How to Get Your Boat License in Spain: The Complete Guide for 2025

Getting your boat license in Spain might seem like a complicated process, especially if you're coming from abroad or just getting started with boating. But what if we told you that with the right guidance and the right training center, you can go from complete beginner to confident skipper in just a few days?

In this article, we’ll break down exactly how to get your boat license in Spain in 2025, step by step — including which licenses are accepted internationally, what training involves, and how the International Nautical Academy (INA) in Ibiza helps students from all over the world sail with confidence.

Let’s make sense of it all — clearly, simply, and with real-world advice.

Do You Really Need a Boat License in Spain?

Yes and no. It depends on what kind of boat you want to operate, how far from shore you plan to sail, and whether you’re doing it for leisure or commercially.

In Spain, for very small recreational boats (especially those under 5 meters or with engines under 15hp), you may not need a license at all. But the moment you want to charter a motorboat, rent a sailboat, or operate further from the coastline — a valid license becomes mandatory.

Here's where many aspiring sailors get confused: a Spanish boat license may only be valid within Spain. So if your dream is to charter a yacht in Croatia, cross into French waters, or simply ensure your training is recognised by international insurance and charter companies — you'll need something more robust.

This is why many opt for an internationally recognised boat license, like those offered by International Nautical Academy (INA). Their programs are designed not just to meet Spanish requirements, but to open doors across Europe and beyond.

National vs. International Licenses — What's the Difference?

Spain offers several local boat licenses, such as the “Licencia de Navegación” or the PER (Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo), which are valid under Spanish maritime law. These are typically taught in Spanish and regulated by Spanish authorities.

However, if you’re not a Spanish resident, or if you want to charter outside of Spain, these licenses might not be accepted. That’s a serious limitation if you're planning to explore the Mediterranean or take a sailing holiday abroad.

This is where international certifications, such as those accredited by the International Sailing Schools Association (ISSA), come into play. These licenses are recognised by charter companies in many countries and often preferred by insurers.

INA, based in Ibiza, specializes in exactly this kind of training — offering international boat licenses that allow you to sail with confidence in Spain and worldwide. And since the courses are available in English, French, and Spanish, they’re especially well-suited for non-Spanish speakers looking for clarity and simplicity.

What Kind of License Do You Need?

The answer depends on your sailing goals. Are you planning to rent a small motorboat for coastal cruising? Or do you dream of sailing offshore, perhaps even crossing the Atlantic one day?

INA offers a range of internationally recognised certificates tailored to each goal:

• If you’re a beginner looking for coastal day trips, a Day Skipper License or Powerboat Level 1–2 may be sufficient.

• For more advanced sailors who want to operate larger vessels and go further from shore, the MasterYacht Coastal, Offshore, or even Ocean licenses may be more appropriate.

• Want to work professionally as a skipper or crew member? INA can also guide you through additional endorsements and commercial qualifications.

All these levels combine theoretical learning with hands-on practical training, ensuring you not only pass your exam but actually know how to handle a boat safely and confidently.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Boat License in Spain in 2025

So how do you go from zero to skipper? Here’s how the process works when you train with a professional academy like INA:

Step 1: Choose Your License Level

Start by assessing your goals. If you're new to sailing and want to rent boats during vacations, an entry-level certificate is a great starting point. If you already have some experience or plan to sail longer distances, it’s worth investing in a higher-level license.

INA provides free consultations to help you choose the right course — saving you time, money, and unnecessary repetition later.

Step 2: Complete the Theory Module

Understanding weather systems, navigation charts, maritime safety rules, and international regulations is crucial. That’s why every license includes a theory component.

INA offers the theory course online, so you can complete it before arriving in Spain — at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. The online platform is clear, structured, and designed for practical understanding, even if you’ve never stepped foot on a boat before.

Step 3: Join the Practical Training in Ibiza

Once you’ve completed the theory, you’ll take part in a hands-on training program on the waters around Santa Eulalia, Ibiza. This is where you learn by doing — steering, anchoring, docking, man-overboard drills, and even night sailing for advanced licenses.

The boats are modern, the instructors are multilingual professionals, and the training environment is both safe and inspiring. Many students say it feels more like a sailing vacation than a test.

Step 4: Pass Your Assessment and Receive Your License

After completing the required training hours and demonstrating your skills, you’ll receive your international certification. Your new license is recognised by charter companies, port authorities, and insurance providers — meaning you can start sailing right away.

And the best part? Your certificate is registered in an international database, so it can be verified online — giving you extra peace of mind when booking charters or passing through international marinas.

Why Train with International Nautical Academy?

There are many sailing schools across Spain. But if you're looking for a course that's:

• Internationally recognised

• Taught in your language

• Focused on real-world boating skills

• Delivered in a world-class location with full amenities

... then INA stands out.

Their training base in Ibiza offers more than just courses. Students can stay at Oasis Villas, a fully serviced accommodation complex with a pool, tennis court, and easy access to the marina. Families and friends are welcome, making it ideal for combining learning with leisure.

The academy is also unique in offering charter and rental services for boats, ribs, and catamarans — which means you can test your new skills immediately after certification, or even during the course as part of your training.

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?

The timeline depends on the license you choose. For basic certifications, students can often complete the process in just 3–5 days. For more advanced offshore and ocean levels, plan for a week or more, including longer passages and night training.

Because theory is available online, you can start preparing before you arrive in Spain — saving time and allowing for a more immersive on-water experience once you get to Ibiza.

Final Thoughts: Is Getting Your Boat License in Spain Worth It?

Absolutely — but only if you do it the right way.

If you train with a local Spanish provider and get a license that only works in Spain, you may find yourself limited later on. But if you choose an internationally accredited school like INA, you’re investing in a license that travels with you — one that opens doors across Europe and beyond.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to upgrade your boating skills in 2025, this is your opportunity to combine learning with adventure, and to gain real confidence on the water.

To learn more, view course options, or speak to a sailing advisor, visit: internationalnauticalacademy.com