There are things in life that can become a true passion, such as the sea. Many people, whether because they live on the coast or because they’ve felt that attraction to the blue of the ocean since childhood, would love to dedicate themselves to it or, at the very least, enjoy their free time in that environment. Taking part in active tourism activities like the one we’re proposing here is priceless.
If you’ve ever been on a boat trip and have considered going further by taking the helm yourself, now is the time to make up your mind and obtain a skipper’s licence. Sailing is one of the most rewarding water sports, as it allows you to connect directly with nature and relax in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
Sailing courses will guarantee you countless moments of unforgettable adventure, so that no matter which coast you’re on, you can rent a boat and let the helm guide you. Forget about dull holidays where the beach becomes tedious and boring: it’s time for you to take centre stage.
To become a boat skipper, there are different qualifications. Since each one builds upon the previous, you can choose from the following courses:
Basic Navigation Licence (BNL)
With this qualification, you can handle recreational vessels up to 7.5 metres in length for motorboats or 8 metres for sailboats. However, you cannot venture more than 5 nautical miles from shore, though you are permitted to operate jet skis.
The requirements for this qualification are as follows: be of legal age or at least 16 years old with parental consent; obtain a medical certificate confirming your physical and mental fitness; complete theoretical and practical classes, including radiocommunications training; and apply for the licence.
Recreational Boat Skipper Licence (RBSL)
With this licence, you can command vessels up to 12 metres in length, but you must not exceed a distance of 12 nautical miles from the coast in a straight line. You’ll also be permitted to sail between the Canary and Balearic Islands.
Minimum requirements include being of legal age or at least 16 with parental or guardian consent; passing a medical examination to confirm your fitness for this activity; completing theoretical and practical classes; and applying for the licence.
Yacht Skipper (YS)
This qualification allows you to command both motor and sail vessels up to 20 metres in length. You’ll be able to navigate between the coast and a line 60 nautical miles parallel to it.
Prerequisites: be of legal age, hold the RBSL licence, pass theoretical and practical exams, complete at least 4 hours of radiocommunications training, and pass the medical examination.
Yacht Captain (YC)
There are no restrictions on the type or size of the vessel, allowing you to command recreational motor or sailboats. This is the highest rank you can achieve, provided you’ve previously passed the tests required by the Ministry of Development.
The conditions for obtaining this qualification are as follows: hold the YS licence; be in full physical and mental health, verified by a prior medical examination; be of legal age; pass both theoretical and practical exams, including at least 8 hours of radiocommunications training.
As you can see, becoming a boat skipper or captain is very straightforward—the only thing you need to be clear about is that taking sailing courses is as simple as making the decision. Choose a good sailing school and make your dreams a reality.
