Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of 11 June 2026, from the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine, establishing the syllabus and date of the second call for the exam to obtain the professional skipper certificate for recreational vessels |
|---|---|
| Publication | 20 July 2026 |
| Entry into force | 20 July 2026 |
| Affected parties | Yacht Captains wishing to obtain the professional skipper certificate for recreational vessels |
| Category | Public Sector |
| Reference regulation | Royal Decree 269/2022 |
| Calling body | General Directorate of the Merchant Marine (DGMM), Ministry of Transport |
| Prior requirement | Yacht Captain certificate issued by the DGMM or by an Autonomous Community |
Yacht Captains who want to enable their professional activity in the nautical sector have a new opportunity in 2026. The Resolution of 11 June 2026 from the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine convenes the second exam of the year to obtain the professional skipper certificate for recreational vessels, regulated in Royal Decree 269/2022.
This certificate is the step that separates a Yacht Captain from being able to work as a paid professional skipper in the nautical recreation sector. Without it, professional activity is not enabled, regardless of the nautical qualifications one may have.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution sets the official syllabus and the date of the second 2026 exam for the professional skipper certificate for recreational vessels. Furthermore, it expressly replaces annexes II, III and IV of the previous call, published in January 2026, thus updating the current framework for this selection process.
Official exam syllabus
The exam covers the following subjects, as established by the resolution:
- Maritime legislation
- Maritime safety
- Rescue
- Marine pollution
- Radio communications
- Regulations on recreational vessels
Comparison with the previous call (January 2026)
| Aspect | January 2026 call | Second 2026 call |
|---|---|---|
| Annexes II, III and IV | In force according to January 2026 resolution | Replaced by this resolution |
| Exam date | First call of the year | Second call of the year |
| Regulatory framework | Royal Decree 269/2022 | Royal Decree 269/2022 (no changes) |
Registration methods
| Method | Channel | Technical requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Transport | No digital certificate required |
| In-person | Enabled administrative registries | Physical submission of documentation |
Economic and operational impact
For nautical professionals, this certificate has a direct impact on their ability to generate income. Without the professional skipper certificate for recreational vessels, a Yacht Captain cannot engage in paid activity as a skipper in the nautical recreation sector, which limits their access to a growing market: nautical charter, sailing schools, vessel rental companies with skipper, among others.
From an operational perspective, the call presents a relevant advantage: online registration does not require a digital certificate, eliminating a frequent barrier in dealings with the Administration. This speeds up the process for candidates and reduces management times.
For companies in the nautical sector (charter companies, nautical schools, recreation operators), having professionals with this certificate is a requirement to operate with legal guarantees. The opening of a new call expands the pool of qualified professionals available in the market.
Who does it affect?
- Yacht Captains with a certificate issued by the DGMM or by an Autonomous Community who wish to enable their paid professional activity in the nautical sector.
- Nautical professionals who already passed the first 2026 call and did not obtain a place, or who could not apply in January.
- Nautical charter companies that need to incorporate qualified professional skippers.
- Nautical schools and recreation operators that require personnel with the current certificate to comply with sector regulations.
- Nautical preparation academies that must update their programs according to the official syllabus published in this resolution.
Practical example
A Yacht Captain with a certificate issued by an Autonomous Community wants to work as a paid skipper in a nautical charter company during the summer season of 2026. To do so, he needs the professional skipper certificate for recreational vessels.
Thanks to this second call, he can register directly through the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Transport without needing a digital certificate, which simplifies the process. He prepares for the exam on the six subjects of the official syllabus (maritime legislation, safety, rescue, pollution, radio communications and recreation regulations) and, if he passes, obtains the certificate that enables him to work professionally.
Without this certificate, even if he holds the Yacht Captain certificate, he could not work as a paid professional skipper, which would prevent him from accessing contracts in the nautical recreation sector.
What should professionals do now?
- Verify the prior requirement: Check that you have the Yacht Captain certificate issued by the DGMM or by an Autonomous Community. Without this certificate, you cannot take the exam.
- Check the exact exam date: The resolution establishes the date of the second 2026 call. Review the resolution published in the BOE to confirm the specific day.
- Complete online registration: Access the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Transport to register. No digital certificate is needed, which simplifies the process. It is also possible to register in person at enabled administrative registries.
- Prepare the official syllabus: Study the six subjects established in this resolution: maritime legislation, safety, rescue, pollution, radio communications and regulations on recreational vessels.
- Companies in the sector: Identify if any staff member needs this certificate to perform their duties and provide them with information about the call.
Frequently asked questions
What prior requirement do I need to take the professional skipper exam for recreational vessels?
It is essential to have the Yacht Captain certificate, issued either by the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine (DGMM) or by an Autonomous Community. Without this certificate, you cannot access the exam, regardless of other nautical qualifications you may have.
How do I register for the second 2026 call of the professional skipper exam?
Registration can be done in two ways: online through the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Transport, without the need for a digital certificate, or in person at the enabled administrative registries. The online method is the most efficient as it does not require a digital certificate.
What subjects are covered in the 2026 professional skipper exam for recreational vessels?
The official syllabus established in this resolution includes six blocks: maritime legislation, maritime safety, rescue, marine pollution, radio communications and regulations on recreational vessels.
Does this call change anything compared to the January 2026 call?
Yes. This resolution expressly replaces annexes II, III and IV of the previous January 2026 call. The reference regulatory framework continues to be Royal Decree 269/2022, but the updated annexes are those published in this second call.
What happens if I work in the nautical sector without the professional skipper certificate?
Without the professional skipper certificate for recreational vessels, it is not possible to legally work as a paid professional skipper in the nautical recreation sector, even if you have the Yacht Captain certificate. This certificate is the enabling requirement for professional activity in this field, according to Royal Decree 269/2022.
Official source
Check 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-2026-15822