Course
Recreational boat skipper (PER)
- Duration
- 35 hours face-to-face
- Reference tuition
- 17,000 MXN(confirm current rate)
Sail and motor: onboard safety, communications, regulations, lagoon practice. Preparation for the international PER exam.
Overview
This programme combines sail and motor, scheduled around your availability with regular attendance on flexible days and times. It is designed as a thorough, unrushed pathway with personal coaching.
Teaching pack: PDF notes and classroom slides; laminated onboard reference folder. Training yachts carry the instruments required for exercises.
Post-course sailing: after completion you may continue coached practice on school boats covering sail, motor, and VHF.
Examinations: the syllabus supports the international PER exam. In Mexico, eligible candidates pursue the national sea-book (class C) pathway through SCT-authorised institutes and the relevant capitanía.
Official programme — 35 hours face-to-face
The theory is studied online before you arrive, in the campus: Recreational Boat Skipper (PER): Theory Course. It is included in the price, so your days in Bacalar are spent on the water: sail, motor, seamanship and VHF.
Indicative split
- 24 h sailing practice
- 6 h motor practice
- 3 h seamanship drills
- 2 h VHF practice
Lead instructor: Capt. Mauricio Pérez Valero.
Training yachts
- Seaward 24
- Omni 36
Module 1 — Safety fundamentals
Safety ashore and underway; pre-departure checklists; swim tests & lifejacket use; gear care; balance drills; full-boat nomenclature; windward/leeward; steering under sail and power; powered departure and sailing drills.
Module 2 — Dock skills & communications
Dock lines; departure and docking; anchoring types; sheets and sail handling; marine VHF; low-speed control; collision regulations; power/sail sea time.
Module 3 — Meteorology
Wind strength & boat response; tides, seas, and currents; cloud reading; weather apps; international code of signals; VHF practice; docking drills; power/sail sea time.
Module 4 — Sail steering geometry
Tacking (close & wide), reaching trim, running, SOLAS/MARPOL awareness; VHF practice; power/sail sea time.
Module 5 — Heavy-weather & emergencies
Heavy-weather actions; crew-overboard (Boutakow); accidents; unintended grounding; flooding; anchoring practice; nautical & environmental law; VHF practice; power/sail sea time.
Module 6 — Coastal & estimated navigation
Visual & estimated navigation; charts & publications; parallel rulers & compass; sea-time logbook guidance; quality survey; power and combined sail/motor practice.
Fees & logistics
MXN 17,000 per person. Additional discount for a second participant or groups up to four—confirm current offers.
Includes: the online theory course, daily hydration, note folder, laminated diagrams/tables, digital bibliography, certificate of attendance.
Typical schedule (subject to dates): Mon–Sat 09:00–16:00.
Requirements: 18+; long-sleeve UV shirt; white-soled shoes; cap; polarised glasses optional.
2027 dates
8–13 Feb · 12–17 Apr · 7–12 Jun — 6 days, Monday to Saturday. Places are limited: confirm your spot by WhatsApp or email.
Note: hotel discount partnerships may be available in Bacalar.
Contact: WhatsApp +52 55 2215 3849 · navegabacalar@gmail.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the PER (Recreational Boat Skipper) course?
It's an in-person theory and practice course covering sail and motor, preparing you to skipper a recreational boat safely and to sit the international PER exam. It covers onboard safety, manoeuvres, VHF radio, weather, collision regulations and coastal navigation.
How long is the PER course and how is it organised?
35 in-person hours in Bacalar, spread over 6 days, Monday to Saturday, typically 9:00 to 16:00. The theory is studied online beforehand, in the campus PER theory course (included in the price), so the days on the water split into 24 h of sailing practice, 6 h under motor, 3 h of seamanship and 2 h of VHF.
How much does the PER course cost and what's included?
The reference fee is MXN 17,000 per person, with a discount for a second person or groups of up to 4. It includes the online theory course, daily drinking water, a notes folder, laminated tables and diagrams, a digital bibliography and a certificate of participation. Confirm the current rate when you book.
What are the requirements? Do I need prior experience?
You must be 18 or older. No prior experience is required: the course starts with safety principles and boat terminology. Bring a long-sleeved UV shirt, white-soled trainers, a cap and, if you like, polarised sunglasses.
Which boats are used for practice?
The school's sailboats, a 24 ft Seaward and a 36 ft Omni, both fitted with instruments for training. The lead instructor is Captain Mauricio Pérez Valero.
Does this course get me a Cartilla de Mar (boating licence) in Mexico?
The course covers the international PER exam syllabus. In Mexico, anyone who meets the requirements can apply for the Cartilla de Mar class C through authorised institutes and the relevant harbour master's office; that application is separate and we guide you through the steps.
Can I study the theory online first?
Yes. The online campus offers "Recreational Boat Skipper (PER): Theory Course", so you arrive with the theory reviewed and make the most of your hours on the water.
How do I book dates for the PER course?
Message us on WhatsApp at +52 55 2215 3849 or email navegabacalar@gmail.com. We schedule the course around your availability and, if you need it, we have discount agreements with some hotels in Bacalar.
Book here
We confirm the dates, availability and the conditions of the day with you. Outings depend on the wind and the state of the lagoon: if the day is not sailable, we reschedule.
Book on WhatsAppIt is the fastest route — we usually reply the same day.
No WhatsApp? Write to us from the contact form or by email at navegabacalar@gmail.com.