There are different types of boat licenses, we offer you a panorama to help you choose the right boating license for your needs and your navigation area.
A boat licence is mandatory to operate a pleasure boat as long as it has an engine with a power greater than 4.5 kilowatts (6.11 hp), whether for inland or maritime navigation. The boat licence also allows the use of a VHF in French territorial waters.
Passing a boat licence
To pass the boat licence, you must be at least 16 years old and have a medical aptitude certificate. Some candidates under 16 years of age, but who have been sailing under supervision for three years, may take the exam. We will then have to get closer to Maritime Affairs. "
"However, from the age of fourteen to sixteen, persons belonging to an organisation affiliated to an approved sports federation may operate a pleasure craft of less than 20 metres in daylight as part of the activities proposed by that organisation, under conditions, in particular supervision and surveillance, laid down by an order of the ministers responsible for the sea and transport" reports article 3 of Decree No. 2007-1167 of 2 August 2007 on driving licences and training for the operation of motorised pleasure craft.
The boat licence must be able to be presented in case of inspection, otherwise a fine of 38 euros is applied. Driving without a licence is punishable by a fine of 1500 euros.
Motorboats are not the only ones concerned by the Pleasure Craft Licence. Driving a jet ski or water scooter requires a coastal license
As with a car, the boat licence may be suspended or even withdrawn in the event of drink-driving, speeding, non-compliance with regulations or serious errors. If the permit is revoked, it will take three years to pass it again.
Options
| Coastal area | Inland waters |
| Navigation limited to 6 miles from a shelter | Boat length limited to 20 metres |
| MCQ + practical training | MCQ + practical training |
Extension
| Offshore | Large river pleasure craft |
| No distance limit | without length limit |
| 1h30 theoretical exam | 9-hour practical training course |
How to get your boat license?
To pass your boat licence, you will have to pass two tests: theoretical and practical. The training institution must have obtained accreditation and the trainer must be authorized to teach by the administration.
Theoretical training must be at least 5 hours and takes place in the presence of the trainer. The exam is a MCQ of 30 questions or 5 maximum errors are allowed. Each questionnaire is adapted to the chosen permit, the practical test is common and can start before the theoretical part is obtained.
Dossier: The different types of boat licences
Sailing at sea or in inland waters (rivers, lakes or streams) requires a permit as soon as the motorization of the boat exceeds 6 horses. However, there are several permits to choose from, depending on your navigation program.
- The pleasure licence coastal option allows you to sail up to 6 miles from a shelter (12 km), day and night, whether at sea, but also on closed lakes and water bodies, but not on rivers and canals.
- The offshore extension coastal permit which allows you to sail without distance limitation, day or night.
- The inland water pleasure licence for boats less than 20 metres in length.
- The inland water large pleasure craft licence for boats longer than 20 metres. The candidate must be at least 18 years old.
- Do you need a boat license on a sailboat? Read the article on the administrative definition of a sailing ship .
- The Restricted Radiotelephony Certificate (RRC) is it still necessary with a VHF on board?
