Port Pilot Exam 2026: Requirements, Fees and Deadlines for Captains

Key data

Captains of the Merchant Marine who aspire to work as port pilots in Spain have a limited window of time to act: one month from August 6, 2026 to submit their application. The Resolution of July 23, 2026, from the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine, convenes the first part of the professional qualification tests for port pilotage, consisting of exams in English and maritime legislation.

This call is the mandatory gateway for anyone wishing to apply for a port pilot position in any Spanish port. Without passing this first phase, it is not possible to access the specific tests for each port.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution convenes the first part of the professional qualification tests for port pilotage. The process of becoming qualified as a port pilot in Spain is structured in two differentiated phases:

• First part (this call): General knowledge tests, composed of exams in English and maritime legislation. They are held in Madrid in October 2026. A positive result has validity for 4 years.
• Second part (later): Specific tests in each port where the applicant wishes to work. They must be completed after passing the first part and within the 4-year validity period.

The requirements to apply are as follows:

• Be a Captain of the Merchant Marine with valid qualification.
• Demonstrate at least two years of command of vessels exceeding 1,000 GT in the last ten years.

The documentation proving these requirements must accompany the application, along with proof of payment of the fee of 46.68 €. The results of the tests will be published on the notice boards of the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine and the Maritime Captaincies.

Economic and operational impact

The direct cost of this call is modest: 46.68 € in administrative fees. However, the real impact for the applicant goes far beyond that figure, as obtaining port pilot certification means accessing a profession with high remuneration and essential service status in Spanish ports.

From an operational perspective, the key aspects to consider are:

• Tight deadline: There is only one month from publication in the BOE (August 6, 2026) to gather and submit all documentation. Those who do not act in time will have to wait for the next call.
• Travel to Madrid: The tests are held exclusively in Madrid, which implies additional travel and accommodation costs for applicants from other autonomous communities.
• 4-year window: Passing the first part grants a margin of four years to complete the specific port tests. It is a broad deadline, but must be planned in advance according to the desired destination port.
• Technical preparation: The exams cover maritime English and maritime legislation, two areas that require specific preparation, especially for captains who have been away from academic training for some time.

Who does it affect?

• Captains of the Merchant Marine who wish to expand their professional activity towards port pilotage.
• Captains with command experience in vessels over 1,000 GT for at least two years in the last decade.
• Maritime sector professionals who are planning their transition to shore-based positions or port services.
• Pilotage companies and port authorities interested in expanding the number of qualified pilots available in their ports.

Practical example

A Captain of the Merchant Marine with 15 years of experience who has commanded vessels of 3,500 GT over the last five years easily meets the requirement of two years of command in vessels exceeding 1,000 GT in the last ten years.

His roadmap would be as follows:

1. Gathers the documentation proving his qualification and command experience before the deadline expires (approximately September 6, 2026).
2. Pays 46.68 € in fees and submits his application to the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine.
3. Takes the English and maritime legislation exams in Madrid in October 2026.
4. If he passes, he obtains recognition of the first part with validity until October 2030, a period during which he can take the specific tests for the port where he wishes to work.

If he does not submit the application within the one-month deadline, he will have to wait for a new edition of these general tests to be called, with no known date at the moment.

What should applicants do now?

1. Verify compliance with requirements: Check that you have valid Merchant Marine Captain qualification and that you can demonstrate at least two years of command in vessels exceeding 1,000 GT in the last ten years.
2. Gather supporting documentation: Compile command certificates, Captain's license and any other document proving the required experience. Do this with sufficient margin before the deadline expires.
3. Pay the fee of 46.68 €: Make the payment for fees and keep the receipt to attach to the application.
4. Submit the application before the deadline: The deadline is one month from August 6, 2026. Failing to submit the application on time means being excluded from this call.
5. Prepare for the exams: Review maritime English and Spanish maritime legislation with sufficient advance notice before the tests are held in October 2026 in Madrid.
6. Plan your trip to Madrid: Book accommodation and transport in advance if the applicant lives outside Madrid, since the tests are held exclusively in that city.
7. Check results on official notice boards: Once the tests are held, the results will be published on the notice boards of the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine and the Maritime Captaincies.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in 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-2026-17161