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There are many different types of boating license, and we've put together an overview to help you choose the one that's right for you and your boating area.
A boating license is required to drive a pleasure boat with an engine rated at over 4.5 kilowatts (6.11 horsepower), whether on the water or at sea. The boating license also entitles you to use a VHF radio in French territorial waters.
Get a boating license
To take the boating license, you need to be at least 16 years old and have a medical certificate of fitness. Some candidates who are under 16, but have been sailing accompanied for three years, may take the exam. In this case, please contact Affaires Maritimes. "
"However, from the age of fourteen up to sixteen, persons belonging to an organization affiliated to an approved sports federation may drive a pleasure boat of less than 20 meters during the day as part of the activities offered by this organization, under conditions, in particular supervision, set by a decree of the ministers responsible for the sea and transport" reports article 3 of Decree no. 2007-1167 of August 2, 2007 on driving licenses and training for pleasure craft operators.
You must be able to produce your boating license in the event of an inspection, otherwise you will be fined ?38. Driving without a license carries a fine of ?1,500.
Motorboats aren't the only craft requiring a Pleasure Craft license. Piloting a jet-ski or jet skis requires a coastal license.
As with a car, a boating license can be suspended or withdrawn in the event of drunk driving, speeding, failure to comply with regulations or serious errors. If your license is withdrawn, you'll have to wait three years before you can retake it.
Options
| Coastal | Inland water |
| Navigation limited to 6 miles from a shelter | Boat length limited to 20 metres |
| MCQ + hands-on training | MCQ + hands-on training |
Extension
| Offshore | Large river yachts |
| No distance limit | unlimited length |
| 1h30 theory test | 9-hour practical training |
How do I get my boating licence?
To obtain your boating license, you'll need to pass two tests: theoretical and practical. The training establishment must be approved, and the trainer must be authorized to teach by the authorities.
Theoretical training must last at least 5 hours, and takes place in the trainer's presence. The test is a 30-question MCQ, with a maximum of 5 errors allowed. The practical test is common to all drivers, and can begin before the theoretical part has been completed.
Special report: The different types of boating licence
Sailing on the sea or inland waters (rivers, lakes or streams) requires a license if the boat's engine exceeds 6 hp. However, there are several types of license to choose from, depending on your navigation program.
- Coastal boating license allows you to sail up to 6 miles from a shelter (12 km), day and night, not only at sea, but also on lakes and enclosed waters, but not on rivers and canals.
- Coastal license, offshore extension which allows unlimited navigation, day and night.
- Inland waterway boating license for boats less than 20 metres long.
- Inland waterway boating license for boats over 20 meters in length. Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
- Do I need a boating license on a sailboat? Read the article on the administrative definition of a sailing vessel .
- Radiotelephony Restricted Certificate (CRR) is it still essential to have a VHF on board?
