School accredited by the Xunta de Galicia · XGEN057
RYA Training Center
Baiona, Galicia
Yacht Skipper (PY) Course in Galicia
Online theory + 48 hours of practical training at sea
The Yacht Skipper course qualifies you to captain boats up to 24 meters in length and sail up to 150 miles from the coast—enough, for example, to travel throughout the Mediterranean.
At Julio Verne Náutica, we’ve been training skippers in Baiona, Galicia, for over ten years. If you want to earn your yacht skipper’s license, here’s everything you need to know.
24m
Maximum length
48 hours
At-sea training
150 miles
Distance to the coast
XGEN057
Coastal Certification
What does a Yacht Skipper certification allow you to do?
The intermediate step between the PER and the Yacht Captain certifications: longer boat length, greater distance, and offshore sailing.
Up to 24 m in length
He captains larger recreational vessels, including yachts and ocean-going sailboats.
Up to 150 miles from the coast
Enough range to sail across the entire Mediterranean or take multi-day coastal cruises.
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.
Professional Services
Authorized to provide certain professional services on board.
Excursions and Recreational Fishing
It can carry up to 6 passengers on sightseeing tours or recreational fishing trips.
Don’t have your PER yet? It’s a mandatory prerequisite. View the PER course →
Want to sail without distance limits? The next step is the Yacht Captain certification →
Course overview
Online Theory
149 €
48-hour internship
495 €
Sailing certification (optional)
220 €
Internship Duration
48 hours
Departure
Baiona
Top Group
6 students
Requirements for Earning the PY Certification
Before enrolling, make sure you meet these four official requirements.
Valid PER certification
Essential. The Recreational Boating License is a mandatory prerequisite.
Pass the written exam
Organized by the regional government of Galicia.
Complete 48 hours of internship
Basic safety and navigation training at an accredited school.
Psychological Assessment
Center authorized by the government.
Theoretical Training for Yacht Skippers
What does the PY course syllabus cover?
The Yacht Skipper theory exam is divided into two modules that you must pass separately:
Navigation Module
- Navigation Theory - Nautical Chart: Navigation Exercises and Problem Solving
Generic Module
- Maritime Safety - Meteorology
The theoretical training is online: you study at your own pace with access to the platform for 180 days, and our teaching team is available to answer any questions you may have.
How do I get started with the online theory course?
The PY theory course is offered online, with 180 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.
Yacht Skipper Internships
48 Hours on the High Seas
Departure from Baiona · Official certificate from a school accredited by the Xunta de Galicia.
REQUIRED - 48 HOURS
Safety and Navigation Practices
To obtain the certification, you need a certificate from an accredited school confirming that you have completed the required navigation training.
- At least 48 hours of total sailing time
- Night sailing included
- Day and night watch system (as in a real voyage)
- Anchoring, Safety Maneuvers, and Use of Emergency Equipment
You can complete the practical training before or after passing the written exam.
OPTIONAL - 16 HOURS
Sailing Certification
Sailing training is not required to obtain the PY, but it is required if you want to captain 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 PY certification, they also count toward the PNB, PER, and Yacht Captain certifications. You don’t need to retake them.
Internship Schedule - Select Your Date
For practical training reservations only. For online theory courses, please contact us.
Yacht Skipper Course Prices
Complete transparency: fixed prices for online theory and practical training.
*NOTE: Exam and certificate issuance fees are not included. These are handled directly by the relevant regional government. The package includes 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 PY Course
Do I need the PER to take the Yacht Skipper course?
Yes. The Recreational Boat Captain’s License is an essential prerequisite. You cannot enroll in the PY program without it. If you don’t have the PER yet, start here.
How long does it take to get a Yacht Captain's License?
It depends on your pace. The theory portion is online, and you have 180 days of access to the platform, so you can work through it at your own pace. The mandatory practical sessions total 48 hours and are held in a single block (a long weekend or similar).
Does the Yacht Skipper 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 difference between the PER and the Yacht Skipper certification?
The PER allows you to operate vessels up to 15 meters in length and sail up to 12 miles from the coast (this can be extended by completing the training required to expand your privileges). The Yacht Skipper license extends these limits to vessels up to 24 meters in length and 150 miles from the coast—enough to sail throughout the Mediterranean.
Can I take the PY theory exam online?
Yes. The theoretical training for the Yacht Skipper certification is online, with 180 days of access to the platform for €149. The theoretical exam, however, is in person and is administered by the regional government of Galicia.
Where is the written test administered in Galicia?
The exam is administered by the regional government of Galicia on dates it announces periodically. We’ll keep you informed of the registration deadlines and help you prepare so you can pass on your first attempt.
Can I work with a Yacht Skipper certification?
The PY is a recreational license, but it allows you to provide certain professional services, such as transporting up to 6 passengers on sightseeing tours or recreational fishing trips. For more extensive professional services, you would need licenses from the Merchant Marine.
How much does the Yacht Skipper course cost?
The online theory course costs €149 (180 days of access), and the mandatory 48-hour practical training costs €495. The complete package (theory + practical training) costs €595. The optional sailing certification costs €220. Exam and license issuance fees are paid separately to the authorities.