The Maximum theoretical days at sea is considered 220 days by default. These theoretical 220 maximum days at sea are used if no Maximum days at sea are reported.
However, for fleet segments consisting of vessels of less than 12 metres in length in the outermost regions, it is possible to report another maximum theoretical days at sea.
This Maximum theoretical days at sea is a theoretical, rather than actual, maximum activity level. This value should be determined by each Member State using an expert judgement and available information, taking into account: natural, technical and social conditions. This possibility is afforded to the Member States because the observed maximum number of days at sea within a fleet segment for each reference year could be limited by external factors, so this number may not reflect the true technical capacity of this fleet.
Examples of external factors can be economic, environmental and social, as defined under section 12.2 of COM(2014) 545 final. As observed in Section 1, fleet segments consisting of vessels of less than 12 metres in length in the outermost regions are particularly exposed to such external factors."
For more information look at the "Guidelines for the analysis of the balance between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities for fleet segments consisting of vessels of less than 12 metres in length in the outermost regions … (COM(2024) 223 final)".
See also Maximum day at sea.