Spain serves as a vital link between both continents as well as a connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It has a distinct history in which different cultures have made their imprints: Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Christians, and Arabs.

When you visit spain and search a boat rental (yadcht charter¬), you should be aware that you will require a proper sailing certification or license to sail a boat.

You want to maneuver in Spain but aren't sure what license you need. Here is a summary of the boating licenses in which you can obtain for you to rent a boat or sail your vessel.

Here are the five different types of boat licenses that will allow you to operate in the Spanish land:
• Navigation License
• Basic Navigation Skipper
• Recreational Boat Skipper
• Yacht Skipper
• Yacht Captain.

The most basic: Navigation license


The Navigation License, commonly known as the Licencia de Navegación, allows you to drive a boat up to 6 meters long and 2 miles from the coast. Because the two theoretical periods do not touch the topic of nighttime navigation, navigation is only allowed between sunrise and dusk. Following those hours, you must spend four hours with a professional skipper on the water from your school.

To take it a step further: Basic Navigation Skipper


The Basic Boat Navigation License — Patrón de Naviación — lets you drive sailboats 8 meters long and up to 5 kilometers from the coast. Another crucial aspect of this license is that you will be assured to navigate all day, especially at night.

Unlike the prior license, you will need to pass a test before you can venture out on your own. You'll also need a general idea of navigation and safety and a practical and theoretical demonstration of radio transmissions.

The most needed: Recreational Boat Skipper


The Recreational Boat License —referred to (PER ) as Patrón de embarcaciones de Recreo — is particularly popular because it is the most comprehensive license and does not need another license to get. You will be permitted to drive a boat in a length of 15metres if you earn this license. The navigation area will be extended up to 12 miles from the coast, allowing you to travel between islands in the Canarian and Balearic archipelagos.

To obtain a recreational boat skipper, you must pass a multiple-choice examination, a 16-hour fundamental navigation and safety skills course, and a 12-hour theoretical and practical short-range radio operator training.

The most spectacular: Yacht Captain


The Captain certification, an expansion of the Yacht License, removes all navigation and length restrictions. It is the most comprehensive non-professional license available. To become Captain, you must first obtain the designation of Yacht Skipper, then pass another theoretical test and complete a 48-hour navigation exercise.

Many questions arise in relation to using a specific boat license over the world. The basic rule is that most states accept the skipper's nationality's license. For example, suppose you're Spanish and are sailing on a Spanish boat. In that case, most countries will understand and acknowledge your Spanish boating license as long as you follow the requirements of the country in which you're navigating.

If you wish to hire a boat in a nation other than your own, you may need additional documentation. The best thing to do is to look up the regulations in that country on the Search engine. Several international certifications exist, such as the ICC (International Certificate of Competence ). However, they are not always valid in all countries.