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Fishing from a rowboat, a fishing boat, or a motorized float tube gives you access to areas that are hard to reach from the shore. However, as soon as the vessel is equipped with a sufficiently powerful motor, a boat license becomes mandatory. So, which license should you choose for boating and fishing in inland waters?
The inland waters permit, or river permit
To navigate rivers, waterways, canals, lakes, and ponds, the appropriate license is the recreational boating license with the inland waters option. It is often referred to as a ?river license.?
This license allows you to operate a motorized recreational boat less than 20 meters in length. It is also required when the engine power exceeds 4.5 kW?approximately 6 horsepower?including on certain small boats used for fishing. The Ministry of the Sea notes that the license requirement depends, in particular, on the engine power and the length of the boat.
It therefore applies, for example, to:
- a fishing boat equipped with an internal combustion engine rated at more than 6 CV;
- a bass boat used on a lake or river;
- an electric boat that exceeds the regulatory power limit;
- a recreational boat less than 20 meters long traveling on the river system.
The inland waters permit is not a fishing permit. It authorizes only the operation of a boat. To fish, you must also comply with local fishing regulations and, when required, hold a fishing license.
Can you fish without a boat license?
Yes, in some cases. A recreational boating license is not required to operate a boat with an engine power not exceeding 4.5 kW, or approximately 6 CV. This rule applies, in particular, to certain small rowboats and vessels used to reach a fishing spot.
Please note, however, that not having a license does not exempt you from complying with boating regulations. The operator must maintain control of the vessel, be mindful of other users, and follow the specific rules for that body of water.
Managers of lakes, reservoirs, and waterways may also impose specific restrictions. Some sites prohibit internal combustion engines, limit the permitted power, or regulate boating hours. Before heading out, it is therefore recommended that you consult local regulations, the city hall, the fishing federation, or the water body?s manager.
What license is required for a boat that is 20 meters or longer?
The standard inland waterways license is limited to boats less than 20 meters in length. To operate a vessel 20 meters or longer, you must obtain the inland waterways large pleasure craft extension. This qualification allows you to operate vessels of any length.
This issue has little bearing on recreational fishermen, but it may be of interest to owners of large barges, houseboats, or certain commercial vessels.
Is a coastal fishing license valid on a lake?
The recreational boating license with the coastal option may be used on lakes and enclosed bodies of water, subject to the conditions set forth in the regulations. However, it is not the appropriate license for boating on rivers, streams, and canals. In such cases, the inland waters option is the most appropriate.
A fisherman who wishes to fish both at sea and in freshwater can therefore choose the coastal license and then complete additional training as needed. For fishing exclusively in rivers or lakes, the inland waters license is generally the most appropriate choice.
How do I get a river boating license?
The training program includes a written exam and hands-on training, which are typically conducted at a boating school. Candidates must learn the rules of inland navigation, river signaling, right-of-way rules, maneuvering techniques, safety guidelines, and the specific characteristics of rivers and canals.
To register, you must submit an application package and a medical certificate, among other requirements. The official form allows you to apply for registration in the ?inland waters? category.
Other Obligations of Fishermen at Sea
A boat license is only one part of the regulations. Depending on the type of vessel and the area in which it is operated, the boat may be required to have a navigation permit, a registration card, and appropriate safety equipment. Boats navigating inland waters are subject to specific requirements, particularly based on their length, engine type, and navigation area.
Before you go fishing, be sure to check the following:
- the engine's actual power;
- the length of the boat;
- authorization to navigate on the body of water;
- mandatory safety equipment;
- local regulations regarding internal combustion and electric engines;
- the fishing regulations applicable to the sector.
Key Takeaways
To fish in inland waters with a motorboat, an inland waters option on a recreational boating license is generally required when the engine exceeds 6 CV and for operating a boat less than 20 meters in length. Below this power threshold, a license is not usually required, but navigation, safety, and fishing regulations still apply. For boats 20 meters or longer, the ?large recreational craft?inland waters? extension is mandatory.
