With the holidays fast approaching, or even just a weekend getaway, you're probably itching to head to the beach. From there, you can watch the pleasure boats come and go. Have you considered renting a boat and setting sail? You probably have, but to do so, you'll need the appropriate nautical qualifications. Obtaining a recreational boating license is easier than you might think: you just need to pass a course at a qualified training center, like Alfa Náutica.
With a nautical qualification, you can acquire the knowledge you need for happy, safe, and responsible sailing. Imagine yourself piloting a boat along the Valencian coast, already possessing basic knowledge of navigation and maritime regulations, first aid, and more? It will undoubtedly be a wonderful experience that you can repeat as often as you like. Now, here are the different types of nautical qualifications available.
If you have no prior sailing experience and want to gain the credibility and confidence to operate a recreational boat, the basic boating license is essential. Until 2014 it was called the "titulín," but now it's known as the navigation license, with the added benefit of no longer limiting engine power.
During the course to obtain your LN (Navigator License), you will learn everything from the basics of navigation and safety at sea. It also includes important knowledge such as handling emergency situations, first aid, and more. The courses are short, with more practical hours than theory.
This boating license grants you the authority and knowledge to operate recreational vessels up to 6 meters in length. Another requirement is that you must navigate during daylight hours and for a distance of up to 2 nautical miles. An additional advantage of the LN is that it is a prerequisite for operating Class C personal watercraft. You must be at least 16 years old to obtain this license.
The PER (Recreational Craft Skipper's License) is the license required to skipper recreational vessels. It's one of the most sought-after qualifications, and in addition to operating Class C jet skis, it also allows you to navigate up to 2 nautical miles offshore. This course covers everything from advanced safety topics, including nautical terminology, knots and moorings, anchoring equipment, maneuvers, regulations, buoyage, meteorology, and even how to prevent collisions.
This refers to the Basic Navigation Skipper's Certificate (PNB), which allows you to operate recreational vessels up to 8 meters in length and a maximum distance of 5 nautical miles. It also includes personal watercraft (jet skis). The PNB permits both daytime and nighttime navigation. You must be over 18 years old to obtain this certificate and complete a PNB radiocommunications course. This includes 8 hours of basic safety and navigation training, as well as a medical examination.
This is the Yacht Skipper's Certificate, which is extremely important if you want to captain or operate vessels up to 24 meters in length. This navigation license allows you to sail up to 150 nautical miles from the coast. One of the requirements is that you already hold your Recreational Skipper's Certificate (PER) and have passed the corresponding exam. In addition to the above, the Yacht Skipper's Certificate allows you to provide professional services related to navigation, including tourism and recreational fishing.
At Alfa Náutica, we offer the courses mentioned above, as well as the option to rent a recreational boat suited to your skill level or license. You'll be able to navigate safely and responsibly, know what to do in case of unexpected events, and gain confidence and security when facing challenges. And of course, you'll have a lot of fun in this wonderful nautical world.
For more information, please fill out the form on our website. Alfa Náutica is located in La Marina de Valencia, C/ de la Serradora, 15, ground floor, 46022 Valencia, Spain. You can also call us at +34 610 21 19 98 or email us at info@alfanautica.com
Going out to sea is a fun, adventurous, and dynamic experience. You've probably sailed on a skippered boat in Valencia yourself and had a great time. You may have even imagined yourself sailing and steering the ship. Don't let this just be a dream…