{"id":33607,"date":"2021-12-22T15:01:47","date_gmt":"2021-12-22T15:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oceanautic.es\/without-a-navigation-licence\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T09:15:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T09:15:06","slug":"without-a-navigation-licence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.oceanautic.es\/en\/without-a-navigation-licence\/","title":{"rendered":"Without a Navigation Licence"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Boating regulations 2026<\/p>\n

Boat rental without a licence in M\u00e1laga: what changes from 1 October 2026<\/h1>\n

From 1 October 2026 it is no longer possible to rent a recreational boat without a boating qualification. Here is what the rule says and how you can keep sailing with Oceanautic, with or without a licence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

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What has changed with the new boat rental regulations?<\/h2>\n

From 1 October 2026, renting a recreational boat requires a valid boating qualification.<\/strong> Royal Decree 1188\/2025 of 26 December amends Royal Decree 875\/2014 and limits the exemption for boats of up to 5 metres and 15 HP to private use. Until 30 September 2026 these boats could be rented without a qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Situation<\/th>\nUntil 30 Sep 2026<\/th>\nFrom 1 Oct 2026<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Renting a 5 m boat without a qualification<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Renting with a Navigation Licence<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Renting with a PNB or PER<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Going out with a skipper on board or on an organised trip<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes, no qualification needed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

What are my options if I don’t have a boating qualification?<\/h2>\n

Three ways to enjoy the sea in M\u00e1laga and Benalm\u00e1dena. Choose yours.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/span>No licence \u00b7 with skipper<\/span>Catamaran with skipper<\/strong>Sail with your group without a worry. The skipper is on board.<\/span>Catamaran Rental in M\u00e1laga \u2192<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span>No licence needed<\/span>Boat trip<\/strong>An easy outing along the coast of M\u00e1laga and Benalm\u00e1dena.<\/span>Benalm\u00e1dena Boat Trips \u2192<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span>1-day course \u00b7 \u20ac99<\/span>Get your licence<\/strong>2 hours of theory and 4 of practice, no exam. Then skipper the boat yourself.<\/span>Boating Licence in M\u00e1laga \u2192<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

Can I still rent a boat if I have a Navigation Licence?<\/h2>\n

Yes. With a valid qualification you can rent as usual.<\/strong> The Navigation Licence lets you skipper boats of up to 6 metres, in daylight and up to 2 miles from the coast. See our boats with Navigation Licence<\/a> or see all our Boat Rental in M\u00e1laga<\/a> options and book your trip.<\/p>\n

If you don’t have it yet, the one-day course is the quickest way: Boating Licence in M\u00e1laga<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Boat rental with Navigation Licence<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

Frequently asked questions about boat rental and the new regulations<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>