Nautical Medical Certificate in Spain: Qualifications and Requirements

If you want to navigate with a licence in Spain, you will need a nautical medical certificate. In this article, we explain what it is, which licences require it, how long it is valid for, and how to obtain it in Málaga.

What is the nautical medical certificate?

The nautical medical certificate is an official document that certifies that a person meets the necessary physical and mental conditions to operate a recreational vessel. It is issued by authorised medical centres and presented to the Maritime Captaincy along with the rest of the documentation for obtaining the nautical licence.

Licences that require a medical certificate

The medical certificate is mandatory for all recreational nautical licences:

Validity of the certificate

The validity varies according to the level of licence:

• Navigation Licence and PNB: 2 years
• PER, Yacht Skipper and Yacht Captain: 1 year

Once expired, you must renew it to maintain your qualification.

What tests are included in the nautical examination?

The nautical medical examination is similar to that for a driving licence and includes:

• Visual examination — visual acuity, visual field, and colour vision
• Hearing ability — detection of relevant hearing impairments
• Psychotechnical test — reaction time and basic cognitive abilities
• General medical examination — blood pressure, cardiovascular system, assessment of chronic diseases

The entire process takes less than 20 minutes.

Required documentation

To undergo the nautical examination, you need:

• Valid ID or residence permit (DNI or NIE)
• Indicate the nautical licence for which you are requesting the certificate
• Glasses or contact lenses if you use them regularly

There is no need to bring a photograph: it is taken digitally at the centre.

Is the certificate valid throughout Spain?

Yes. The nautical medical certificate issued at our centre is valid throughout Spain before the Maritime Captaincy, regardless of which province you go to process the licence.

Process to obtain the nautical licence

1. Pass the theoretical exam — at the General Directorate of Merchant Marine or an authorised entity
2. Complete the navigation practices — according to the licence you are obtaining
3. Obtain the medical certificate — at an authorised centre like ours
4. Submit the documentation to the Maritime Captaincy — with the medical certificate, proof of the exam, and the corresponding fee

Málaga: an ideal place for nautical activities

Málaga has several marinas and a long maritime tradition. If you already have the theoretical and practical training, the nautical medical certificate is the last step before obtaining your licence. At our centre, we process it on the same day of your visit.