Requirements and powers to obtain the title of yacht skipper

If you are passionate about sailing and dream of becoming a yacht skipper, you should know that to obtain this title certain requirements and powers are required. In this article we will explain everything you need to know to obtain the yacht skipper title.

In this previous article we talked about all the titles that exist for pleasure boats.

What is the title of yacht skipper?

The yacht skipper title is a certification that certifies that its holder has the necessary knowledge and skills to govern a pleasure boat of up to 24 meters in length, in day and night navigation, up to a maximum distance of 150 nautical miles from the coast.

The title is issued by the maritime authorities and is an essential requirement to be able to govern a pleasure boat Large size.

Regulation of the title of Yacht Master

In Spain, the title of Yacht Skipper is regulated by the General Directorate of the Merchant Navye, which is an organization dependent on the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda.

In Europe, Each country has its own regulatory authority for the title of Yacht Skipper. However, there is a homologation system between the member countries of the European Union, which allows degrees issued in one country to be recognized in the other EU countries.

At a global level, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the entity in charge of establishing international norms and standards for the training and certification of seafarers, including yacht skippers. In addition, the IMO is responsible for maritime safety, the protection of the marine environment and the regulation of international maritime trade.

Requirements to obtain the yacht skipper title

To obtain the title of yacht skipper, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:

1. Be over 18 years old

It is essential to be over 18 years of age to obtain the yacht skipper title.

2. Pass the theoretical exam

The theoretical exam is a test of knowledge about navigation, safety, meteorology, communications and maritime legislation. This exam is necessary to evaluate the theoretical knowledge of the aspiring yacht skipper.

The exam consists of a minimum of 45 questions and the minimum grade necessary to pass it is 50% of the total score.

3. Accredit navigation practices

It is necessary to carry out a minimum of 48 hours of navigation practices, distributed over at least two crossings. During the internship, the applicant must demonstrate their practical navigation, maneuvering and safety skills on board.

The practices must be carried out in a recreational boat, and be supervised by a skipper authorized to carry out these practices.

4. Pass the medical examination

It is essential to pass a medical examination that certifies that the aspiring yacht skipper is in adequate physical and mental condition to steer a pleasure boat. Here you have more information about the medical certificates in nautical.

What are the responsibilities of the title of Yacht Skipper?

Once the yacht skipper title has been obtained, its holder is authorized to:

Boats up to 24 meters

The Yacht Skipper has the ability to govern motorized pleasure boats up to 24 meters in length.

Distance to thing 150 nautical miles

This ability allows you to navigate in the area between the coast and a line parallel to it, drawn at a distance of 150 nautical miles.

In addition, the holder of the title also has powers to jet ski government, within the specific navigation limits applicable to them, in accordance with their technical characteristics.

It is important to highlight that the Yacht Skipper must be trained to handle any type of motorized recreational boat, regardless of its size or complexity. Likewise, you must know the rules and regulations applicable to navigation in the area where you intend to navigate.

Annexed Powers for the Yacht Skipper

Recreational nautical qualifications allow you to govern non-commercial vessels. The qualifications attached to recreational nautical titles, applicable to holders of yacht captain, yacht master and pleasure boat master titles, grant additional powers in certain situations:

1. Supply transportation: The licensees can provide supply transportation services in internal maritime waters and Spanish territorial sea up to a maximum distance of five miles from the port, marina, marina or beach of departure, using pleasure boats and jet skis, directed to other vessels. or pleasure vessels.
2. Maneuvers in ports and beachess: They can carry out docking, anchoring, towing or moving pleasure boats within the waters corresponding to ports, marinas, marinas or beaches. The transfer of vessels to another port or place is also permitted, as long as the navigation does not exceed five nautical miles from the coast.
3. sea trials: They are authorized to carry out sea trials on pleasure boats and jet skis.
4. Government of lifesaving vessels: They can govern boats intended for lifeguarding on beaches.

Additionally, holders of yacht captain and yacht master titles can skipper pleasure boats transporting up to 6 passengers for tourist excursions and recreational fishing, up to a maximum distance of five miles from the departure point.

The attached authorizations authorize the holders to carry out these activities in recreational vessels that they are authorized to govern, including those registered on the 6th list, always respecting the required safety conditions.

A number of passengers or a volume of cargo greater than that designed for the vessel cannot be transported, and in no case can the number of passengers exceed 6 people.

In addition, they can carry out activities on jet skis, as long as the distance from the starting point does not exceed five miles, no more passengers are transported than those indicated by the manufacturer and the load does not exceed 50 kilos.