School accredited by the Xunta de Galicia · XGEN057
RYA Training Center
Baiona, Galicia
PNB Course in Galicia: Basic Navigation Certificate
Online theory + hands-on training in navigation and radio communications
The PNB course is the introductory certification for recreational boating: it allows you to operate boats up to 8 meters in length, sail up to 5 miles from the coast during the day and at night, and operate personal watercraft.
At Julio Verne Náutica, we’ve been training skippers in Baiona, Galicia, for over ten years. If you want to earn your Basic Navigation Skipper’s Certificate, here’s everything you need to know.
8 m
Maximum length
12:00 p.m.
Mandatory internships
5 miles
Distance to the coast
XGEN057
Coastal Certification
What does the PNB certification allow you to do?
The perfect starting point for recreational boating, ideal for small boats near a port or shelter.
Up to 8 m in length
He captains small recreational boats.
Up to 5 miles from the coast
Sailing near a port or shelter.
Day and night
Equipped to sail both day and night.
Jet skis
Any type of jet ski, with no additional license required.
Introductory Course
This license is limited to small boats and is ideal for getting started in boating.
Recognition under the PER
If you advance to the PER later on, the topics you've already covered will be credited toward the exam: the exam will be shorter and easier.
Do you want more privileges right from the start? The PER course → does not require prior completion of the PNB and extends the vessel length limit to 15 meters and the distance from shore to 12 miles.
Course overview
Online Theory
69 €
Sailing Practice · 8 hours
110 €
Radio Communications Lab · 4 hours
85 €
Internship Duration
12 h
Departure
Baiona
Top Group
6 students
Requirements for Obtaining the PNB Certification
You don’t need any prior qualifications. Make sure you meet these four official requirements.
18 years of age or older (or 16 at the time of the exam)
You can enroll if you are 18 or older, or 16 if you have already taken the written test.
Psychological Assessment Certificate
At an authorized service center, in accordance with current regulations.
Pass the written exam
Organized by the regional government of Galicia.
Complete the required internship
8 hours of navigation and 4 hours of radio communications.
PNB Theoretical Training
What is the PNB theory exam like?
The PNB theory exam is administered by the regional government of Galicia and assesses knowledge of navigation, maritime safety, and the regulations applicable to this certification.
Online Preparation
- Access to the online platform for 120 days - Study at your own pace, with support from our teaching team
Recognition under the PER
- Topics already covered in the PNB are credited toward the PER - The PER exam is shorter and simpler
The theoretical training is online, with 120 days of access to the platform starting from the date of enrollment.
How do I get started with the online theory course?
The GNP course is offered online, with 120 days of access to the content starting from the date of enrollment.
Contact us to register, and we’ll give you access to the platform and all the information about upcoming exam dates.
PNB Internships
12 mandatory hours from Baiona
Departure from Baiona · Official certificate from a school accredited by the Xunta de Galicia.
REQUIRED - 8 HOURS
PNB Navigation Exercises
The regulations stipulate that to obtain the PNB certification, you must submit a certificate of navigation training:
- A total of 8 hours of sailing
- Safety Practices and Basic Maneuvers
- Official certificate upon completion
You can complete the practical training before or after passing the written exam. The order doesn’t matter; what matters is that you have everything completed before applying for your license.
REQUIRED - 4 HOURS
PNB Radio Communications Practicum
The short-range radio operator course consists of training on a certified simulator:
- 4 hours total
- 2 hours of classroom instruction
- 2 hours of training on a certified simulator
You only need to take this course once: if you later go on to earn the PER, Yacht Skipper, or Yacht Captain certification, it will still be valid. You don’t need to retake it.
OPTIONAL - 16 HOURS
Sailing Certification
Sailing training is not required to obtain the PNB, but it is required if you want to skipper sailboats.
- 4 outings × 4 hours
- Sailing maneuvers: upwind, beam reach, downwind
- Reefing and jibing
- Valid for PNB, PER, PY, and CY
One advantage that many people don’t know about: if you take them for the PNB, they also count toward the PER, Yacht Skipper, and Yacht Captain certifications. You don’t have to retake them.
Internship Schedule - Select Your Date
For practical training reservations only. For online theory courses, please contact us.
PNB Course Prices
Complete transparency: fixed prices for online theory and all practical sessions.
*NOTE: Exam and certificate issuance fees are not included. These are handled directly by the relevant regional government. The packages include a one-month sailing course (4 classes) at the MRCY adult school in Baiona. MRCY members receive a special discount.
What Our Students Say
Frequently Asked Questions About the PNB Course
Do I need a prior degree to take the PNB?
No. The PNB is an introductory course and does not require any prior boating certification. You just need to be at least 18 years old (or 16 on the date of the exam), pass the psychological assessment, pass the written exam, and complete the mandatory practical training.
How long does it take to get the PNB?
The theory course is online and includes 120 days of access to the platform. The mandatory practical training totals 12 hours: 8 hours of navigation and 4 hours of radio communications, which can be completed in a few days.
Can I upgrade from PNB to PER later on?
Yes. If you want to upgrade your certification to the PER in the future, the topics already covered in the PNB will be credited toward the PER, so the PER exam will be shorter and easier.
What is the difference between a Boating License and the PNB?
The Boating License allows for vessels up to 6 meters in length, within 2 miles of the coast, and daytime boating, with no exam required. The PNB extends these limits to 8 meters and 5 miles, includes nighttime boating, and does require passing an official written exam.
What do the PNB's mandatory internships include?
Two modules: 8 hours of navigation and safety training, and 4 hours of radio communications training (2 hours of theory and 2 hours of practical training on an approved simulator). Both are certified by an approved school.
Can I sail sailboats with the PNB?
Only if you complete the optional sailing certification training (16 hours). Once completed, the certification is also valid for the PER, Yacht Skipper, and Yacht Captain certifications, without having to repeat the training.
At what age can I take the PNB exam?
You can enroll if you are 18 or older, or 16 if you have already taken the written exam by that date.
How much does the complete PNB course cost?
The online theory course costs 69 €, and the mandatory practical training courses cost 110 € (navigation) and 85 € (radio communications) separately. The package that includes both practical courses costs 165 €, which is more affordable than purchasing them separately. Exam and certificate issuance fees are paid separately to the government.