Safety & Regulations

Essential information for safe and legal adventure sports in Madeira. Permits, regulations, emergency contacts, and risk management protocols.

Permits & Licensing

License Required for Independent Practice

IFCN authorization is MANDATORY for individuals or non-commercial groups practicing canyoning or climbing independently in protected areas. Enforced by Forestry Police.

IFCN Authorization - Quick Guide

What is IFCN?

The Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza (IFCN) is the regional authority overseeing activities within Madeira's protected natural and forested areas.

Who Needs a License?

✓Independent climbers accessing crags in protected areas
✓Independent canyoners descending any canyon
✓Non-commercial groups conducting adventure activities

Who Doesn't Need One?

ⓘGuided tour clients: Permits included in commercial tour packages

How to Apply - Step by Step

Visit Portal

Submit Request

Immediate Approval

1.
Access the Simplifica Portal
Go to simplifica.madeira.gov.pt
2.
Submit Application
Request for "recreational-sports activities" in natural areas
3.
Receive Authorization
According to multiple sources, authorization is granted immediately upon submission
4.
Carry Documentation
Keep proof of authorization with you during activities

Note: The application process has been streamlined for efficiency. The immediate approval system makes it easy to comply with regulations.

Emergency Contacts

🚨

Universal Emergency

112

Police, Fire, Ambulance
All emergencies on land

⚓

Maritime Rescue

+351 291 213112

MRSC Funchal (24/7)
Sea emergencies, coasteering

⛰️

Mountain Rescue

112

Call 112 first
Activates fire/forestry police

Save These Numbers

Add these emergency contacts to your phone before heading out. Cell coverage is generally good but can be limited in remote mountain areas.

Risk Management

Primary Hazards

🏔️ Falls

Slips and falls are the major risk on steep trails, viewpoints, and near waterfalls. Never cross safety barriers for photos.

🌊 Water Hazards

Powerful Atlantic waves can wash people into the sea. Multiple documented fatal incidents. Extra caution during coasteering and near coastline.

🪨 Falling Rocks

Volcanic terrain means rockfall risk, especially at cliff bases and after rain. Wear helmets during all climbing/canyoning activities.

🌧️ Weather

Microclimates can change rapidly. Heavy rain increases landslide and flash flood risk in canyons.

Safety Protocols

✓Use proper equipment: Helmets, harnesses, appropriate footwear

✓Check weather: Before and during activities, especially for canyoning

✓Know your limits: Don't exceed your skill level or physical abilities

✓Never alone: Always climb/canyon with a partner or group

✓Share your plans: Tell someone where you're going and when you'll return

✓Carry essentials: First aid, emergency contacts, fully charged phone

✓Respect barriers: Safety barriers exist for a reason

✓Hire a guide: When in doubt, book a professional operator

Climbing-Specific Safety

CRITICAL: Rock Type Safety

ONLY climb on solid black basalt. Much of Madeira's rock is compressed volcanic ash which is unstable, crumbles easily, and is NOT SAFE for climbing. This is a paramount safety concern.

Safe vs. Unsafe Rock

✓ SAFE: Black Basalt

• Solid volcanic rock
• Rapidly cooled magma
• Reliable holds
• Good friction
• Dark black color

✗ UNSAFE: Compressed Ash

• Crumbles easily
• Unstable
• Unreliable holds
• Dangerous
• Avoid completely!

When in doubt: Only climb at established crags documented in this directory or hire a local guide.

Additional Resources

Find a Guide

Professional operators with all permits and safety equipment

Climbing Crags

Documented safe climbing locations with access info

No Official Accident Statistics

There is a lack of publicly accessible statistics specifically tracking adventure sports accidents in Madeira. This makes personal responsibility and following safety protocols even more critical.