Is my recreational qualification valid abroad?

The validity of your recreational licence abroad will depend on several factors, such as the specific country in which you plan to use it and the type of recreational licence you hold. Each country has its own regulations and requirements regarding the use and recognition of foreign recreational titles.

In many cases, countries have reciprocity or mutual recognition agreements with other countries in terms of recreational qualifications. This means that your recreational qualifications could be valid and recognised abroad, provided they meet specific requirements and formalities, such as translations, legalisations or other formalities.

It is recommended that you check the regulations and requirements of the country in which you plan to use your recreational title. You can do this by contacting the competent boating authorities or the embassies or consulates of the country in question. They will be able to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information on the validity and steps necessary to use your recreational licence abroad.

Remember that regulations can change and it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the relevant legal requirements when using your recreational licence in a foreign country.

Even so, there is an international certificate of competence ICC, which establishes an international navigation licence admitted by the UN, however, it is only valid in countries that have adhered to it and Spain is not among them. Therefore, Spanish sailors cannot obtain this certificate. There is also another legitimate system that allows skirting the coast of any country with the navigation certificate called the principle of innocent passage.