- 24 mmaximum motorboat lengthBOE — Real Decreto 875/2014: recreational qualifications, consolidated text
- No limitgeographical limit for motorboatsBOE — Real Decreto 875/2014: recreational qualifications, consolidated text
- 40 questionsin the theory exam
- 2 h 30 mintime allowed for the exam
- 28 correctoverall score needed to pass
- 48 hours + SRCboat practice and radio course required
The top stepWhat Capitán de yate is really for
Capitán de yate is Spain’s highest recreational qualification. It lets you operate motorboats up to 24 metres without geographical limits, making it the natural next step after Patrón de yate. If you want to sail as well, you need the complementary sailing attribution.
Your cruising groundA licence made for open-water plans
This is the point where a Spanish recreational licence stops drawing a distance line on the chart. You can use a motorboat up to 24 metres without geographical limits, provided you are operating within the recreational scope of the title. The sailing privilege is an addition, not an automatic extra.
With Capitán de yate, you can
- Operate motorboats up to 24 metres
- Navigate motorboats without geographical limits
- Sail when you have the complementary sailing attribution
The title alone does not let you
- Sail without the complementary sailing attribution
- Use the qualification for unrestricted commercial work
- Replace the additional authorisations required for professional use
Before you beginWhat you need
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold the Patrón de yate qualification
- Complete the required practical training and SRC course
The route upHow to earn Capitán de yate
- Arrive with Patrón de yate
Capitán de yate builds on the yacht skipper title, Patrón de yate. It is designed for skippers who are ready for Spain’s highest recreational qualification.
- Prepare the advanced theory
Study navigation theory, navigation calculations, meteorology and English, including celestial navigation within the navigation theory syllabus.
- Complete your boat practice
Log at least 48 hours of boat practice, including day and night watches.
- Add the radio course and pass the exam
Complete an SRC course, then pass the 40-question theory exam. A modular option is available.
The paper chartWhat the theory exam asks of you
| Part | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Format | 40 questions in 2 h 30 min |
| Pass mark | At least 28 correct overall |
| Error limits | No more than 5 navigation-theory errors and 4 navigation-calculation errors |
| Topics | Navigation theory, including celestial navigation; navigation calculations; meteorology; and English |
| Option | A modular option is available |
The Spanish ladderWhere Capitán de yate sits
- Licencia de navegaciónby day from a port, marina or shelter
- Patrón para navegación básicafrom a port, marina or shelter
- Patrón de embarcaciones de recreoup to 24 metres with extra practice
- Patrón de yatefrom shore
- Capitán de yateno geographical limits for motorboats
The magazine verdict
Why it stands out
- Spain’s highest recreational qualification
- Motorboats up to 24 metres
- No geographical limits for motorboats
Keep in mind
- You need Patrón de yate first
- Sailing needs the complementary sailing attribution
- Professional use needs additional authorisations
Choose Capitán de yate when your boating plans have genuinely outgrown the 150-nautical-mile range of Patrón de yate. It is a demanding but logical upgrade for an experienced recreational skipper who wants the freedom to plan farther-reaching motorboat passages.
Topics tested by Capitán de Yate
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Practice questions (with answers)
Risk of collision is deemed to exist when:
Show answer
Correct answer: A. The compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change
Rule 7(d)(i): risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change.
If circumstances admit, action to avoid collision shall be:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Positive, made in ample time
Rule 8(a) requires action in accordance with Part B and, if circumstances admit, positive action made in ample time with due regard to good seamanship.
In a narrow channel, a vessel should keep to:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. As near the outer limit on her starboard side as is safe and practicable
Rule 9(a): a vessel shall keep as near to the outer limit on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
When obliged to cross a traffic lane, what heading should a vessel use?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. As nearly as practicable at right angles to the traffic flow
Rule 10(c): avoid crossing traffic lanes so far as practicable; if obliged to cross, use a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow. This specifies heading, not ground track.
If fitted, the topmark of a special mark is:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. A yellow X-shape (cross)
Special marks have a yellow X-shaped (St. Andrew's cross) topmark. (if fitted).
Emergency wreck marking buoys are coloured:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Blue and yellow vertical stripes
equal numbers and widths of blue and yellow vertical stripes; 4 to 8 stripes in total. 1 s blue + 0.5 s darkness + 1 s yellow + 0.5 s darkness; period 3 s.
Emergency wreck marking buoys are used for:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Marking new dangers, including newly discovered wrecks
The emergency wreck marking buoy marks new dangers, including newly discovered wrecks. The competent authority determines further marking once the danger is removed or its information has been sufficiently promulgated.
The topmark of a West Cardinal mark is:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Two cones point to point
Two separate black cones with their points facing each other. The cones must remain clearly separated.
The full guide
Capitán de Yate is Spain's highest recreational qualification: motorboats up to 24 m with no distance limit. Sailing requires the complementary sailing attribution.
Theory exam: 40 questions in 2 h 30 min on navigation theory (including celestial navigation), navigation calculations, meteorology and English; pass with 28, with at most 5 errors in navigation theory and 4 in calculations. RIPA, buoyage and stability belong to the earlier titles.
Who should take the Capitán de Yate
For holders of Patrón de Yate seeking the highest recreational qualification. Any professional use requires the applicable additional authorisations; this title alone does not grant unrestricted commercial rights.
How to prepare
Prepare the official navigation theory, navigation calculations, meteorology and English syllabus and complete the required practical training. Use this site to revise selected maritime safety topics.
Other exams
Reviewed by Ramon Curto, Nautical teacher at IECNPC · Last reviewed: