Documents Required for a Barge in France

[David Hewitt]

Hi there

my father died in August 2010 leaving behind a 31 meter barge on the Canal Du Midi. We are thinking of selling but we have only been able to find the original sale agreement. Could anyone let me know which documents I would need or should be looking for - Thanks David

 

[Sybarite]

Hi there

my father died in August 2010 leaving behind a 31 meter barge on the Canal Du Midi. We are thinking of selling but we have only been able to find the original sale agreement. Could anyone let me know which documents I would need or should be looking for - Thanks David

Welcome to the forum David.

If the barge is registered in France or is permanently moored in France then it will have respectively either an "Acte de Francisation", or a "Passeport" if it flies another flag. These are the boat's "papers". Although not proof of ownership (the sales agreement would be) it is a first start. The French Douane is responsible for issuing these and so you should apply to them hopefully knowing at what port it is registered. If not you could apply to the headquarters for assistance and suggestions.

http://www.douane.gouv.fr/articles/a10813-plaisanciers-le-bon-interlocuteur-pour-vos-demarches

You would also have to establish that no financial lien has been taken on it. The equivalent document for car transactions is called a "certificat de non gage".

You might also consider the help that a broker would afford both in finding a buyer and in helping you in the admistrative procedures.

 

[Cloven]

Welcome to the forum David.

If the barge is registered in France or is permanently moored in France then it will have respectively either an "Acte de Francisation", or a "Passeport" if it flies another flag. These are the boat's "papers".

From the website quoted above, as I read it, a "passport" is only required for the boat if the owner lives in France but the boat is registered in another country.

Rapprochez-vous d’un bureau de douane pour ...

demander un passeport (si vous résidez en France et que votre navire bat pavillon étranger

 

[srm]

DBA - the Barge Association may be a source of information.
http://www.barges.org/

 

[David Hewitt]

Thank you for the advice !! Can you recommend a good broker ? Many Thanks David

 

[[2574]]

Thank you for the advice !! Can you recommend a good broker ? Many Thanks David

This firm: http://www.h2ofrance.com/ seems to be a major player in that marketplace.