Basic Navigation Skipper (PNB)

Theory and Practical Courses for the Basic Navigation Pattern License

South Ole Sails in Estepona provides everything you need to achieve your PNB Certificate. We provide classes to prepare you for both the Theory and Practical elements and will enroll you in the Official exam by Junta de Andalucíawhich is also delivered in our office.

Introduction to PNB Certification

The Basic Navigation Pattern (PNB) is a nautical certification that enables you to captain a pleasure boat with more capabilities and knowledge than the Navigation License offers without prior experience. It’s an ideal starting point for those looking to enhance their boating skills.

Components of Our Complete PNB Certification Course

This course lasts 20 hours, 2 hours per week, and allows you to captain:

• Nautical motorcycles (jet skis) of any power.
• Motorboats up to 8 meters in length.
• Sailing boats up to 8 meters provided you complete additional sailing practices.
• Sailing Conditions and Limitations with PNB

You can sail up to a maximum distance of 5 miles from any port, marina, or place of shelter, both during the day and at night.

Practical PNB Training

Practical courses for Basic Navigation Skipper last 12 hours (8 sailing and 4 hours on radio), and they will be done in our official boats.

Requirements To Sit The PNB Exam

• You need to be over 18 years old (or 16 years old with parental permission)
• Radiocommunication course (2 theory lessons+ 2 practice lessons)
• 8 hours sailing practice
• Official exam by Junta de Andalucía
• Psycho-physical exam

Atribuciones del Patrón de Navegación Básica (PNB)

Allowed Types of Vessels:

Motorboats: Up to 8 meters in length.

Sailboats: Up to 8 meters in length, but additional specific sailing practices are required to operate sailboats with the PNB license.

Navigation Distance:

Permits navigation up to 5 nautical miles from the coast or a safe haven (such as a port or secure shelter).

Navigation Limitations:

Only daytime navigation is allowed. Does not authorize the transportation of passengers for commercial purposes.

Jet Skis:

The PNB license also permits the operation of class C jet skis, provided they are not used for commercial or rental activities.

Requirements for Obtaining the PNB

To obtain the Basic Navigation Skipper license, the following is typically required:

Theoretical Exam: Covers safety, navigation, maritime legislation, and first aid.

Safety and Navigation Practices: A minimum of 8 hours of practice on a motorboat.

Radio Communication Practices: A theoretical-practical course of at least 2 hours to learn how to operate a VHF radio.

The PNB is ideal for those who wish to operate small vessels in coastal waters with a moderate level of navigation knowledge.