Navigation areas and boat design categories

When we obtain a recreational nautical qualification, we find certain limitations related to the boat length and the navigation areaHowever, having the title is not enough to navigate in any area, as there are other essential requirements.

Requirements for sailing in specific areas

1. Appropriate qualification: Each navigation area requires a specific qualification.
2. Safety and pollution prevention equipment: They must comply with the provisions of the Royal Decree 339/2021, which regulates the necessary material according to the area.
3. Boat design category: CE marked vessels are limited by their design category, which determines whether they are suitable for sailing in certain conditions.

Navigation zones: Classification and distances

He Royal Decree 339/2021 defines seven navigation zones, listed according to their distance from the coast:

• Zone 1: Unlimited navigation (category A).
• Zone 2: Up to 60 nautical miles (category B).
• Zone 3: Up to 25 miles (category B).
• Zone 4: Up to 12 miles (category C).
• Zone 5: Up to 5 miles of shelter (category C).
• Zone 6: Up to 2 miles of shelter (category C).
• Zone 7: Protected inland waters (category D).

These zones are defined by the distance from a accessible shelter or beach, understood as places where a vessel can take refuge and its occupants can disembark safely.

Change navigation area

Since 2010, it is no longer necessary to update the certificate of navigability to change the navigation zone. It is the responsibility of the skipper to ensure that the boat has the appropriate safety equipment for the area in which you are sailing, always respecting the limits of the design category.

For pre-1998 boats without CE marking, a technical report is still required to change the zone.

Relationship between nautical qualifications and areas

Each qualification is linked to specific areas:

• Yacht Captain: Unlimited navigation (zone 1).
• Yacht Skipper: Up to 150 miles, equivalent to zones 2 and part of 1.
• PER (Pleasure Craft Skipper): Up to 12 miles (zone 4), with extension to the Balearic Islands through practice.
• PNB (Basic Navigation Pattern): Up to 5 miles (zone 5).
• Navigation License: Up to 2 miles (zone 6).

Design Categories

The categories A, B, C and D determine a vessel's ability to navigate in adverse conditions. Only vessels with CE marking (after 1998) are assigned a design category; earlier ones must be assessed by a naval engineer.

Sailing in specific areas requires more than just a qualification. Compliance with safety requirements and the design category of the vessel are essential to ensure a safe and compliant journey.