ES · EN · PT

Spain · Recreational & Professional Qualifications · Yacht / Recreational Craft · Water Sports

Navigation Licence (Spain LN)

Also known as: LN · Navigation License

Entry-level licence for small recreational craft in near-coastal waters in Spain. Limits: up to 6 m length, 2 nautical miles from a harbour of refuge, daytime only.

What you need to perform it

Primary qualification

  • Navigation Licence (RD 875/2014): a 6-hour course (2 theory + 4 safety-and-navigation practice) at an approved nautical school — no DGMM exam.
  • Age: 18, or 16-17 with parental consent.

Basic STCW

Not applicable.

Specific courses

  • Basic theory: limits, basic weather, buoyage and essential COLREG
  • Safety and motor-handling practice at the school

Indicative experience

No prior experience nor a specific medical beyond what the school/federation requires (verify); it is the first rung of the recreational ladder.

Observations

It does not expire and does not cover sail. Full recreational ladder: Navigation Licence → PNB → PER → Yacht Skipper → Yacht Captain. Working professionally requires moving to the professional titles (PPER or the merchant/fishing scales).

What this role does

DepartmentWater Sports
GroupRecreational Nautical Licences
Role typeRecreational licence
Reports toN/A
SupervisesNot applicable

The entry door to Spanish recreational boating: obtained in one day, without an exam, through a course at an approved school. It licenses motor craft up to 6 metres in daytime navigation within 2 miles of a port, marina or shelter, and personal watercraft where the class rules allow it (verify class).

Typical watches

  • Daytime navigation only

Key responsibilities

  • Government of motorized pleasure boats up to 6 m in length.
  • Navigation in an area close to the port (up to 2 nm).
  • Government of class C jet skis (complementary attribution).

Operational scope

  • Motor boat ≤ 6 m
  • Area ≤ 2 nm from the port
  • Daytime navigation only

Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.