerous goods training in ports: what terminals must do in 2026

Key data

Port terminal operating companies that work with dangerous goods have a clear obligation: their staff must hold accredited training. The Resolution of 11 March 2026 of Puertos del Estado extends the accreditation to Comisariado Español Marítimo, SA to deliver the training courses required by port and maritime safety regulations.

This extension is not a minor administrative formality. It ensures that a legal and accredited route continues to exist for quay and terminal operators to obtain or renew their certification. Without that certification, operating with goods classified as dangerous at port facilities is not legally possible.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution grants the accreditation extension to Comisariado Español Marítimo, SA to deliver training courses aimed at operators of quays or terminals handling dangerous goods in Spanish ports.

Accreditation is the mechanism by which Puertos del Estado certifies that a training provider meets the technical and content requirements demanded by port and maritime safety regulations to deliver this type of specialised training. Without this accreditation, courses delivered by an entity have no official validity.

The extension guarantees the continuity of the specialised training provision required by law. This is relevant for companies because, without an active accredited provider, they would be unable to meet the certification requirements for their staff.

Economic and operational impact

The impact of this resolution translates into two dimensions for companies in the port sector:

Human resources planning: Port terminals must keep the certification of all workers handling dangerous goods up to date. The accreditation extension granted to Comisariado Español Marítimo, SA ensures that a valid provider exists to meet this requirement in 2026.

Operational risk from non-compliance: Accreditation is an indispensable requirement to operate legally at port facilities handling goods classified as dangerous. A worker without valid certification cannot perform these functions without exposing the company to a regulatory breach that may halt operations.

Companies that have not kept their workforce's certification status up to date must act urgently, particularly if they have workers whose training is about to expire or newly hired staff who have not yet completed the required training.

Who is affected?

• Port terminal operating companies handling dangerous goods
• Quay operators at Spanish ports with dangerous goods traffic
• Human resources and training managers in the port sector
• Operations directors at terminals handling goods classified as dangerous
• Compliance officers at maritime and port sector companies
• Port terminal workers handling dangerous goods who need to obtain or renew their training accreditation

Practical example

A port terminal operating with chemical products classified as dangerous goods takes on three new quay operators. Before they can carry out their duties at the terminal, they must complete and accredit the training required by the regulations.

Thanks to the accreditation extension granted by Puertos del Estado, Comisariado Español Marítimo, SA can deliver those courses with full official validity in 2026. The company can enrol its three workers on this entity's courses and obtain the certification needed for them to operate legally at the terminal.

Had the accreditation not been extended, the company would have found itself without a valid training provider, which would have prevented the operational onboarding of those workers until an accredited alternative was found, with the consequent impact on shift and operations planning.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit staff certification status: Review which workers handling dangerous goods hold valid accredited training and which need to renew or complete it.
2. Identify urgent training needs: Identify workers whose certification is about to expire or who lack certification, and prioritise their enrolment on courses run by Comisariado Español Marítimo, SA, the entity whose accreditation has been extended by Puertos del Estado.
3. Plan training for new hires: Include in the onboarding process for new quay operators the obligation to complete accredited training before taking on duties involving dangerous goods.
4. Document and archive certifications: Maintain an up-to-date record of staff certifications to be able to demonstrate compliance during an inspection or audit.
5. Review contracts with training providers: Ensure that any training provider used for these courses holds valid accreditation from Puertos del Estado. Only courses delivered by accredited entities have official validity.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-6940