The time is long gone when any administrative procedure in our country was a challenge. Today, it must be recognized that real progress has been made in the dematerialization of the acts we perform. It is therefore logical that the registration of our boats has also taken the digital turn.
Which boats must be registered?
First, let's clarify. It is not necessary to register the following machines:
- Boats or craft propelled by sail with a hull length of less than 2.50 m
- Boats or devices propelled by a thermal or electric motor with a power less than or equal to 4.5 kW (6.1 hp), with a hull length of less than 2.50 m
- Boats or devices mainly propelled by human energy with a hull length of less than 3.50 m,
- Boats or craft propelled mainly by human power that do not meet the watertightness, stability and buoyancy requirements of section 245 - 4.03, with a hull length of 3.50 m or more
- Surfing
Why a registration?
Everything else needs to be registered. The purpose of this registration is of course to inventory the boats on our coasts, but also to ensure the safety of the users. It is indeed through this registration that in case of an accident, the owner or identified contacts will be reached by the authorities. Finally, like a car, the registration - and the related certificate - attest the ownership of the boat in case of control by the authorities. Indeed, it is the double presentation of this certificate and an identity document (or a rental contract if necessary) that attests that the person on board the boat has the right to be there.
Dematerialized approach
To be registered in France, the boat must of course carry the national flag, i.e. it must be registered .
Depending on whether the boat to be registered is more or less than 7 meters in length, there are currently two procedures. Until the beginning of 2022, it will therefore be necessary to go through two separate procedures.
For boats less than 7 m in length, simply go to the portal of procedures for boaters, register or identify yourself through the France Connect unified authentication system and create a new procedure.
Very simple, the process is to be initiated by the seller of the boat. It is indeed up to him to declare that he has sold his boat and to the buyer to declare himself as such.
Once the seller has a buyer, he can initiate this process, as the buyer's contact information is requested during the process. At the end of the process, a transfer code is given to the buyer so that he can come forward and obtain the new registration.
In order to complete the process, it will be necessary to produce:
- the original purchase invoice for the vessel or the original bill of sale for the vessel
- the original of the "carte de francisation"carte de circulation
- photocopy of identity card or passport (the only accepted identity documents)
- for companies: extract from the trade register (Kbis model) or photocopy of the professional card.
- for associations: photocopy of the registration act at the prefecture
In all cases, the application for re-registration of the boat must be made within one month from the date of purchase of the boat, otherwise you will not be able to sail and in the worst case, you will be seized.
For boat sales professionals
Professionals selling boats, who therefore have to manage first-time registrations, can also do so via this portal.
They may, in particular:
- Declaring the acquisition of a vessel in a trade-in
- Declare the resale of a new or used vessel.
- Registering co-owners
- Registering NMVs under 90 kW
- To register at sea pleasure boats of less than 7 meters, marked CE and not subjected to franking
- Registering new sea kayaks and canoes
- Performing temporary registrations
They act on behalf of their clients. All this under the condition that they have created an account in the appropriate part of the portal, reserved for professionals.
Online Help
Throughout the process, users are guided and can access both frequently asked questions and online help, both on the substance of the process and on its form. Finally, and we have tested this, it is possible to ask a question and obtain, after a few hours, an answer from the authorities.
