A visit to the Nautical Institute of Barcelona, a pioneering VET centre specialised in sports and leisure boating. Dual training, real industry connection and privileged location at the Port of Barcelona.
An immersion into the core of nautical training in Catalonia
This week, I had the opportunity to visit the Nautical Institute of Barcelona (INB), a unique and pioneering centre that, since the 2015–2016 academic year, has been training future maritime professionals from a privileged location: the Port of Barcelona.
From the very first moment, the INB feels like stepping “on board” a different kind of educational project—specialised, practical and deeply connected to the professional world. A centre that breathes the sea, innovation and, above all, a strong commitment to the sports and leisure nautical sector.
A specialised vocational training centre
The Nautical Institute of Barcelona is an integrated vocational training centre, recognised across Spain, exclusively dedicated to:
- Maintenance of sports and leisure boats (in dual modality)
- Sports education in:
- Lifesaving and rescue
- Beach activities
- Sailing
- Diving
The institute was created through a collaboration agreement between the Barcelona Education Consortium, the Department of Education, and the Consorci El Far.
It inherited and expanded the nautical and sports training previously offered at Institut Rambla Prim, while benefiting from the experience and facilities of Consorci El Far, a key player in maritime training in Catalonia.
A clear mission: training qualified maritime professionals
The INB has a very defined mission:
👉 To train and qualify maritime professionals with the technical and behavioural competences demanded by the sector.
To achieve this, the institute develops training and professional pathways designed to:
- Support students throughout their learning journey
- Facilitate employability
- Respond to the growing need for skilled talent in the nautical sector
- Offer regulated, continuous and vocational training
A model that perfectly aligns with the goals of the new Dual Vocational Education and Training system.
A strategic location with strong industry ties
Being located right inside the Port of Barcelona is not just an advantage—it is a strategic asset.
This location allows the institute to:
- Build strong links with companies and organisations in the sector
- Maintain constant interaction with the professional and sports environment
- Provide high-quality, practical and real-life training
- Play a key role in boosting the competitiveness of the Port of Barcelona
The future of the nautical sector depends on well-trained professionals, and centres like the INB are essential to developing this talent.
Acknowledgement: thank you for inviting us “on board”
My sincere thanks to:
- Mireia Latre, Director of the Nautical Institute of Barcelona
- Xavier Cuerpo, Head of Studies
For their warm welcome and the passion with which they share an educational project that is transforming maritime training in Catalonia.
Leaving the INB makes one understand that vocational training, when specialised, connected to industry and purpose-driven, creates opportunities and transforms futures.
