Where candidates go wrong
- Counting only to 28. You can score 30 and still fail: more than 5 errors in navigation theory or more than 4 in navigation calculations sinks the whole paper.
- Misreading the module rules. Meteorology and English carry no error cap when the paper is marked as a whole, but each needs 5 correct if you are passing by module.
- Assuming a module pass travels. It is kept for the next two sittings of the same administration only.
- Bringing the wrong kit. The DGMM hands out the chart and almanac extracts with the paper; the Govern de les Illes Balears asks you to bring your own almanac.
The paper
The examen teórico (theory exam) is set out in RD 875/2014, Annex II, as amended by RD 238/2019. It has 40 questions, each with four options, and lasts at most 2 h 30 min.
| Materia (subject) | Módulo | Questions | Max errors | Min correct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teoría de navegación | Navegación (1 h 30) | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Cálculo de navegación | Navegación | 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Meteorología | Genérico (1 h) | 10 | 5* | 5* |
| Inglés | Genérico | 10 | 5* | 5* |
| Total | 40 | 12 | 28 |
* Applies only when the paper is marked by modules.
There are two ways to pass:
- Globalmente (as a whole): at least 28 correct, with no more than 5 errors in theory and 4 in calculations.
- Por módulos (by module): each module passes if both of its subjects meet their minimum. A module pass stands for the next two sittings held by that same administration.
Three candidates, same sitting
| Candidate | Theory / Calc / Met / English | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 9 / 7 / 6 / 6 | 28 | Pass: errors 1 and 3, both within the caps |
| B | 10 / 5 / 8 / 7 | 30 | Fails overall (5 calculation errors). Keeps the generic module (8 and 7) |
| C | 10 / 10 / 8 / 0 | 28 | Passes overall. English has no cap in global marking, however odd that looks |
CAUTION — Candidate C The arithmetic follows the published table. Do not plan around it. Check with the tribunal how your administration marks a blank English section.
Getting to the exam
- The title requires the Patrón de Yate title (RD 875 art. 6.2). The DGMM 2026 convocatoria lets you sit if you have passed the PY theory exam; a pass with a region must be proved by title or by a certificate of a pass within the last two years.
- You must be 18. You also need 48 h of practicals, at least 36 h of them in travesía regime, with one full day watch and one full night watch. With sail it is 72 h (60 h in travesía). You also need the SRC-level radio course and a CRC medical report.
- 2026 sittings: DGMM (Madrid) 18 April and 21 November, fee €87.10. Govern de les Illes Balears: Mallorca 27 March, 3 July and 11 December; Menorca and Ibiza 24 March, 30 June and 15 December.
What the title does not do
Capitán de Yate covers motor craft up to 24 m with no geographical limit. Sail needs the complementary practicals. It is not STCW and is not a commercial ticket. The only exception is the habilitaciones anejas: up to 6 passengers within 5 nm, which also requires full sail attributions and BST. The title is the gateway to the PPER. RD 804/2014 art. 7.3 allows a Capitán de Yate to command a private yacht over 24 m, while RD 875 art. 4.2 excludes such vessels. That conflict is unresolved; see Working on Yachts in Spain: Titles, Flags & Charter Law.
What the examiner wants to see
Clean answers in the navigation module. Most failures happen in the calculations section, where 5 slips out of 10 is already too many. Work slowly there and bank marks in the generic module.
Vocabulario del examen
| Español | English |
|---|---|
| examen teórico | theory exam |
| módulo genérico | generic module (meteorology + English) |
| aprobado por módulos | pass by modules |
| convocatoria | exam sitting / call |
| tribunal | examining board |
| prácticas en régimen de travesía | passage-regime practicals |