Getting a Motor Boat License in Spain
This article is written mainly for non-Spanish nationals who are either living in Spain or visiting the country and want to obtain a boat license. If you are a Spanish national and you’re not living abroad, you’ll need to get a Spanish qualification. Non-Spanish nationals have other options, which we will explore here.
Greenwich Nautica is a Spanish sea school authorized by the Valencian Community, the Region of Murcia, and the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine in Madrid. Our subsidiary, The Boat School Denia, is an RYA-recognized training center in the Valencian Community. With more than 15 years of experience in maritime education, we are well-equipped to help you follow your boating dream!
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), recognized by the UK government, governs sailing, powerboating, and motor cruising.
Do You Need a Boat License in Spain?
Yes, you do. In Spain, a license is required for powerboats over 5 meters in length and for sailboats over 6 meters with engines that exceed 15 horsepower. According to Spanish law (Real Decreto 875 from 2014), boating qualifications from European Economic Community (EEC) member states are valid for their citizens or residents in Spanish waters, giving them the same rights and privileges. This also applies to citizens and residents from certain countries, such as the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
However, qualifications from non-profit organizations, like the International Sailing Schools Association, or those from independent training bodies, such as International Yacht Training (IYT Worldwide), are not accepted for boats under the Spanish flag.
You also need a boating qualification for jet skis, no matter their size or engine power.
Level 1 – Spanish Boat License (Licencia de Navegación)
The Spanish Boat License (Licencia de Navegación) is the most basic qualification in Spain. It allows you to drive powerboats up to 6 meters in length and jet skis of any size and engine capacity. To get this license, you must complete:
- 4 hours of practical training on the water
- 2 hours of theory lessons
- Be at least 16 years old
- Pass a simple medical check-up at a driver’s medical center
The course is available throughout the year in Spanish, English, and French (on demand) in locations including Alicante, Altea, Denia / Javea, Valencia, and Madrid. However, not all locations offer the course all year round, so check the real-time calendar on our website. The Spanish Boat License is open to all nationalities, and we can issue your license using any form of national ID (passport, ID card, etc.).
You can learn more about the Spanish boat license by clicking the link below to access our dedicated website.
RYA Qualifications
Level 2 – Powerboat Level 2
The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is one of the most widely accepted small boat licenses in the world. It is issued by the UK RYA, under the authority of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Authority, and qualifies you to drive a small motorboat in familiar waters by day. Unlike Spanish qualifications, it does not specify an exact maximum boat size or distance from shore. However, Spanish law restricts its use to boats up to 10 meters and within 5 nautical miles from shore.
In Spain, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 is officially valid only for UK citizens (passport holders) and genuine UK residents (including Spanish citizens living in the UK). However, many boat clubs and charter companies will accept this qualification. It’s always a good idea to check with the club or rental company. You can also ask a nautical lawyer (gestor náutico) for advice on compliance.
The course takes two days and includes practical, hands-on training in small groups of up to three people. You’ll receive your certificate immediately after completing the course. If you have completed the Spanish Boat License with us, you can take a short theory course online and complete the Powerboat Level 2 in just one day.
If you meet the requirements, you can also get an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) with your RYA Powerboat Level 2. Check the RYA’s website for more details on eligibility.
While this qualification won’t extend your limit of 10 meters and 5 nautical miles, it will help you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make longer coastal trips and even go out at night.
Introduction to Cruising
The next step is our 8-hour course, “Introduction to Cruising.” This course combines online study with an 8-hour practical session. The online part covers:
- Buoyage and pilotage
- Course to steer
- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)
- Introduction to chart work
- Position fixing
- Safety
- VHF radio
- Weather
The practical part includes a night sail and a longer coastal passage, usually from Denia to Javea. It also provides practice for boat handling in a marina, passage planning, electronic navigation, and an introduction to the DSC functions of a fixed VHF radio. Depending on the time of year, this course is either completed in one 8-hour session or over two days with two 4-hour sessions.
Further Training & International Certification
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is recognized in many countries for recreational boating. If you’re interested in exploring further, the ICC will help expand your boating opportunities internationally.
Spanish Qualifications
If you have a good level of Spanish, you can also get qualifications under the Spanish system. You can choose between:
Patrón de Navegación Básica (PNB)
This qualification allows you to operate boats up to 8 meters, within 5 nautical miles of the coast. It requires a theory exam, a one-day practical course, and a 2-hour radio course.
Patrón de Recreo (PER)
This qualification is for boats up to 15 meters, within 12 nautical miles of the coast. It is similar to the PNB, but includes a longer 8-hour radio course, along with the theory exam and practical course.
The theory exams for these qualifications are scheduled by the maritime authority about three times a year. If you’re curious about the level of difficulty, you can download a sample exam with answers. The answers are underlined.
Sample Exams
Download PNB Sample Exam
Download PER Sample Exam
If you’re considering obtaining the PNB or PER, we offer programs that combine an online theory course with individual one-on-one classes, either face-to-face or via professional videoconferencing. This is an excellent way to prepare, especially if Spanish isn’t your first language.
Please click here to send us a WhatsApp message to find out more about these options.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any questions, please call us. While we may not be able to respond to all emails, we’d be happy to discuss your situation over the phone. You can reach us on WhatsApp.
Caveat
The information in this document is accurate and up-to-date at the time of writing. However, readers should verify all details with original sources. Greenwich Learning is not responsible for any errors or outdated information. It’s the reader’s responsibility to confirm the accuracy of the information provided.
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