- 8 mmaximum motorboat lengthReal Decreto 875/2014
- 5 nautical milesfrom a port, marina or shelterReal Decreto 875/2014
- 27 questionsin the theory examAnnex III marking criteria
- 45 minutesto complete the examAnnex III marking criteria
- From 16minimum ageReal Decreto 875/2014
The essentialsWhat the PNB gives you
PNB stands for Patrón para Navegación Básica, Spain's Basic navigation skipper qualification. It is a sensible fit for beginners who want an official Spanish licence without taking on the full PER syllabus. The theory covers nautical terminology, mooring, safety, legislation, IALA buoyage and COLREG.
Your cruising groundWhere you can go—and what you can take
Think of the PNB as a generous local cruising licence. You may use motorboats up to 8 metres within 5 nautical miles of a port, marina or place of shelter, by day or night. Sailing is included once you complete the complementary sailing practice.
With a PNB, you can
- Use motorboats up to 8 metres within 5 nautical miles of a port, marina or place of shelter
- Navigate by day or night within that area
- Sail after completing 16 hours of complementary sailing practice
- Use jet skis within their own limits
The PNB does not cover
- Motorboats longer than 8 metres
- Navigation beyond 5 nautical miles from a port, marina or place of shelter
- Sailing without the 16 hours of complementary sailing practice
Before you startWhat you need
- Be at least 16 years old
- Meet the medical-fitness requirement
- Complete at least 8 hours of navigation practice
- Complete a 4-hour radio communications course
Your route to the ticketHow to earn the PNB
- Work through the official syllabus
Prepare nautical terminology, mooring, safety, legislation, IALA buoyage and COLREG.
- Sit the theory exam
Answer the 27 questions in 45 minutes and aim for at least 17 correct answers.
- Complete your navigation practice
You need at least 8 hours of boat practice.
- Finish the radio and medical requirements
Complete the 4-hour radio communications course and meet the medical-fitness requirement.
The theory paperWhat the exam asks of you
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Questions | 27 |
| Time allowed | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | At least 17 correct answers |
| Overall errors | No more than 10 |
| Buoyage errors | No more than 2 |
| COLREG errors | No more than 5 |
Spain's recreational routeHow the PNB sits in the licence ladder
- Licencia de navegacióndaytime operation from a port, marina or shelter
- Patrón para navegación básicaday or night from a port, marina or shelter
- Patrón de embarcaciones de recreoup to 24 metres with extra practice
- Patrón de yatePER is required first
- Capitán de yateno geographical limits
The PNB verdict
Why it works
- It covers motorboats up to 8 metres
- You can navigate by day or night within its range
- It provides a route into sailing with complementary practice
What to watch
- Its range stops at 5 nautical miles from a port, marina or shelter
- The theory exam has specific limits for buoyage and COLREG errors
- Navigation practice, radio training and medical fitness are all required
Choose the PNB if you want an official Spanish licence for nearby coastal boating, with room for day or night outings and an option to add sailing. If your plans already point farther offshore or towards bigger boats, the next step on the ladder is PER.
Topics tested by the PNB
Practice tests aligned with PNB
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Practice questions (with answers)
According to Rule 2, departure from the COLREGs is permitted when:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. It is necessary to avoid immediate danger
Rule 2(b) allows departure from the rules when necessary to avoid immediate danger.
A vessel under sail also being propelled by her engine is classified as:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. A power-driven vessel
Rule 3(c): a sailing vessel means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.
A proper look-out must be maintained:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. At all times
Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper look-out at ALL times.
Safe speed means a speed that allows:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Effective collision avoidance and stopping within an appropriate distance
Rule 6 requires a speed allowing proper and effective action to avoid collision and stopping within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
An East Cardinal mark shows how many quick flashes?
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 3 flashes
White lights, when fitted: North Q or VQ; East VQ(3) 5 s or Q(3) 10 s; South VQ(6)+LFl 10 s or Q(6)+LFl 15 s; West VQ(9) 10 s or Q(9) 15 s. The long flash lasts at least 2 s.
If fitted, the topmark of an isolated danger mark is:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Two black spheres vertically
Isolated danger marks have two black spheres (balls) as topmark. (if fitted).
Safe water marks are used as:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Fairway or mid-channel marks
Safe water marks are used as fairway, mid-channel, or landfall marks.
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).
The full guide
PNB is a Spanish recreational qualification for motorboats up to 8 m, within 5 nautical miles of a port, marina or place of shelter, by day or night. Sailing requires 16 hours of complementary sailing practice.
The PNB theory syllabus covers nautical terminology, mooring, safety, legislation, IALA buoyage and COLREG. Its COLREG syllabus matches the PER core and excludes Rule 22 and Annexes I–III.
Who should take the PNB
Beginners who want an official Spanish licence without committing to the full PER syllabus.
How to prepare
Follow the complete official syllabus. PNB has 27 questions in 45 minutes; at least 17 correct are required, with no more than 10 errors overall, 2 in buoyage and 5 in COLREG. Qualification also requires 8 hours of navigation practice, a 4-hour radio communications course and medical fitness. These quizzes support selected topics.
Other exams
Reviewed by Ramon Curto, Nautical teacher at IECNPC · Last reviewed: