Fishing crews face new training and qualification rules

If you work on a fishing vessel, Spain’s updated training, medical certificate and qualification rules apply from 1 January 2027.

From 1 January 2027, you must meet updated training and qualification requirements if you work on a fishing vessel in Spain. The BOE also sets medical fitness and renewal rules.

Does this apply to your job?

The rules cover skippers, deck and engine officers, radio operators and other fishing vessel crew, including workers paid from the catch. Everyone must complete approved basic safety training and learn the safety procedures on board before starting assigned duties.

For vessels under 45 metres operating only from their ports and in limited waters, the Spanish Administration can exempt some certificate requirements and the English-language requirement.

What training and certificates will you need?

• If basic safety training is not part of your qualification, you will receive a separate certificate showing that you completed the approved course.
• To qualify as a navigation watchkeeping officer on a fishing vessel of 24 metres or more, you must be at least 18. You need either 12 months at sea as part of an approved training programme, or two years in the bridge department of fishing vessels of 12 metres or more. Skippers of these larger vessels also need approved experience as a watchkeeping officer or skipper.
• Engine room watchkeeping officers on vessels with engines of 750 kW or more need a qualification. To become a chief engineer, you need 24 months at sea on vessels between 750 and 3.000 kW, or 36 months on vessels of 3.000 kW or more. For the latter, this falls to 24 months if you have at least 12 months as a first engineer.
• Skippers, officers and radio operators must prove medical fitness and continued competence at least every five years. Medical certificates last no more than two years, or one year if you are under 18.

The BOE does not state course prices or provide a new Spanish application form for these qualifications.

What should you do now?

1. Gather your current certificates and records of training and time at sea.
2. Ask your skipper or training provider which requirements apply to your job and vessel.
3. Save the full BOE rules. For other work-related paperwork, see our guide to working in Spain and how to get your Spanish Social Security number.