Entry & progression
Governing: RD 269/2022 arts. 65–72; LNM art. 162; DGMM legislation-test Resolution of 27 Jan 2025. Builds on: L1.1, L2.2.
The rule
To serve as master, officer or GMDSS radio operator on a vessel under RD 269/2022 with a CoC issued by another state, the DGMM must first recognise it (art. 65.2). Recognition is issued as a Spanish professional card, the refrendo, which cannot give more than the original CoC allows (art. 67.2). Ratings' certificates of proficiency at support level do not need recognition.
Three routes, one of them closed
| CoC issued by | Recognition | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| EU or EEA state | Direct, whatever your nationality | art. 69 |
| Third country recognised by the EU and with a Spanish agreement | On application | art. 70 |
| Any other third country | Not recognised | art. 70, ministry page |
The agreement states listed by the ministry are Argentina, Chile, Peru, Cuba, Ecuador, Uruguay, Ghana, Egypt, Georgia, the Philippines, Cabo Verde, Jordan, Ukraine, Turkey and Indonesia. The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, South Africa and the Marshall Islands are not on it.
WARNING — The MCA gap An MCA Master (Yachts) or any other UK CoC cannot currently be recognised for service on a Spanish-flag yacht. The same is true of USCG and RMI certificates. The fix is an EU CoC, for example through the Malta (TM) pathway, which Spain recognises directly.
Extra conditions
- Legislation test. Management-level posts (master, chief mate, chief engineer, second engineer) also need a course or test on Spanish maritime law (art. 67.3). The 2025 convocatoria set 30 questions in 60 minutes, with separate deck and engine papers. Without it, you can be recognised only at operational level. See Spanish Maritime Legislation Test for Foreign Deck Officers.
- Nationality. Master and chief mate of Spanish ships must be EU/EEA nationals (LNM art. 162; RD 269 art. 69.2). On merchant ships at least 50 % of the rest of the crew must also be EU/EEA.
- Same issuer. A CoC endorsed by a state other than the one that issued it is not recognised (art. 67.4).
- Medical. You need a medical certificate meeting RD 505/2024 (L4.2).
While you wait
The procedure takes up to three months; silence means refusal (art. 68.5). In urgent cases, with a complete file, the DGMM can issue a documento justificativo within 10 days, valid up to three months (art. 68.3). The shipowner must show liability insurance covering your service (art. 68.4).
TIP — Recreational titles are different Foreign recreational titles on Spanish-flag recreational boats are authorised through the Capitanías under RD 875 DA 4ª for EEA or Anexo IX holders. That is a separate process from refrendo and does not allow paid work.
For the UK-flag equivalent, see Red Ensign Flag Endorsements.