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Gibraltar

Who issues it
Gibraltar Port Authority (Captain of the Port) for local vessel licences and operating approvals; Gibraltar Maritime Administration (Maritime Administrator) for seafarer certification.

Do you need a licence?

Local craft must register. Under-18s need written authority for boats capable of over 15 knots. Jet skis need approved training. Fast launches (up to 60 ft, 200+ bhp, statutory speed/length ratio at least 1.6) need a licence/permit and training in the controlled area; exempt vessels need training or supervision.

  1. Pleasure Craft / Small Vessel Licence

    What it lets you do
    Registers and licenses a local pleasure craft with the Captain of the Port, subject to the vessel's licence conditions.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  2. Written authority to navigate a speed boat

    What it lets you do
    Under-18s need this to navigate a powered boat capable of over 15 knots, including a personal watercraft.
    How you get it
    The authorised officer may require an oral or written exam and a practical test to check competence.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  3. Royal Yachting Association Personal Watercraft Proficiency Course

    What it lets you do
    Required to use a personal watercraft; an equivalent course approved by the Captain of the Port is also accepted.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  4. Proficiency course approved by the Captain of the Port

    What it lets you do
    Required for fast launches and certified exempt vessels in the controlled area; exempt-vessel users may instead be supervised by a course holder.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  5. Certificate of Competence

    What it lets you do
    Fast-launch licensing requires a certificate from a recognised authority, approved by the Maritime Administrator. The owner must hold one and be aboard.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  6. Fast launch licence

    What it lets you do
    Covers the named launch in the controlled area for 12 months, unless ended earlier; training and licence conditions also apply.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  7. Permit for visitors

    What it lets you do
    Covers a named fast launch in the controlled area for up to 7 days, extendable by up to 7 days; approved training is also required.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  8. Written authority for an authorised user

    What it lets you do
    A licence holder may authorise another eligible person for one voyage on a specified date, subject to licence conditions and training requirements.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  9. Exempt vessel certification

    What it lets you do
    Certifies a qualifying vessel as exempt from the fast-launch definition; approved training or supervision is still required in the controlled area.
    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.

Study the theory in the Academy See the Exam Pass

Official sources: Gibraltar Port Authority — Sea Side Pleasure Boat / Small Vessel Licensing Conditions, current 2026 link · Government of Gibraltar — Seaside Pleasure Boats Rules 1989, rules 2, 6 and 6A · Government of Gibraltar — Fast Launches (Control) Act, 1987, sections 2, 2A, 4, 8–10 and 14A · Gibraltar Maritime Administration — Seafarers · Government of Gibraltar — Administrative Instructions under the Merchant Shipping (Safety etc.) Act 1993, STCW-1, STCW-7 and STCW-8 · Gibraltar Port Authority — Fast Launch Licensing Conditions, 31 July 2025