- How To
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- Canal & Barge Boats
Sailing and Barge Boats on Canals and Waterways of France
French Riviera 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
Renting a boat
Temporary permits may be issued to the driver of a rental boat for the duration of the rental period and set journey. This temporary ICC is issued after a short training period which includes some practical training on the boat. It can only be issued by approved boat charter companies. Boats may be rented and driven by any person over 16 with a valid operating certificate. Foreign ICC cards are accepted.- Activities for Children
- Snow Sports & Safety
- Outdoor Activities
- Beaches
- Sea & Sun Safety
- Scuba Diving
- Fishing
- Fishing on the Riviera
- Canal & Barge Boats
- Pleasure Boat Licences
- Sailing & Boat Permits
- Golf
- Yacht Shows
- Hunting Regulations
- Ports & Harbours
- Tour de France
- Ski Resorts
- Avalanche Forecasts
- Horse Riding
- Underwater Sports
- Watersports
- Hang Gliding
- Pétanque