French Liferafts

[bendyone]

Am I correct in thinking that some French boats have to carry liferafts? If so what are the requirements and specs - and do they cost less in France.

 

[Stemar]

Some info here, but it's in French.

If I've understood it correctly, boats that are entitled to go more than 6 miles from shelter need a liferaft or autoinflating tender.

HTH

 

[Roberto]

the link given by Stemar reports a statement given by one administration official where they announced some modifications in the rules with effect 1.1.05, indeed a boat sailing more than 6nm from a shelter must have one aboard, a list of differences in the image below

the first (and second) line is about liferafts

also, some more informations about liferafts here

I do not know what are the exact technical differences between "old rules" liferafts and new ones

 

[hylass]

the differences between old rules and new ones are rather small:

- Under old rules the total "life time" of the liferaft was 12 years and it is now 15 years
-before the check-in was annual and now it is only every three years...

 

[Sea Devil]

The French have a system of permits for boats which require mounting levels of equipment. Covers everything from fire extinguisers - storm jibs to sextants and life rafts. The 5 catagories go from coastal to Cat 1 which is Ocean. You will get a serious fine if you exceed the distance offshore of the cat of your boat.

Plastimo (French company I think) are probably the cheapest life rafts available and a 4 man in France is around 800 euro and £550 in the UK....... Same. Many items are slightly cheaper in France on their reccomended price but the UK discounting make UK sometimes slightly cheaper...

 

[jstalpaert]

Plastimo is a French company, their international website in English is www.plastimo.com. Please note that the liferaft you choose must be certified for your boats Class.:
- Coastal Cl V for Cat IV
- TransOcean Cl II light for Cat III
- TransOcean Cl II heavy for Cat II and Cat I.
In my opinion, it will not be cheaper to buy them in France.
If you have to buy electronics, buy them in the UK. It is mutch cheaper.