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Sailing and Barge Boats on Canals and Waterways of France
Paris & Ile-de-France How To
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Understand how to use a barge boat on French canals and waterways: operate locks, times you may sail and general rules, regulations and recommendations of the waterways...
Prior to 1 January 2008, navigating a vessel over five metres with an engine capacity greater than 4.5 Kw (6hp) and a displacement of over 10m required a permit (certificat de capacité). These licences remain valid in part: the C permit requires additional practical training to allow it to be valid for the 20 metre long boat; the S permit remains valid as is.
- Category C (coche de plaisance): Pleasure boats up to 15m travelling under 20 Km/h
- Category S (bateau de sport): Power boats able to travel faster 20 Km/h
- Category PP (péniche de plaisance): boats (and house boats) longer than 15m but travelling under 20 Km/h
The Recreational Permit (Permis Plaisance)
The Recreational Permit (Permis Plaisance) is available for four different purposes, one each for sea and inland waters, each of which can be extended. An applicant must be at least 16 years of age and provide the examination centre with a medical certificate. A theory and practical test must be passed before the permit is issued. The inland water permits are:Basic | Extension |
---|---|
Eaux Intérieures | Grande Plaisance Fluviale |
boats up to 20 metres | no length restrictions |
Test: QCM + practical | 9 hours practical training |
Applying for the permit
There is a single point of contact in each department:- Coastal départements: Contact the Directions Départementales des Affaires Maritimes
- Inland départements: Contact the Services de la Navigation (and for Nantes, contact the Direction Départementale de l'Equipement de Nantes)
- More information about recreational boating can be found on the French Government website