At sea, assistance to a person in danger is free . But not property assistance. In other words, if you request assistance to tow your boat when it runs out of gas, you will have to pay for the towing.
As a general rule, the boat requesting assistance contacts the CROSS via the VHF (channel 16) or by cell phone (telephone number: 196). The CROSS assesses the urgency of the situation and coordinates the intervention. It often calls on the SNSM.
The latter gets in touch with the boat to be towed and announces its rates. These are not calculated randomly according to the mood of the boat's captain! The rates applied correspond to the expenses incurred, the reimbursement of which is provided for by law N° 67-543 of July 7, 1967 and confirmed by a circular from the maritime affairs administration (N° 44 Marine marchande/DAMGM of July 1, 1970).
These fees will be used to cover the expenses of:
- fuels and lubricants
- maintenance and depreciation of lifeboats
- safety equipment and training for volunteer rescuers
The rates depend on the means engaged (type of boat) and the size of the boat towed. These rates have been updated for the summer 2016 season. In particular, changes have been made to make the towing rates for "small boats" (less than 7 m) more accessible, mainly if a large speedboat is dispatched (whereas a RIB is sufficient).
Some insurances cover this kind of towing. You must read your contract carefully to be sure. Be careful, because some companies take into account the distance from your home port (less than 5 miles and you are not reimbursed...).
Fixed price per operation
| Vedette All Weather | Vedette V2 | Light or semi-rigid boat | |
| Windsurfing, kitesurfing | 150 euros | 150 euros | 150 euros |
| Jet ski, dinghies | 240 euros | 240 euros | 240 euros |
Hourly rate
| Vedette All Weather | Vedette V2 | Light or semi-rigid boat | |
| Boat < 7m | 340 euros | 340 euros | 340 euros |
| 7 m < boat <12 m | 600 euros | 400 euros | 340 euros |
| boat > 12 m | 690 euros | 460 euros | 390 euros |
Beyond the first hour, the rate is deducted by ¼ of an hour
