Mediterranean France: new rules for anchoring

[Roberto]

New rules have been issued for anchoring in French Mediterranean waters, in particular:
1. It is repeatedly stated that anchoring must satisfy Colregs rule 5, "proper lookout at all times and by all available means"
2. Maximum length of stay is 72 hours, "corresponding to a period of time with weather forecast guaranteeing good anchor holding". This may be extended a further 72h under the skipper responsibility.


Point 1 seems to imply that there must always be at least one person on board, ready to maneuver, and that the lookout must go through the night
Re point 2, don't they know there are skippers and anchors that do not care about weather forecasts

https://www.premar-mediterranee.gou.../arretes/1fbdd37e92774632bb08b7ce01eeb315.pdf

 

[Yngmar]

The PDF 404s. Is this enforced never, rarely, often or all the time? Asking as in Italy there's a myriad of rules but hardly enforced unless the Coastguard officer had a lousy morning coffee.

Can't imagine the French sailing fraternity giving much of a damn about keeping watch at night

 

[Clancy Moped]

Is this for boats over a certain size?

'Cette page n'existe pas.'

 

[sailaboutvic]

This has been for a In Italy, by the way Yngmar on the Quay in Olbia last time we was there the CG said someone as to be on board at all-time, although we didn't take any notice .

 

[Hoolie]

I think the .pdf link may be geographically limited. I have attached a copy ... ...

 

[Roberto]

Sorry for the bad link: this is the root directory, then half way down the page there is Arreté 2022-177, June 16th

Arrêtés - Préfecture maritime de la Méditerranée

It's valid for all boats, bigger units (85m) have a renewable 24h limit with a maximum of 72 hours
As I understand it, a number of boats left at anchor for long periods with no one onboard (or semi abandoned) have been stranded, owners were sometimes difficult to identify, no insurance or insurance not willing to pay etc so removal had to be made with public money: I think the decree has mainly been made in reaction to these cases; hopefully it will be mostly enforced with these situations.

 

[SandyP]

The problem with Europe is they ignore the rules until the day they decide to apply them to you

 

[Yngmar]

So pleasure crafts under 45m length can anchor for 3 days, and self-authorize to then anchor for another 3 days. Presumably repeatedly. Allright then!

 

[Daydream believer]

I think the .pdf link may be geographically limited. I have attached a copy ... ...

Could you please try shouting that louder in English, because I do not have a clue what it says

 

[Hoolie]

The original link works from an IP address in France but it doesn't work from anywhere else. I'm in France so I can see it, so I have attached a copy for you poor souls in other countries who can't!
Actually I've come across other official French documents, including useful inland waterway stuff, that's confined to French readership.

 

[cherod]

Actually ( omg ) i think that all sounds rather reasonable.