Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of September 14, 2026, from the Directorate General of Merchant Marine |
|---|---|
| Publication | October 28, 2026 |
| Entry into force | October 28, 2026 |
| Recognized center | E.T.S. Náutica e Máquinas (A Coruña) |
| Recognized qualifications | 4 official qualifications (2 degrees + 2 masters) |
| Regulatory framework | STCW Convention and Royal Decree 269/2022 |
| Prior audit | ACSUG, May 2025 (favorable result) |
| Recognition validity | 5 years (mandatory renewal) |
| Category | Education / Merchant Marine |
| Year | 2026 |
Students of ETS Náutica e Máquinas de A Coruña have had direct access to Merchant Marine professional titles and cards since October 28, 2026. The Resolution of September 14, 2026 from the Directorate General of Merchant Marine formalizes the center's recognition to provide training in accordance with the STCW Convention, eliminating the need for subsequent homologations that until now could delay the labor market insertion of graduates.
This recognition is not automatic: it is based on documentary verification of the center's file and on the favorable audit conducted by ACSUG in May 2025. Maintenance of the status is conditioned on continuous compliance with Royal Decree 269/2022 and requires renewal every five years.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution enables ETS Náutica e Máquinas to teach four university qualifications with direct validity for professional practice in the Merchant Marine:
| Qualification | Level | Professional scope |
|---|---|---|
| Degree in Nautical Science and Maritime Transport | University degree | Bridge command / navigation |
| Degree in Naval Machinery | University degree | Engine room / propulsion |
| Master's in Marine Engineering | University master's | Advanced naval engineering |
| Master's in Nautical Science and Maritime Transport | University master's | Maritime management and direction |
In addition to the qualifications, the center is enabled to teach competency certificate courses in accordance with the STCW Convention. Among the subjects covered are:
- Basic safety
- Fire fighting
- Tanker operations
- Maritime security
All these certificates have direct recognition for professional practice in Spanish and international Merchant Marine, without the need for additional administrative procedures.
Economic and operational impact
The most direct impact is the elimination of homologation costs and timeframes for center graduates. Until now, a graduate who wanted to work in the Merchant Marine had to initiate an additional recognition procedure with the Directorate General of Merchant Marine. With this recognition, that procedure disappears.
For shipping companies and maritime sector enterprises based or operating in Galicia, this expands the pool of available candidates with directly valid qualifications, without the need to verify pending homologations in selection processes.
For the center itself, the recognition has a validity of 5 years, which requires maintaining the standards of Royal Decree 269/2022 continuously. Non-compliance with these requirements could result in loss of recognition and, consequently, invalidation of the direct qualification pathway for enrolled students.
Who does it affect?
- Current and future students of the degrees and master's programs at ETS Náutica e Máquinas de A Coruña: their qualifications have direct professional validity in the Merchant Marine.
- Nautical and naval machinery professionals in Galicia seeking to update or complete their training with STCW competency certificate courses.
- Shipping companies and maritime sector enterprises hiring personnel qualified by this center: they can incorporate candidates without verifying additional homologations.
- HR departments in the naval and maritime sector in Galicia: simplification of qualification validation processes.
- The teaching center itself: is obligated to maintain the requirements of Royal Decree 269/2022 and to undergo recognition renewal every five years.
Practical example
A student who completes the Degree in Nautical Science and Maritime Transport at ETS Náutica e Máquinas de A Coruña in the 2026-2027 academic year will be able to directly request their Merchant Marine professional title from the Directorate General, without needing to open a separate homologation file.
Similarly, an active professional who takes the fire fighting or tanker operations competency certificate course at the center will obtain a certificate with immediately recognized STCW validity, valid for working on vessels under Spanish and international flags. Before this recognition, that same certificate might have required additional validation with the maritime administration.
What should companies do now?
- Update qualification validation criteria in selection processes: titles issued by ETS Náutica e Máquinas de A Coruña are directly valid for the Merchant Marine as of October 28, 2026, without requiring additional homologation documentation.
- Review internship agreements and collaboration agreements with the center: the recognition strengthens the value of graduates and can be an argument for formalizing or expanding talent acquisition agreements.
- Verify that STCW competency certificates issued by the center (basic safety, fire fighting, tanker operations, maritime security) are accepted without additional procedures in internal incorporation processes.
- For the center itself: establish a system to monitor continuous compliance with Royal Decree 269/2022 and plan in advance for recognition renewal before the 5-year period expires.
Frequently asked questions
Are ETS Náutica de A Coruña titles already valid for working in the Merchant Marine without homologation?
Yes, as of October 28, 2026. The Resolution from the Directorate General of Merchant Marine recognizes the center to teach the four titles (Degree in Nautical Science and Maritime Transport, Degree in Naval Machinery, Master's in Marine Engineering, and Master's in Nautical Science and Maritime Transport) with direct validity to obtain Merchant Marine professional titles and cards, without additional homologation procedures.
What STCW competency certificate courses can the center teach?
The center is enabled to teach basic safety, fire fighting, tanker operations, and maritime security courses, among others. All these certificates comply with the STCW Convention and have direct recognition for professional practice in the Merchant Marine.
How long does the recognition last and what happens if it is not renewed?
The recognition has a validity of 5 years. It is conditioned on continuous maintenance of the requirements of Royal Decree 269/2022. If the center does not comply with these requirements or does not renew the recognition within the deadline, it could lose the authorization, which would affect the direct validity of titles for students enrolled at that time.
What audit supported this recognition?
The recognition is based on documentary verification of the center's file and on the favorable audit conducted by ACSUG (Agency for Quality of the Galician University System) in May 2025.
Does this recognition affect graduates prior to October 28, 2026?
The resolution does not establish retroactive effects on prior graduates. The recognition enables the center to teach training with direct validity from its entry into force. Prior graduates who had not completed the recognition process with the Directorate General of Merchant Marine should consult their individual situation with the center or with the Directorate General itself.
Official source
Consult complete regulation at official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-22593
