Bulgaria
- Who issues it
- Изпълнителна агенция „Морска администрация“ [Executive Agency Maritime Administration]
- Minimum age
- 18 years
- Buoyage
- IALA region A
- Collision rules
- Международни правила за предпазване от сблъскване на море (МППСМ)
Do you need a licence?
At sea, you do not need a licence for a non-commercial boat up to 4.57 metres and 15 kW (20 hp) within 500 metres of shore, if there is lifesaving gear for everyone. Larger boats need a licence, jet skis need a qualification, and small boats on the Danube need an inland licence. These qualifications start at 18.
Водач на плавателен съд за лично ползване (джет) · Personal watercraft operator
From 18
- What it lets you do
- You can operate personal watercraft, including jet skis.
- How you get it
- In the course exam, you answer 10 questions in up to 12 minutes and must get them all correct. The practical assessment includes handling, capsize recovery and person-overboard rescue.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Водач на малък кораб · Small craft operator
From 18
- What it lets you do
- You can operate recreational craft under 20 metres on European inland waterways. IM covers motor craft, while IMS also covers sailing craft.
- How you get it
- For the course, you answer 60 questions in 60 minutes and need at least 51 correct, then take a practical exam. You also need a separate Maritime Administration exam.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Водач на кораб до 40 БТ по море · Skipper of a seagoing vessel up to 40 GT
From 18
- What it lets you do
- You can operate seagoing craft up to 40 GT with no more than 12 people including crew, in an unrestricted area subject to the vessel's operating limits.
- How you get it
- For the course, you answer 60 questions in up to 60 minutes and need at least 51 correct, then take a practical exam. You also need a separate Maritime Administration exam.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Шкипер на кораб за спорт и развлечение до 300 БТ · Skipper of a sport and pleasure vessel up to 300 GT
From 18- What it lets you do
- You can operate sport and pleasure craft up to 300 GT at sea in an unrestricted area; IM means motor craft only. You need secondary education and a GOC.
- How you get it
- For the course, you answer 65 questions in up to 90 minutes and need at least 55 correct, then take a practical exam. You also need a separate Maritime Administration exam.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Professional deck titles
Корабен рулеви
STCW II/4- What it lets you do
- You can work as a rating on a navigational watch.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Квалифициран моряк палубна команда
STCW II/5- What it lets you do
- You can work as an able seafarer in the deck department.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Вахтен помощник-капитан на кораб до 500 БТ крайбрежно плаване
STCW II/3- What it lets you do
- You can serve as a coastal watch officer on ships of up to 500 GT.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Вахтен помощник-капитан на кораб над 500 БТ
STCW II/1- What it lets you do
- You can serve as a watch officer on ships of more than 500 GT.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Старши помощник-капитан на кораб над 3000 БТ
STCW II/2- What it lets you do
- You can serve as chief mate on ships of more than 3,000 GT.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Капитан далечно плаване на кораб над 3000 БТ
STCW II/2- What it lets you do
- You can be master on ships of more than 3,000 GT.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Radio certificates
Корабен радиооператор в местно плаване
- What it lets you do
- You can work as a ship radio operator on local voyages.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Оператор на корабна радиостанция, работеща в режим на радиотелефония
- What it lets you do
- You can operate ship radiotelephony on inland waterways.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Корабен радиооператор ограничена категория за СМСББ
ROC- What it lets you do
- You can work as a GMDSS operator on ships in sea area A1.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Корабен радиооператор обща категория за СМСББ
GOC- What it lets you do
- You can work as a GMDSS operator ashore or aboard ships in all sea areas.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Корабен радиоелектроник за СМСББ втори клас
- What it lets you do
- You can carry out GMDSS radioelectronics and radio operation in all sea areas.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Корабен радиоелектроник за СМСББ първи клас
- What it lets you do
- You can carry out GMDSS radioelectronics and radio operation in all sea areas.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Ready to study for it?
The Academy is free with an account: lessons for every topic, timed mocks marked like the real exam, and your progress saved.
Official sources: Maritime Administration — Ordinance No. 6 on seafarer competence, consolidated 6 January 2026 · Maritime Administration — Frequently asked questions, especially questions 13, 16, 18 and 19 · Maritime Administration — National training standard: seagoing skipper up to 40 GT, 24 August 2026 · Maritime Administration — National training standard: inland small-craft operator, 24 August 2026 · Maritime Administration — National training standard: sport and pleasure skipper up to 300 GT, 24 August 2026 · Maritime Administration — National training standard: personal watercraft operator, corrected June 2026