The Government of Cantabria has scheduled for the months of January and June 2027 the ordinary theoretical exams necessary to obtain the nautical qualifications required for the handling of recreational boats.
According to the order from the Ministry of Fisheries published this Thursday in the Official Bulletin of Cantabria, the tests will allow obtaining the titles of yacht captain, yacht skipper, recreational boat skipper (PER), and basic navigation skipper (PNB).
The call includes two ordinary sessions, one in January and another in June, and details the requirements, deadlines, and procedures that must be met by those wishing to take the exams.
The first batch of tests will be held, presumably, between January 25 and 29, while the second is scheduled between June 7 and 11.
The exams will be conducted at the Nautical-Fishing Training Center or at other facilities that may be designated by the boards constituted for their development.
The definitive dates and the places assigned to each qualification will be disseminated at least two weeks in advance on the notice board of the Nautical-Fishing Training Center and on the electronic board of the Government of Cantabria's headquarters.
Additionally, "if circumstances make it advisable," the regional administration may organize extraordinary exams throughout 2027.
Registration deadlines and requirements
Those wishing to participate in the January call must register their application between November 2 and 20, 2026, while for the June call, the registration period will extend from April 5 to 23, 2027.
Applications will only be valid for the specific call to which they are addressed and must be accompanied by the required documentation within the set deadlines, which will be non-extendable.
Registration can be formalized at the Secretariat of the Nautical-Fishing Training Center, dependent on the General Directorate of Fisheries and Food, at Severiano Ballesteros street, s/n, in the Promontory of San Martín, in Santander, or at any of the legally accepted registries.
The Secretariat will collect registrations from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
In general, it is required that applicants have reached 18 years of age on the date of the examinations. However, minors under 16 years old are allowed to present themselves for the basic navigation license, provided they submit written authorization from their parents or guardians.
Along with the application, candidates must attach a copy of their ID card, residence card, or passport, as well as the original proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
Those who have already passed part of the yacht master or yacht captain program in Cantabria will have to provide the certificates of the approved exercises so that they can be recognized.
Likewise, applicants who already hold a nautical qualification and wish to access the immediately higher one must present a certified copy of the title or nautical identity card.
The order also includes a specific pathway for those opting for the recreational boat license who already hold the basic navigation license or have passed the corresponding exam at the Nautical-Fishing Training Center in certain convocations.
In these cases, they may opt, if they request it, for a reduced exam modality that covers only theoretical units 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, provided they meet the requirements set in the call at the time of submitting the application.
Publication of grades and institutional value
The grades will be made public on the notice board of the Nautical-Fishing Training Center and on the electronic notice board of the regional Executive headquarters.
Participants will have 15 business days from the day after the publication of the results to submit any claims they deem appropriate.
The minister of the branch, María Jesús Susinos, has emphasized the importance of bringing these qualifications closer to all individuals interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in recreational navigation, "an activity closely linked to our condition as a maritime community."
"Cantabria has an important maritime tradition and culture and excellent conditions for the practice of recreational navigation, which is why the Government wants to continue offering maximum facilities for those who wish to obtain these qualifications to do so with all guarantees and in accordance with current regulations," she emphasized in a statement.
The counselor has also highlighted the work carried out by the Nautical-Fishing Training Center in the preparation and organization of these tests.
For the counselor, "ensuring a rigorous, transparent, and accessible procedure is essential for these qualifications to be obtained with all guarantees and to continue promoting safe and responsible navigation."