Benalmádena's Sea License: Earn the P.E.R. to Command 15‑m Boats and Sail 12 Miles Offshore

BENALMÁDENA FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Benalmádena's Sea License: Earn the P.E.R. to Command 15‑m Boats and Sail 12 Miles Offshore

A complete Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo (P.E.R.) course — theory (online or in‑person), mandatory hands‑on navigation and safety practices, and the short‑range radio qualification — to certify you for daytime and nighttime coastal navigation.

Benalmádena's Sea License: Earn the P.E.R. to Command 15‑m Boats and Sail 12 Miles Offshore.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Benalmádena
Operator
Oceanautic
Category
Fishing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From the marinas of Benalmádena, Oceanautic runs a complete Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo (P.E.R.) programme that combines flexible online or presencial theory with mandatory on‑water practice, enabling students to qualify to govern recreational craft up to 15 metres and to navigate up to 12 miles from the coast, by day or night.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CERTIFICATION

What the P.E.R. Lets You Do

The Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo authorises the holder to command recreational vessels up to 15 metres of length, to navigate coastal routes up to 12 nautical miles from shore, and permits both daytime and nighttime navigation; it also allows governance of all kinds of personal watercraft.

THE FORMAT

Flexible Theory: Online or Presencial

Courses include management of your exam registration and either access to an advanced virtual classroom (animations, timed mock exams, videos and a virtual patrón) for home study, or an approximately 36‑hour presencial classroom option, giving students a choice of study style to suit their schedule.

THE PRACTICALS

Mandatory Hands‑On Training

To obtain the P.E.R. you must complete 16 hours of basic safety and navigation practicals and a 12‑hour short‑range radio operator course; these on‑water and radio practicals are integral and compulsory parts of the certification.

What the day feels like

What the Course Feels Like

Study rolls between concentrated theory—either at your own pace in a feature‑rich online aula or in an intensive presencial classroom—and focused, instructor‑led practical sessions on safety, navigation and short‑range radio; the result is a rigorous, mixed‑format pathway from novice to certified patrón capable of handling coastal passages and night transits.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course suits — and who should think twice.

1
Aspiring Skippers & Boat OwnersIdeal for new owners or aspiring skippers who want legal certification to command recreational craft up to 15 m and operate within 12 miles of the coast.
2
Flexible LearnersWell suited to learners who need schedule flexibility — the online Aula Virtual allows self‑paced study with tutor support, while a presencial option exists for those preferring classroom instruction.
3
Hands‑On PractitionersA match for people who want practical sea time: the course mandates 16 hours of navigation/safety practicals plus 12 hours of radio practice, so expect on‑water commitment.
4
Not Suitable for Minors or Unfit ApplicantsNot appropriate for under‑18s; all candidates must be over 18 and pass a medical examination to receive the title.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Time Commitment

Theory is offered online (self‑paced access to the Aula Virtual) or in a presencial block (approximately 36 hours); mandatory practicals include 16 hours of safety/navigation and a 12‑hour radio operator course. Optional habilitations add 16 or 24 hours depending on the module.

What to Bring

For online students, Oceanautic sends the navigation exercise materials to your home (nautical charts, transportador náutico and other tools); presencial students receive course materials and a welcome pack as part of the programme.

Logistics & Exam Management

The course includes management of registration for the official administration exam; online tools include timed mock exams and progress tracking to prepare you for the test.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Do I need any prior nautical qualification to start the P.E.R. course?

No prior nautical title is required to start the P.E.R.; candidates must be over 18 and pass the required medical examination.

What vessel size and distance from shore does the P.E.R. cover?

The P.E.R. permits the governance of recreational vessels up to 15 metres in length and navigation up to a maximum distance of 12 nautical miles from the coast.

Are practicals required, and how many hours are they?

Yes — 16 hours of basic safety and navigation practicals and a 12‑hour radio operator (short‑range) course are compulsory elements of the certification.

Can I take theory online?

Yes — the course offers an Aula Virtual with animations, videos, timed mock exams and tutor support so you can study remotely up to the exam date; a presencial theory option is also available.

What happens if I fail the P.E.R. exam?

Students who do not pass the PER exam but have approved the subjects common with the PNB can receive recognition of the approved PNB subjects.

Are there optional extensions for sailing or larger vessels?

Yes — optional habilitation to sail requires 16 hours of practice; to extend the title for vessels up to 24 metres and permit certain longer crossings, an additional 24 hours of navigation practice is required.