In the early days of river charters, boats were often powered by 9.9 hp outboards, which was then the allowable limit without a license. If this power was more or less sufficient for propulsion, it did not allow the boat to stop or to maneuver safely. In order not to penalize this emerging activity, the legislator had the intelligence to recognize its specificities and to create an adapted category: the chartered pleasure boat .
The pleasure boat a specific category
The pleasure boat defines a houseboat of less than 15 meters and whose speed is restricted to comply with the limits imposed on the waterway concerned. It is chartered when it is offered by a rental company that operates it on certain waterways deemed safe. The operator must hold an agreement valid for 5 years and the boats must undergo an annual technical inspection and a dry survey every 5 years. The charterer must also train each of his clients in the piloting of the boat, inform them about the navigation conditions, the practicable zones and the possible limitations due to the water level or the weather.
A provisional pleasure craft card
Upon completion of this, the charterer is entitled to issue a pleasure card this is an official document that attests to the hirer's ability to navigate, but whose validity is limited to the boat concerned, on the planned route and for the duration of the rental.
Since navigation is under the responsibility of the lessor, it is up to him to impose an interruption of navigation in case the circumstances require it. On the other hand, the pilot of a private river boat sails under his own responsibility. He can go wherever he wants without limitation. He must hold a pleasure boat license, option inland waters when the engine exceeds 6 hp, and the extension large yacht if the boat is longer than 20 meters.
Numerous obligations
Chartering is an activity regulated by the decree of October 25, 2007, modified on October 15, 2009. Compared to a "renter", the charterer of river boats does not only provide the use of a boat. It is his responsibility to train his clients in the proper use of the boat and the waterway. He also ensures their safety throughout the cruise. It is thus up to him to issue possible alerts or even to impose a limitation or interruption of the cruise in case of threat of flooding or unfavorable weather conditions.
Everyone must do their part
In return, the hirer must respect these guidelines with good grace, even if the conditions still seem manageable, they can change very quickly. The limit is not always obvious to admit, especially if it puts in question the cruise in progress or if it imposes a change of itinerary. The interests of the charterer and the renter are however the same. Both want the cruise to run smoothly and safely. The handling of the boat is a crucial step. The charterer has the obligation to train you, you the one to accept to be trained!
The handover, a crucial moment
Despite the excitement of the start, pay attention and don't hesitate to ask for clarification of anything that is not clear to you. If necessary, ask for the test flight to be extended as long as you feel unsure of yourself. You will then be asked to sign a form stating that you have understood all the explanations, that you know how to operate a lock and that you feel confident... Take this seriously: you are going to take on the role of "Chef de bord" and this is no small thing. If other members of the crew have taken the initiation, specify their names on the form. Only then will you receive the pleasure card which formalizes your ability to pilot the boat.
The "no license" river rental is far from being a heresy. It allows rental companies to offer boats that are sufficiently motorized to maneuver safely. One may object that the training provided is succinct. To this we would reply that it includes at least one lock passage, which is not the case for the pleasure craft license, inland water option ...
