Nautical licences - Obtaining

To obtain a nautical licence, it is necessary to take an examination consisting of a theoretical test and a practical test conducted by an examiner and an expert sailor appointed by the Italian Sailing Federation or the Italian Naval League.

The licence is valid for ten years from the date of issue or validation. The duration is reduced to five years for those who have reached the age of 60 at the time of issue or validation.

Nautical schools in the province are listed in the following document:

Nautical licences are divided into the following categories:
- A: command and conduct of vessels and pleasure craft (divided into: within twelve miles from the coast and without any limit from the coast). At the request of the person concerned, licences may be issued for the command and conduct of motor vessels only.
- B: command of pleasure vessels
- C: nautical direction of pleasure boats and yachts
- D: special licence for the command of pleasure boats and yachts

The nautical licence for recreational craft not exceeding 24 metres in length is always mandatory

- for navigation beyond six miles from the coast
- for driving jet skis
- when an engine with more than 30 kw or 40.8 horsepower is installed on board the unit
- when an engine with a displacement greater than 750 cc is installed on board if with two-stroke carburetion, or 1000 cc if with four-stroke carburetion outboard or if with direct injection, or 1300 cc if with four-stroke carburetion inboard, or 2000 cc if with diesel cycle.

Within six miles from the coast you must in any case: be at least 18 years of age to drive boats (over 10 metres in length); 16 years of age for boats (10 metres or less in length); 14 years of age for sailing boats with a sail area of more than 4 square metres as well as for rowing boats sailing more than one mile from the coast.

Anyone taking command of pleasure craft longer than 24 metres must hold a recreational vessel licence.

With reference to the Trento Motorizzazione, it is pointed out that only the nautical licence that enables navigation within 12 miles from the coast can be obtained. Examinations are held annually in the period from April to September.

The service is open to all interested parties.

• make an appointment at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Offices, see section "digital channels";
• complete and deliver the documents listed in the "Documents to be submitted" section.

The copy of the application, complete with the visa from the Civil Motorization Office, constitutes, accompanied by a personal identity document, authorisation to operate pleasure craft provided that a person who has held a licence for at least three years is on board. This document shall be valid for three months, extendable for a further three months. Examination sessions may not be held until thirty days after the date of issue of the licence to practise.

Please note that the examination sessions for the nautical licence, taking place on Lake Garda, are seasonal and take place from April to September. It is advisable to submit your application with this time frame in mind (submission of applications by mid-August at the latest).

Those who hold a licence limited to motor navigation can extend their licence to sailing by taking only the practical test.

For payment, it is necessary to use PAGOPA via 'il portale dell'automobilista', see:

PAGOPA INSTRUCTIONS

The PAGOPA code associated with the fee for "Patente Nautica Attainment" is:

• T048 "Examination for obtaining category A and C boating licences" (AMBITO TRENTO).
• N160 "Fees for the issue of the nautical licence printout" (NATIONAL AMBIT)

• model "application for admission to the nautical licence examinations";
• model 'declaration of willingness to take the nautical licence examination';
• medical certificate with photo of the applicant's physical fitness for navigation issued by authorised doctors(click here for list)
• two passport-size photos
• photocopy of a valid identity document;
• payment receipts made through PAGOPA.

You can apply at any time.