Professional Skipper 2025, never-ending story: new (umpteenth) decree changes exam arrangements

Introduction of the charting test, requirement of at least 5 hours of sailing with a nautical school, green light for schools to hold theory courses in preparation for the exam, and then: possibility of retaking some exams gone wrong, postponing the submission of the First Aid certificate, adoption of more favorable criteria for exemption from the theory test for those with work requirements, etc.

Professional skipper, what changes (again)

There is no peace for the title of professional skipper, for which the modalities and requirements to take the exam are changing. The decree of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport(you can download the official circular here), which amends the one of May 20, 2024, that had regulated programs and modalities of the tests to become a “2nd class yachting officer,” is the one that has been ordered . Just the latest in a whirlwind of circulars, decrees, clarifications and corrections that are increasingly delaying this new qualification.

There are many changes made by the new measure, which in several cases simplify procedures, smooth out some inconsistencies, open new spaces for nautical schools, take into account some difficulties related to obtaining training certificates, open up for some requirements obtained abroad, and urge Port Authorities to assess market demand when issuing examination notices.

Mandatory 5 hours in nautical schools

But on the other hand, they also make the exam more complex by introducing a nautical charting test and, above all, they oblige candidates to attend a 5-hour navigation course in a nautical school, with the issuance of a corresponding certificate to be presented at the harbormaster‘s office. Another obolus to be paid to these schools after it had already been made mandatory to take the exam for the nautical license and also for the recent category D license. Lights and shadows, then, for this restyling brought about by the new decree that moreover goes to impact on some exam sessions already convened (what about it?) and in any case it is really hoped that it could be the last bureaucratic barrier for a title that has been awaited for more than 20 years and is still struggling to see the light.

Professional skipper title, all variations

Following are the main changes for the “2nd class boating officer” exam provided in the new decree:

• Introduction of a chart test in addition to the theory (interview) and practical tests already provided. The test consists of four questions chosen from a specific database and is passed by giving at least three correct answers in one hour’s time. One must appear for the exam equipped with 5/D and 42/D nautical charts published by the Hydrographic Institute of the Navy. Those who have a Nautical A license with an unrestricted rating are exempt from the test;
• the practical test must be conducted in maritime waters on a recreational unit of a minimum of 15 meters in length with a motor, sailboat with a motor of at least 30 kW or a traffic unit with the same characteristics. Multihulls or fishing units are not allowed. The “sailing specialization” qualification can be taken at the same time as the practical examination;
• obligation to take a course of at least 5 hours (certified) of navigation with a nautical school. The course is defined as “familiarization” with the skills required for the practical test;
• possibility for nautical schools to conduct theory courses upon submission of specific request to the competent bodies;
• if the candidate passes at least one of the 3 scheduled examination tests, he/she may retake the failed ones once within 12 months and at the desired maritime office;
• confirmed the “at least semiannual” cadence of examinations held by harbor master’s offices (including the Porto Santo Stefano maritime district office), notices are to be published online. The schedule of examinations must also take into account “the employment need of aspirants to obtain their professional title in time for the bathing season.”
• training certificates: possibility of being admitted to the examinations “conditionally” even without presenting the “First Aid” health training certificate, which must still be handed in before the title is awarded. Graduates in medicine, nursing (three-year degree) or nursing science (master’s degree) will acquire First Aid without taking coursework and exams. In addition, a higher training certificate is expected to “absorb” the lower one, the Short Range Radio Operator (SRC) certificate does not require endorsement, and LRC, GOC and ROC certificates earned abroad are considered valid if endorsed;
• theory test exemption: The criteria for exemption from the theory test for those who have had their A boat license “without limitation of distance from the coast” for at least 10 years become more favorable:

-infact, the 36-month limit (which previously ran from the date of publication of the decree) to take advantage of the exemption isabolished, so it can now be applied at all times;

– The requirement to be at least 50 years of age is deleted;

– it is reduced from 10 years to 36 months the requirement to have entered into (before the decree came into force) with pleasure craft chartering companies or with pleasure craft for private use one or more employment contracts with the object of the command of the pleasure craft;

• title without examination: the pool of people who can obtain the professional title without taking the examination is broadened, which now includes seafarers’ personnel holding STCW certificates (the international convention on training standards), even if issued by a foreign country with endorsement from the competent consular authority of the Italian Republic and valid, if they are residents or domiciled in Italy. Finally, holders of a B recreational vessel license can apply for the title immediately (previously it was necessary to have been licensed for at least 3 years).

Fabrizio Coccia