The Licencia in brief
Governing: RD 875/2014 art. 11 (wording since RD 238/2019); RD 259/2002 art. 5.2. Builds on: L1.1, L1.2.
What it covers
Article 11 of RD 875/2014 sets out the Licencia in one sentence. Broken down:
| Item | Licencia de Navegación |
|---|---|
| Boats | Recreational craft up to 6 m |
| Engine | Power "adecuada" to the boat, per its manufacturer: no fixed CV limit |
| Jet skis | Yes, with no power limit (RD 259/2002 art. 5.2) |
| Distance | Up to 2 nm in any direction from a port, marina or shelter |
| Time | Daylight navigation only |
| Age | 18, or 16 with written consent from parents or guardians |
| Exam | None: course only |
The law describes it as guaranteeing "the minimum knowledge necessary". Take that literally.
What it does not cover
- Anything over 6 m. A 6.5 m RIB needs a PNB.
- Night. For a jet ski the window is even narrower: one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset.
- More than 2 nm from shelter. Crossing a wide bay can take you outside the limit even though you never feel far from land.
- Inter-island passages. Ibiza to Formentera is PER territory.
- Carrying paying passengers or any commercial use. It is a recreational permit.
- Sailing yachts in general. The Licencia is not a sailing title; sail ≤6 m for sporting use needs no title anyway.
CAUTION — Suitable power is the builder's figure "Potencia adecuada" means within what the manufacturer rates the boat for, not whatever the rental firm has bolted on. A reputable firm will not exceed the builder's plate. If the engine looks oversized for the hull, ask.
How long it lasts
RD 875 sets no expiry date for the Licencia. Article 26, which deals with renewing cards, covers titles and their cards. Schools say the Licencia "no caduca" (does not expire). Keep it safe: the original may be asked for.
Carrying it
The Licencia is printed on FNMT security paper (Spain's official printing works) in A5 landscape, signed by the school director and the instructor. You may carry a copy on board; if an inspector asks, the original must be shown within 2 days.
Where it is valid
Spanish waters and Spanish-flag craft. The ministry's guidance is that Spanish recreational titles cover Spanish-flagged or Spanish-registered boats. Don't expect it to be recognised abroad.
Older permits
Authorisations issued by federations before 11 January 2015 (the old "Titulín") keep the attributions they had. Holders can exchange them for a Licencia after completing the 4 h practical course.
WARNING — Stale summaries online You will find old web pages, including an official Balearic summary table, saying the Licencia covers only "class C" jet skis, or describing the pre-October 2026 no-title rule. Since 2019 the Licencia covers jet skis without power limit, and since 1 October 2026 rentals need it. Go by the BOE text.
TIP — Think about your day, not the permit The Licencia is right for a morning to a nearby cala and back for lunch. If your plan involves 15 nm down the coast, a skippered day is the better buy.