French Regulations

[boatbuilder]

I have recently been looking at hireing a boat on the canal du midi. There are plenty of companies, and the prices are not too steep, however, no one mentions the need for any paperwork.
If I took my own boat I believe that I would need either an ICC or CEVNI.
However it seems that as a total novice in a hire boat I dont.

Any answers, or are our French cousins just out to cause more difficulties with Engliah boats?

 

[albineer]

I doubt that you'd need a CEVNI on the Canal du Midi with all those hire boats. We were not asked for one when entering the system from the Gironde. My guess is that you would only need one where they have substantial commercial traffic say Le Havre or the Rhone. Michael Briant would probably know more.

I've never found the French difficult even when I did something stupid on the Charente where they still have coasters going up and down the river.

 

[Bluemac]

We ahve had three fabulous holidays on the French canals including the Canal Du Midi, and if you are hiring a boat on the canal you do not need any paperwork - just a ten minute instruction from the hire company!!

If you take your own boat yes you do need paperwork - an ICC endorsed with CEVNI. Logical isn't it ?!

 

[duncan]

this isn't just applicable to the French......

basically any charter company will enter into agreement with the local regulator regarding the education or qualification of it's customers. Generally this involves an agreed training procedure that has to be implemented.

This is logical.

Equally compliance with local regulations by local boatowners is logical.

Rules for visiting boat owners on thier boats is logical

Where it gets confused is when firms 'accept' 'qualifications' in lieu of their documented procedures - although this apears logical!