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RECREATIONAL NAUTICAL LICENSE QUALIFICATIONS
We have prepared a simple summary of nautical licenses so you can find out which license best suits you according to your boat’s length. You will find the licenses and their main qualifications.
This information is based on Royal Decree 875/2014, of October 10, which regulates nautical licenses for operating recreational vessels. This nautical license summary is offered as a general reference guide. If you would like more information about course content, how to certify practical experience or courses already completed, etc., please contact our OceaNautic Nautical School.
| License | Length | Power | Navigation | Requirements |
| No License | Motor: up to 5m Sail: up to 6m Jet skis: No | 15 HP (11.26 kW) | Up to 2 miles from a port, marina, or shelter Daytime navigation | 18 years or older |
| Navigation License (LN) | Motor and Sail up to 6m Jet skis: Category C *From July 1, JET SKIS WITHOUT POWER LIMIT | The approved power for the vessel | Up to 2 miles from a port, marina, or shelter Daytime navigation | 18 years (16 with parental consent) 2h theory + 4h practical No exam |
| Basic Navigation Skipper (PNB) | Motor: up to 8 meters Sail: up to 8m (complementary practical training) Jet skis: Yes | The approved power for the vessel | Up to 2 miles from a port, marina, or shelter Daytime and nighttime navigation | 18 years (16 with parental consent) Official exam and practical training at nautical school Radio course 4 hours Motor practical training 8 hours |
| Recreational Craft Skipper (PER) | Motor: up to 15 meters Sail: up to 15 meters (complementary practical training 16 hours) Sail and motor: 24 meters (complementary practical training 24 hours) Jet skis: Yes | The approved power for the vessel | 12 miles from the coast Navigation in the peninsula and Balearic Islands (if complementary practical training is completed) Daytime and nighttime navigation | 18 years Official exam and practical training at nautical school Short Range Operator course 12 hours Safety and navigation practical training 16 hours |
| Yacht Skipper (PY) | Motor: 24 meters Sail: 24 meters (complementary practical training 24 hours) Jet skis: Yes | The approved power for the vessel | Up to 150 miles from the coast Daytime and nighttime navigation | 18 years Hold the PER Official exam and practical training at nautical school Short Range Operator course 12 hours Safety and navigation practical training 48 hours |
| Yacht Captain (CY) | Motor: 24 meters Sail: 24 meters (complementary practical training 24 hours) Jet skis: Yes | The approved power for the vessel | Unlimited distance Daytime and nighttime navigation | 18 years Hold the Yacht Skipper license Official exam and practical training at nautical school Short Range Operator course 12 hours Safety and navigation practical training 48 hours |
