A passion for the sea drives boats forward, but for that passion to be explored safely and legally, it is essential that the skipper holds a proper boating license. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining the necessary license in Brazil, highlighting requirements, steps, and useful tips. Let's dive in!
What is a nautical license?
Designed to certify a person's skills and capabilities in operating a vessel or watercraft, the nautical license is an official document issued by the Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil). With this license, a skipper who meets the basic requirements is authorized to operate certain types of boats. Before starting the process, the applicant must choose the type of license they want, pass a physical and mental fitness test, find an accredited nautical school, complete practical lessons, and pass the exam administered by the responsible authority. The available categories are:
1 - Sailboat (VLA):
Perfect for sailing enthusiasts who dream of piloting a boat without an engine. This license allows you to operate sail-powered vessels within inland waterway limits. To obtain this registration, the aspiring sailor must be at least 16 years old.
2 - Personal Watercraft / Jet Ski (MTA):
Designed for adrenaline lovers, this license is ideal for those who wish to operate jet skis. The applicant must be at least 18 years old to obtain this license.
3 - Amateur Skipper (ARA):
This category is perfect for beginners who want to navigate rivers, lakes, and bays. It can be used for vessels within inland waterway limits (except jet skis) and is available to those aged 18 and over.
4 - Amateur Master (MSA):
Ideal for those who dream of exploring the Brazilian coastline, this license allows the skipper to operate vessels between national and foreign ports within coastal navigation limits (up to 20 nautical miles from shore), excluding jet skis. To obtain this registration, the individual must be over 18 and have held the Amateur Skipper license for at least 12 months.
5 - Amateur Captain (CPA):
With this license, an experienced sailor can travel the world at will. It allows the operation of boats between national and foreign ports with no distance limit from shore (except jet skis). However, the aspiring captain must be over 18 and have held the Amateur Master license for at least 12 months.
How to find an accredited nautical school?
First and foremost, anyone interested in obtaining a boating license must enroll in a nautical school accredited by the Brazilian Navy. However, it is crucial to verify that the marina and the school responsible for the lessons are registered with the Port Authority (Capitania dos Portos) and comply with the specified standards, including access to waterfront facilities, training-compatible equipment, qualified instructors, among other requirements.
After enrollment, the student must earn the Boarding Certificate (Certificado de Embarque), which confirms the completion of the minimum required practical activities -- 6 hours for the Amateur Skipper and 3 hours for jet ski (Personal Watercraft).
How does the course work?
The theoretical course covers several important topics for safe navigation, including: basic navigation concepts, which provide information on rules, nautical signals, meteorology, and nautical charts; vessel maneuvering, which addresses docking, undocking, and sailing in different weather conditions; and maritime safety, which offers guidance on first aid, fire fighting, and equipment usage. Keep in mind that these practical exercises are essential for providing real-world experience in operating a boat or watercraft, under the supervision of experienced professionals.
What to do after completing the course?
After completing the training activities, the individual must register for the Navy exam. This requires paying a fee and submitting several documents, including copies of ID (RG), tax ID (CPF), driver's license (CNH), proof of address, the Boarding Certificate, and a medical certificate confirming good physical and mental health. After submitting these documents and paying the fee, the candidate is eligible to take the exam, which consists of theoretical and practical questions. The aspiring skipper must achieve a minimum score of 7.0 to pass.
How long does it take to receive the nautical license?
After passing the exam, the person will receive their license within 15 business days, depending on the region. The license is valid for 10 years and can be renewed after that period.
Extra tips:
Start by researching nautical training centers in your area and compare prices, courses, and reviews, while ensuring the school is registered with the Port Authority.
Ask all your questions to the instructors at the nautical school.
Dedicate yourself to studying and practice extensively for the Navy exam.
Keep your license up to date by completing the required periodic refresher activities.
With this complete guide, you are ready to begin your journey into the world of sailing. Navigate your vessel safely and explore the beauty of the sea responsibly. Good luck!
