Official merchant marine exams 2026: what changes in the call

Key data

Aspiring candidates for four merchant marine officer titles in Spain face changes in the 2026 exam call. The Resolution of April 6, 2026 from the General Directorate of Merchant Marine modifies the original call published on January 14, 2026, reference BOE-A-2026-8261.

The direct impact falls on those who had already registered for the professional proficiency tests. The original terms may have varied and taking the tests without verifying the changes could have immediate practical consequences.

What does this regulation establish?

The April 2026 resolution modifies the call for professional proficiency tests for obtaining four official nautical titles. These titles qualify individuals to work as officers aboard merchant ships in Spain.

The four titles affected by the modification are:

• Second Pilot of merchant marine
• Second Engineer Officer of merchant marine
• Second Radio Officer of merchant marine
• Electrotechnical Officer of merchant marine

According to available information, the modification may affect one or more of the following elements of the original call:

• Dates for holding the tests
• Venues where exams are held
• Access requirements or required documentation
• Registration procedures or test development procedures

The modification resolution does not entirely replace the original call: it complements and corrects specific aspects of it. Both resolutions must be read together.

Economic and operational impact

This modification does not generate direct costs for maritime sector companies, but it does have relevant operational consequences for candidates and for shipping companies and enterprises that manage the qualification of their personnel aboard.

The specific operational impacts are:

• Registered candidates: Need to verify that their registration data remains valid under the new terms. A change in venue or date may require adjustments in travel, accommodation or work permits already planned.
• Shipping companies and shipowners: If they have crew members pending obtaining or renewing these titles to fill regulatory positions aboard, a delay in obtaining the title due to not adapting to the changes could affect crew planning.
• Nautical schools and training centers: May need to update the information they provide to their students about test conditions.

The cost of not reviewing the changes can result in the inability to take the tests in the 2026 call, which would require waiting for the next annual call to obtain the title.

Who does it affect?

• Aspiring Second Pilots of merchant marine registered in the 2026 call
• Aspiring Second Engineer Officers registered in the 2026 call
• Aspiring Second Radio Officers registered in the 2026 call
• Aspiring Electrotechnical Officers of merchant marine registered in the 2026 call
• Shipping companies and shipowners with crew members pending official qualification to fill regulatory crew positions
• Nautical schools and maritime training centers that prepare candidates for these tests
• HR and qualification departments of maritime-port sector companies

Practical example

A candidate who registered in January 2026 for the Second Pilot tests at a specific venue, with an exam date planned, may find that the April modification has changed that date or venue.

If that candidate does not review the modified resolution (BOE-A-2026-8261) before the originally scheduled date, they may show up at the wrong place or time and miss the call. Given that these tests have annual frequency, the real cost of that error is a one-year delay in obtaining the title, with the corresponding impact on their professional career or on the crew planning of the shipping company that employs them.

The same applies to the other three titles called: Second Engineer Officer, Second Radio Officer and Electrotechnical Officer. Any change in documentary requirements could also affect the validity of the registration already made.

What should candidates do now?

1. Consult the modified resolution in the BOE (reference BOE-A-2026-8261, published on April 14, 2026) to identify exactly what terms have changed from the original January 2026 call.
2. Compare the new terms with those of the registration made: verify if dates, venues, documentary requirements or test development procedures have changed.
3. Contact the General Directorate of Merchant Marine if there are doubts about whether the registration remains valid or if it is necessary to update any data or document.
4. Update logistical planning if dates or venues have changed: travel, accommodation, work permits or boarding permits.
5. Inform the employer or shipping company of any relevant changes in the title acquisition schedule, especially if it affects coverage of regulatory positions aboard.