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BOE-A-2026-2054 ·28 January 2026 ·Resolution Low impact
Tax

Merchant Navy Officers: Call for Spanish maritime legislation examinations for 2026

The Directorate General of the Merchant Navy has announced the Spanish maritime legislation knowledge examinations for 2026. These exams are a mandatory requirement for EU and EEA citizens holding foreign certificates of competency to serve as master or chief officer on Spanish merchant vessels (Articles 65 and 67 of RD 269/2022). The content and organisation are governed by the Resolution of 9 September 2022.

In 2 key points

  1. Requirement for the recognition of certificates for master, chief officer (bridge/deck), and chief engineer (Art. 67 RD 269/2022) (art. 67 RD 269/2022)
  2. Enables EU/EEA citizens with foreign certificates to serve on Spanish merchant vessels (Art. 65 RD 269/2022) (art. 65 RD 269/2022)

How it affects those involved

For EU/EEA merchant navy professionals with foreign certificates, passing this examination is the enabling pathway to hold management positions (master, chief officer of the bridge or deck, or chief engineer) on Spanish vessels (Articles 65 and 67 of RD 269/2022). Failure to meet this requirement prevents the recognition of competence for exercising management-level positions in Spain.

Lifecycle

2026-01-28PublishedPublished in the BOE
Official text Based on BOE data (boe.es). Information, not advice.

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This analysis is informational only and does not constitute legal advice or create a client-adviser relationship. BM Consulting.
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