What is the Recreational Boat Skipper (PER)?
The Recreational Boat Skipper, known by its acronym PER, is the most popular recreational nautical certification in Spain. It allows you to operate vessels up to 15 meters in length and navigate up to 12 miles from the coast (or up to 60 miles if navigating between shelter ports separated by that distance).
It is the ideal certification for those who want to enjoy the sea with full autonomy: rent a boat without a skipper, sail on a sailboat, make trips across the Mediterranean, or simply go fishing with the family without depending on anyone.
Recreational nautical certifications in Spain: which one do I need?
The recreational nautical certification system in Spain is regulated by Royal Decree 875/2014 and establishes four main certifications:
- Navigation License: vessels up to 8 m in length, up to 2 miles from the coast. No official theoretical exam.
- Basic Navigation Skipper (PNB): vessels up to 8 m in length, up to 12 miles from the coast.
- Recreational Boat Skipper (PER): vessels up to 15 m in length, up to 12 miles (or 60 miles between shelter ports).
- Yacht Skipper (PY): vessels up to 24 m in length, navigation without distance limit from the coast.
- Yacht Captain (CY): highest recreational certification, vessels up to 24 m, ocean navigation.
The PER is the most demanded certification because it covers most recreational navigation needs in the Spanish Mediterranean, including yacht and sailboat rentals without a skipper.
Requirements to obtain the PER
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Medical examination: medical certificate of psychophysical fitness (vision, hearing, and general fitness). It can be obtained at medical centers authorized by the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine.
- Theoretical exam: official test before the Maritime Administration (Maritime Captaincy).
- Navigation practice: minimum 8 hours of practice on a boat with a certified instructor.
PER theoretical exam syllabus
The PER theoretical exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions with 4 answer options. A minimum of 30 correct answers (66.6%) is required to pass. The subjects covered are:
- Nomenclature, hull, and equipment: parts of the boat, safety equipment, buoyage.
- Engines: types of marine engines, basic maintenance, common breakdowns.
- Electricity: basic electrical installation, batteries, navigation lights.
- Rigging and sails (for sailboats): types of rigging, basic maneuvers.
- Safety at sea: lifesaving equipment, distress signals, emergency procedures.
- Meteorology: weather report reading, winds, fronts, and weather forecasting.
- Navigation: nautical chart, course, bearings, position, currents, and tides.
- Collision regulations (COLREG): steering and maneuvering rules, lights and marks, sound signals.
- Buoyage: IALA-A system, lateral, cardinal, and special buoys and marks.
- Maritime legislation: recreational regulations, vessel clearance, mandatory insurance.
PER navigation practices
Practical sessions are mandatory and must be done with an authorized nautical school. The legal minimum is 8 hours, although most schools offer 12–16 hour courses to ensure the student is confident for the practical exam. The maneuvers evaluated include:
- Docking and undocking at the pier.
- Anchoring and retrieving the anchor.
- Man overboard (rescue maneuver).
- Navigation with chart and compass.
- Use of VHF and emergency communications.
- Engine handling and maneuvers in port.
How much does it cost to get the PER in 2025?
The total cost of the PER in Spain in 2025 ranges between 400 and 800 €, depending on the school and autonomous community. The approximate breakdown is:
- Theoretical course: 150–300 € (in-person or online).
- Navigation practice (8h): 150–250 €.
- Medical examination: 40–80 €.
- Administrative exam fees: 30–60 €.
- Issuance of the certificate: 30–50 €.
How long does it take to get the PER?
With dedication, it is possible to prepare for the theoretical exam in 4–8 weeks studying part-time. Exams are held periodically at the Maritime Captaincies throughout Spain. Once the theoretical exam is passed, the practical sessions can be completed in a few days. The final certificate usually arrives within 2–4 months after passing all tests.
PER vs. PNB: which to choose?
| Characteristic | PNB | PER |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | 8 m | 15 m |
| Distance from the coast | 12 miles | 12 miles (60 between ports) |
| Yacht rental | No (length limited) | Yes |
| Exam difficulty | Medium | Medium-high |
| Approximate cost | 300–500 € | 400–800 € |
If your goal is to rent yachts or sailboats over 8 meters without a skipper, the PER is the certification you need. The PNB is sufficient for small motorboats and jet skis.
Do you have the PER and want to rent a boat?
With the PER in your pocket, the Mediterranean is yours. If you’re looking for a boat to debut your certification or for a sailing or motor yacht getaway, Caranva Boats offers boat rentals with or without a skipper in Valencia and the Costa Blanca.
- ✅ Fleet of sailboats, motorboats, and yachts.
- ✅ Bare-boat rental for PER holders and above.
- ✅ Routes to Tabarca, Ibiza, Formentera, and the best coves of the Mediterranean.
- ✅ Personalized advice to choose the ideal boat according to your experience.
👉 Check the available fleet at Caranva Boats and plan your next sea adventure.
Frequently asked questions about the PER
Does the PER expire?
No. The PER certificate does not expire, but the medical certificate must be renewed every 5 years (every 3 years for those over 70 years old).
Can I navigate outside Spain with the PER?
Yes. The PER is valid in international waters and is recognized in most Mediterranean and European countries. Navigating in some countries may require an official translation or an ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
Can I rent a yacht with the PER?
Yes, as long as the boat does not exceed 15 meters in length and navigation is within the certification limits. For yachts over 15 m or offshore navigation, the Yacht Skipper (PY) or Yacht Captain (CY) certification is required.
Can the PER course be done online?
The theoretical part can be prepared online with authorized academies. However, the official exam must be taken in person at the Maritime Captaincy, and navigation practice is always conducted in person on a boat.
