RYA vs Spanish Boat Licence 🇬🇧 vs 🇪🇸 – The Truth Explained

Confused about whether your RYA licence is valid in Spain? You’re not alone. Let’s clear it up properly 👇

⚓ The Short Answer

👉 RYA qualifications are recognised in Spain
👉 BUT… if you are a Spanish resident, you may still need a Spanish licence

📜 What Spanish Law Says

According to the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE):

• RYA qualifications are officially recognised
• They define what vessels you can operate and how far offshore

🧭 Examples:

• Yachtmaster Offshore → up to 24m / 150 miles
• Day Skipper → up to 24m / 12 miles
• Powerboat Level 2 → up to 10m / 5 miles

✅ This means Spain understands and accepts the level of your training

⚠️ The Catch (Important)

Recognition does NOT always equal legal use.

👉 If you are living in Spain (resident):

• You are generally expected to hold a Spanish licence
• Especially for Spanish-flagged private boats

🇪🇸 Spanish Licence Options

• Licencia de Navegación
• PER (most common) ✅
• Patrón de Yate

👉 For trips like Dénia to Ibiza 🌊 → PER or higher is expected

🚤 When RYA IS Enough

✅ Chartering a boat

• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• Day Skipper
• Yachtmaster

✅ Foreign-flagged vessel

UK or non-Spanish boats = RYA accepted

✅ Commercial work – UK Flag 🇬🇧

• RYA Powerboat level 2 (Commercially Endorsed)
• RYA Day Skipper (Commercially Endorsed)
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence (Commercially Endorsed)
• Yachtmaster Offshore (Commercially Endorsed)
• Medical (ENG1/ML5)

👮 Reality on the Water

• Charter companies → 👍 no problem
• Marinas → 👍 generally fine
• Authorities → ⚠️ depends on situation

👉 This is where people get caught out

⭐ Best Advice (Simple)

✔ Visiting Spain → RYA is fine
✔ Living in Spain → get PER as backup
✔ Going professional → RYA + Commercial endorsement

👉 Best combo = RYA + Spanish licence = zero issues

🚀 Want To Do It Properly?

Sea School Costa Blanca can help you:

• Get qualified the right way 🎓
• Understand Spanish rules 🇪🇸
• Build real confidence on the water 🌊
• Progress from beginner to professional 🚤

📩 Contact Us – Start Today

📞 +34 622 052 938
📧 info@seaschoolcostablanca.com
🌐 www.seaschoolcostablanca.com
📍 Costa Blanca, Spain

🚤 From Zero to Captain — your journey starts here.