School accredited by the Xunta de Galicia · XGEN057
RYA Training Center
Baiona, Galicia
PER Course in Galicia: Recreational Boat Skipper
Online theory + practical training at sea from Baiona
The PER course is the most sought-after boating certification: with no prior certification required, it allows you to operate boats up to 15 meters in length, sail up to 12 miles from the coast, 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 Recreational Boat Skipper certification, here’s everything you need to know.
15m
Maximum length
28h
Mandatory internships
12 miles
Distance to the coast
XGEN057
Accredited school
What does the PER certification allow you to do?
The most suitable certification for all types of coastal voyages, and the gateway to recreational boating.
Up to 15 m in length
Operates recreational motorboats or sailboats (with the appropriate certification).
Up to 12 miles from the coast
Enough distance for all kinds of coastal trips, such as to the Rías Baixas or the Cíes Islands.
Day and night
Approved for watch duty and nighttime navigation with no time restrictions.
Jet skis
Any type of jet ski, with no additional license required.
No potential limitation
The PER does not impose any restrictions on the boat's engine power.
Professional Services
Authorized to provide certain professional services on board.
Want more? With the license upgrade courses, you’ll be able to captain boats up to 24 meters long and sail between the mainland and the Balearic Islands. And if you’re looking for the next certification, it’s the Yacht Skipper →
Course overview
Online Theory
99 €
Safety Training · 16 hours
220 €
Radio Operator · 12 hours
165 €
Online Theory Access
120 days
Departure
Baiona
Top Group
6 students
Requirements for Obtaining the PER Certification
You don’t need any prior qualifications. These are the official requirements:
18 years of age or older
Minimum age at the time of taking the written test.
Psychological Assessment
At a center authorized by the government.
Pass the written exam
Organized by the regional government of Galicia.
Complete the required internship
Basic Safety and Navigation Practices (16 hours) and Short-Range Radio Operator Course (12 hours).
PER Theoretical Training
What does the PER course syllabus cover?
The PER theory exam is a single test that covers the following subjects:
Navigation and Maneuvering
- Navigation Theory - Navigation Chart: Exercises on Nautical Charts - Maneuvers - Aids to Navigation - International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)
Safety and Regulations
- Nautical Terminology - Mooring and Anchoring Equipment - Safety and Emergencies at Sea - Legislation - Meteorology
The course material isn’t difficult, but you have to put in the time: in about two months, you can cover the theory and complete the practical exercises. The theoretical training is online, with access to the platform for 120 days.
How do I get started with the online theory course?
The PER theory 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.
PER Internships
All internships, from Baiona
Departure from Baiona · Official certificate from a school accredited by the Xunta de Galicia.
REQUIRED - 16 HOURS
Basic security and navigation practices
- A total of 16 hours of sailing
- 4 outings, 4 hours each
- They are usually completed in two days
- Official certificate upon completion
REQUIRED - 12 HOURS
Short-range radio operator course
- 12 hours total
- 4 hours of classroom instruction
- 8 hours of training on a certified simulator
- This is done only once (applies to higher education degrees)
OPTIONAL - 16 HOURS
Sailing Certification
Sailing training courses are not required to obtain the PER, but they are 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
OPTIONAL - 24 HOURS
Expansion of Powers (AA)
A 24-hour voyage without calling at any port. Upon completion, your PER certification will be valid for:
- Operate vessels up to 24 meters in length
- Take trips between the mainland and the Balearic Islands
- Official Certificate from an Accredited School
OPTIONAL - 48 HOURS
Expansion of Powers + Oversight
48-hour nonstop voyage (combines the expanded certification and sailing qualification)
- 48 hours of continuous sailing
- An alternative to doing AA and candle-making separately
- You get both certificates in a single trip
Internship Schedule - Select Your Date
For practical training reservations only. For online theory courses, please contact us.
PER Course Prices
Complete transparency: fixed prices for online theory and all practical sessions.
-
Online Theory 99 €
Access to the platform for 120 days
-
Safety and Navigation Training · 16 hours 220 €
Required · 4 outings of 4 hours each from Baiona
-
Short-Range Radio Operator · 12 hours 165 €
Required · Theory + Certified Simulator
-
Sailing Certification · 4:00 p.m. 220 €
Optional · Valid for PNB, PER, PY, and CY
-
Expansion of Powers (AA) · 24h 330 €
Optional · up to 24 m and routes between the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands
-
AA Pack + Candle · 48h 495 €
Optional · Sailboat Certification + Expansion of Privileges (AA) Combined
*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
-Quique, nuestro capitán, de 10 como persona y como formador. Siempre dispuesto y activo, haciéndonos capaces de tomar decisiones en cada situación, respondiendo amablemente a cualquier duda o cuestión planteada.
– La escuela: Jessica siempre pendiente de los detalles, de la comunicación y dar la información necesaria cuando se le pedía.
– El disponer de un camarote de lujo con baño para cada uno de los alumnos.
– Sentirse cómodo y seguro navegando a vela con 30 nudos de viento.
– Formación teórica y práctica bien planificada, sin improvisaciones.
Conclusión: mi formación para Capitán será en esta escuela, sin duda.
Estupendos instructores y mejores personas, hacen que los aprendizajes sean amenos y gracias a su gran paciencia, consiguen también que nuestras meteduras de pata vayan disminuyendo explicándonos porqué han sucedido.
Creo que su idea de hacer las prácticas con grupos reducidos, es un plus a favor de los alumnos ya que disponemos de ese puntito de atención individualizada que cada uno necesitamos.
Consiguen también que la convivencia entre los integrantes de las tripulaciones sea realmente agradable.
En cuanto a embarcaciones (conozco tres de ellas) y material a bordo, ni un pero. En ninguna de las tres ocasiones que he navegado con ellos he tenido queja.
Sin olvidar a su personal de oficina, siempre dispuesta a echar un cabo en cuanto a papeleo, información o dudas.
Yo lo tengo claro, en cuanto pueda, más…..
Frequently Asked Questions About the PER Course
Do I need any prior qualifications to take the PER?
No. The PER does not require any prior license or certification. You just need to be at least 18 years old at the time of the exam, pass the psychometric evaluation, pass the written exam, and complete the mandatory practical training.
How long does it take to get the PER?
In about two months, you can study the course material and complete the required practical training. The theory portion is available online with 120 days of access, and the mandatory practical training totals 28 hours: 16 hours of navigation (usually over two days) and 12 hours of the radio operator course.
Does the PER certification expire?
The degree itself does not expire, but the student ID card is valid for 10 years. Once that period has elapsed, you must renew it by submitting an up-to-date medical certificate and paying the corresponding fee.
What is the expansion of the PER's authority (AA)?
This is an optional 24-hour continuous voyage, without calling at any port. Upon completion, your PER certifies you to command vessels up to 24 meters in length and make voyages between the mainland and the Balearic Islands. No additional exam is required.
Can I take the PER theory exam online?
Yes. The PER’s theoretical training is online, with 120 days of access to the platform for 99 €. The theoretical exam, however, is in person and is administered by the regional government of Galicia.
Can I sail sailboats with the PER?
Only if you complete the sailing certification training: 4 outings of 4 hours each (16 hours total). Once completed, the certification is also valid for the PNB, Yacht Skipper, and Yacht Captain certifications, without having to repeat the training.
What is the difference between GNP and PER?
The PNB license allows the holder to operate vessels up to 8 meters in length and sail up to 5 miles from a port or shelter. The PER license extends these limits to vessels up to 15 meters in length and 12 miles from the coast, and also authorizes the holder to provide certain professional services.
How much does the complete PER course cost?
The mandatory portion totals 484 €: online theory (99 €), safety and navigation practical training (220 €), and radio operator course (165 €). If you want to add sailing or expand your license privileges, the practical training packages range from €565 to €875. Exam and licensing fees are paid separately to the authorities.