What the course is like
The PER, Recreational Boat Skipper, is one of the most complete and popular recreational boating qualifications in Spain.
It is especially suited to people who want to enjoy sailing with far more freedom than the Navigation Licence or the PNB offer, whether to handle their own boat, hire larger boats, make coastal passages or go on to higher qualifications such as Yacht Skipper (PY) and Yacht Captain (CY).
With its basic privileges, the PER allows you to handle recreational motor boats up to 15 metres in length, sail up to a maximum distance of 12 nautical miles from the coast, sail between the islands of the Balearic and Canary archipelagos and ride jet skis.
In addition, with certain additional practical training, the PER's privileges can be extended considerably: you can handle boats up to 24 metres in length, make the crossing between the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands and also obtain the sailing endorsement.
For this reason, the PER is not only an interesting qualification for getting started in sailing: for many sailors it can become a qualification that covers practically all the recreational trips they usually make.
What it lets you do
- Up to 12 milesUnlike the PNB (Basic Navigation Skipper), the PER measures its limit from the coast, not from the nearest port or sheltered spot.
- Up to 15 metres in lengthAny recreational boat that does not exceed that length.
- By day and by nightNo time restriction, with the required navigation lights.
- Jet skisThe qualification also allows you to handle them.
- No power limit
What is included
- Theory training, in person or online, supported by videos
- Basic safety and navigation practical training: 16 hours
- Short Range Radio Operator course: 12 hours in total
- The PNB materials plus rulers, compass and protractor
- Access to the online classroom
- Official exams from previous sessions and revision tests
- Official theory exam feeNot included
- Medical certificateNot included
What you need to sign up
- Be over 18No exceptions: unlike the PNB, the PER cannot be obtained at 16 with parental consent.
- A valid medical certificateIssued by an authorised driver medical centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores). The report is valid for two years and must still be valid when you apply for the qualification to be issued.
- Identity documentAny identity document, as long as it is valid.
- Registration for the official theory exam session
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from the PNB?
The PER extends the length to 15 metres and the distance to 12 miles, and adds chart navigation and the Short Range Radio Operator course.
How many hours of radio training does the PER include?
The Short Range Radio Operator course adds up to 12 hours in total, at least 8 of them practical.
You may also be interested in
Practical training PER navigation training The 16 hours of basic safety and navigation practical training for the PER, available separately. 
Practical training Short Range Radio Operator The radio course that goes with the PER: 12 hours in total, at least 8 of them practical. Alquiler Boat hire in Moraira Small and medium boat hire in Moraira, as part of Moraira Boats Adventures.
