Marina Mercante
How to Become a Merchant Navy Officer in Spain
Spain's Marina Mercante has a long Atlantic, Mediterranean and global trading tradition. The Directorate General of the Merchant Navy (DGMM) certifies officers, and several specialised universities and nautical schools offer officer degree programs. Spain is also a major cruise turnaround port and ferry operator in the Mediterranean.
Regulator: Dirección General de la Marina Mercante (DGMM) · Updated 2026-06-01
The Marina Mercante in Spain
A career as a Spanish merchant navy officer offers internationally portable qualifications, structured promotion and some of the highest entry-level earnings of any technical profession. Training follows the global STCW convention, so a certificate earned in Spain is recognised worldwide — while the entry route, terminology (Marina Mercante) and approved institutes are specific to the country.
Eligibility & requirements
- Spanish Bachillerato (upper-secondary leaving certificate) or equivalent.
- Maritime medical fitness certificate.
- Sea-internship phases embedded in the degree.
- Spanish language; English required for STCW certification and international employment.
Entry paths to become an officer
1. Universidad del PaĂs Vasco / UPV or Universidad de Cádiz — Náutica degree
A four-year degree in Náutica e Transporte MarĂtimo or IngenierĂa de Sistemas Navales with sea-cadet phases, leading to a DGMM officer certificate.
2. Escuela Náutico-Pesquera (fishing/merchant combination)
Nautical schools in Vigo, A Coruña and Tenerife offer combined fishing and merchant officer programs, strong for those targeting Galician fishing-fleet careers as well as merchant shipping.
Approved institutes & academies
| Institute | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Escola Tècnica Superior de Nà utica i Mà quines Navals (UPC) | Barcelona | University |
| Escuela Técnica Superior de Náutica y Máquinas (UPV/EHU) | Bilbao | University |
| Facultad de Ciencias Náuticas (Universidad de Cádiz) | Cádiz | University |
| Escuela Náutico-Pesquera de Vigo | Vigo | Academy |
Ranks & salary structure
Merchant navy officers progress through a clear rank ladder in two main departments — Deck (navigation) and Engine — plus the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) role. Promotion depends on sea-time and higher Certificates of Competency.
Spanish officers are paid under national maritime collective agreements; indicative USD equivalents are shown below.
| Rank | Department | Indicative pay (USD / month) |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Cadet / Trainee | Deck | $300 – $700 |
| Third Officer (3/O) | Deck | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Second Officer (2/O) | Deck | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Chief Officer (C/O) | Deck | $6,000 – $9,500 |
| Master (Captain) | Deck | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Trainee / Fifth Engineer | Engine | $300 – $700 |
| Fourth Engineer (4/E) | Engine | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Third Engineer (3/E) | Engine | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Second Engineer (2/E) | Engine | $7,000 – $10,500 |
| Chief Engineer (C/E) | Engine | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | ETO | $4,000 – $6,500 |
Figures are indicative monthly wages for foreign-going officers and vary by company, flag state, vessel type and contract length.
Documents, exams and planning checklist
Confirm eligibility and medical standards before paying any institute fees.
Shortlist only training routes recognised by DGMM.
Keep passport, academic records, medical certificate and sponsorship letters organised.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DGMM in Spain?+
The DirecciĂłn General de la Marina Mercante (DGMM), part of the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for certifying merchant officers, registering ships, and implementing maritime safety and STCW regulations in Spain.
Are Spanish maritime qualifications valid across the EU?+
Yes. Spanish STCW CoCs issued by DGMM are recognised across EU/EEA member states under the relevant EU directives, though individual flag states still require their own endorsements.
Life at sea
Shore leave, paperwork, fatigue, mental health, contracts and pensions affect seafarers in much the same way whatever country they train in, so they are covered once, in real-life issues on ships.