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Every week, Bateaux.com offers you a question about boating licence . Validate your skills or even discover unexplored areas. This week, we tackle the question of priorities.
The general principle: human propulsion comes first
In inland navigation as well as at sea, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (RIPAM) lay down the main rules of priority. Article 9 of the RIPAM specifies that human-powered vessels (rowing boats, skiffs, kayaks, paddles) are "non-mechanical vessels" and as such have priority over motorized vessels, especially in restricted spaces.
This means that a rowing skiff, kayak or paddle has priority over a motorboat, with certain exceptions (e.g. in the case of vessels with restricted manoeuvrability or in distress).
In a channel: caution and common sense
However, in an access channel to the sea, the rules become clearer. The RIPAM and prefectoral decrees governing coastal navigation insist that non-motorized craft must navigate on the sides of the channel, so as not to hinder the main traffic.
Motorboats, on the other hand, must adapt their speed and behavior to the presence of light craft, especially if passing or overtaking a kayak or paddle. In particular, they must reduce speed to avoid heeling or destabilizing waves. But priority remains with the non-motorized vessel.
It is therefore illegal and dangerous for a motorboat to "force its way" through paddles or oars, even if these should not be in the middle of the channel.
Swimming and off-channel areas
Motorboats have no right of way in areas where motorized navigation is prohibited (bathing areas, areas reserved for beach equipment). In these areas, only paddles, kayaks and other non-motorized craft are authorized, and motorized boaters must avoid these zones or move around with the engine off and the paddle in hand.
Outside the channel, the basic rule remains: mechanically propelled vessels give way to all human-powered craft.
Paddle and kayak: not always a priority for each other
There is no strict hierarchy of priority between non-motorized craft. Prudence dictates that the fastest, most manoeuvrable craft (often the paddle) should move aside to avoid a skiff or sea kayak at cruising speed. But there are no official rules between these small craft, apart from common courtesy and good seamanship.
