PNB Title: Basic Navigation Pattern

If you like sailing and you are looking into what your options are when it comes to getting a licence that enables you to steer boats, you have probably heard of the PNB or Basic Navigation Skipper. If you want to know everything about this licence, keep reading, we have prepared a complete post to explain everything you need to know.

If you want to get the PNB title in Barcelona At Anclademia we offer you all the facilities.

What is the PNB or Basic Navigation Skipper Certificate?

The PNB or Basic Navigation Skipper title is the most basic title that can be obtained when it comes to steering recreational boats and, therefore, the most appropriate if you are still not very clear about what you need, since it only includes up to topic 6 of PER. Later, and in the event that you want to obtain a more extensive qualification, it is possible to take a bridging course to obtain the title of Recreational Boat Skipper.

What type of boat can be taken with the PNB?

The title of Basic Navigation Skipper qualifies you to govern:

• Recreational motor boats up to 8 metres in length.
• Pleasure sailing vessels up to 8 metres in length (extension).
• All types of jet skis.

There are no power limits on motorboats, but the limit is set by the boat itself.

Are there distance limits when sailing with the PNB?

Since this is the most basic title there is, there is a distance limit from the coastline, which in this case is set at a maximum distance of 5 miles. However, both day and night navigation are permitted.

What are the requirements to obtain the PNB title?

This is the only navigation license that a minor can obtain, provided that he or she is 16 years old and has parental authorization. In addition, a series of requirements must be met, which are detailed below:

• Multiple choice theory exam.
• Radio practices in a simulator (minimum 2 hours, in Anclademia it is 4 hours).
• Navigation practices (8 hours).
• Psychotechnical examination.

How long does it take to obtain the GNP?

It directly depends on the hours of study that you can dedicate to the theoretical part of the course, as well as whether you decide to prepare it in person or remotely on your own. 

At Anclademia we carry out the Mandatory practices every month, in order to take advantage of the Generalitat's calls, which are also monthly, so we are convinced that with good organization and commitment to studying the theoretical part, one month is more than enough to obtain the title.

How many people can I bring with the PNB?

The number of people who can go on board the boat directly depends on what the ddocumentation of the same and not of the employer's title, which only establishes the maximum length. In any case, according to Spanish legislation, up to 12 people can sail on a recreational boat, regardless of its length, so that will be the maximum number.

How much does it cost to obtain the PNB?

The price of the Basic Navigation Skipper title depends directly on whether you only want to steer motor boats or whether you are also interested in sailing boats.

• For motorboats, including 3 theory classes and 8 hours of practice, the price is 209 euros.
• If you also want to learn to sail on a sailing boat, 16 hours of practice on this type of boat are added, and the price would be 418 euros.

What are the practices of the PNB? 

As with any qualification, the PNB qualification practices are aimed at helping students learn to cope with situations they will encounter while sailing in real life.

• Navigation practices: They last 8 hours, divided into two blocks of 4 hours each with a break in between. During this time, you will learn basic issues such as docking and undocking, how to act in the event of a man overboard, aspects of safety at sea, etc.
• Radio practices: these are carried out in an approved simulator with a minimum duration of two hours. At Anclademia we attach great importance to radio practices and, therefore, all our courses include a minimum of 4 hours in the simulator.
• Sailing practices: If you want to learn to steer a sailing boat, you must complete the 16 hours of complementary practice, during which you will learn everything you need to know to sail this type of boat. Unlike the rest of the practices, which are specific to each qualification, the sailing qualification practices only need to be completed once and are valid for the Basic Navigation, PER, Yacht Skipper and Yacht Captain qualifications.

Differences between GNP and PER: Which one to choose?

The biggest difference between the two titles is the size of the ships you can command with each one, as well as the distance from the coast:

• PNB: boats up to 8 metres in length at a distance of up to 5 miles from the coast.
• PER: boats up to 15 metres in length and up to 12 miles from the coast. In addition, this title allows you to take an extension of your qualifications, which would enable you to govern boats up to 24 metres and navigate between the islands of the Canary and Balearic archipelagos.

On the other hand, to obtain the PER it is necessary to be of legal age, while it is possible to obtain the PNB from the age of 16, provided that you have parental authorization.