Maritime certifications in Spain 2026: complete guide

First things first: professional vs recreational

I get a lot of questions like "can I work on a yacht with just a PER?". Short answer: no. The PER, PNB and other recreational certifications are for sailing for pleasure — they don't qualify you for paid work.

If you want to work, you need a professional certification. Spain's system is managed by the DGMM (Directorate General of the Merchant Navy) and issued through the Capitanías Marítimas. On Yemplea, each offer specifies exactly which certification you need — so you don't waste time applying to positions you don't qualify for.

Professional certifications

PPER — Professional Recreational Vessel Skipper

This is the entry-level professional certification. It qualifies you to skipper recreational vessels up to 24 meters within the coastal navigation zone (up to 12 nautical miles from shore).

• Requirements: 18 years old, ISM medical certificate, STCW Basic, FSI, Restricted Radio Operator (ORR), navigation practices.
• Approximate cost: €1,500 – €2,500 (including mandatory courses).
• Training duration: 2-3 months combining theory and practice.
• Ideal for: charter yacht skippers, recreational vessels in the Balearics.

PEL — Coastal Vessel Skipper

One step above PPER. It allows skippering professional vessels beyond coastal navigation, into littoral waters.

• Requirements: prior PPER + accredited days at sea + Capitanía exam.
• Ideal for: skippers who need greater navigation autonomy.

Yacht Skipper (PY)

A certification that allows governing recreational vessels up to 24 meters with no distance limitation from shore. It's recreational but carries significant weight in the industry.

• Requirements: prior PER + practices + extended theoretical exam.
• Cost: €800 – €1,200.

Yacht Captain (CY)

The highest recreational certification. Allows governing any recreational vessel with no length or distance limits. Highly valued on large yachts.

• Requirements: Yacht Skipper + ocean navigation practices + advanced exam.
• Cost: €1,000 – €1,500.

STCW Basic — the universal certification

STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) is an international IMO convention that sets minimum training standards for seafarers. The basic module is mandatory for any professional position on board, regardless of department.

It includes four modules:

• Sea survival and personal safety techniques
• Fire prevention and firefighting
• Elementary first aid
• Personal safety and social responsibilities

Duration: 5 days (40 hours). Cost: €400 – €700. Validity: 5 years (renewable with refresher).

ISM Medical Certificate

Issued by the Instituto Social de la Marina, it's mandatory for all maritime workers. Obtained at ISM offices after a medical examination. Low cost or free. Valid for 2 years.

Complementary documents

• Initial Health Training (FSI): mandatory course for most professional certifications.
• Restricted Radio Operator (ORR): required for PPER. Qualifies you to operate GMDSS radio equipment.
• Navigation Log Book: records your navigation hours and is needed for certification progression.

Which certification do I need for my position?

• Skipper: PPER minimum + ISM + STCW
• Deckhand: First Class Sailor + ISM + STCW Basic
• Stewardess: ISM + STCW Basic
• Chef: Culinary training + ISM + FSI
• Engineer: Naval motorist certification + ISM + STCW

On Yemplea you can upload all your certifications to your profile and the system automatically checks your compatibility with each job offer. My advice: get the PPER as soon as possible if you want to be a skipper. It's the investment that opens the most doors in the Balearics.