Permits to use dinghy in france?

[Mark2196]

Help needed!!!

I have just bought a a fully inflatable dinghy that holds a 10hp outboard engine. Its the type that folds away into a bag for easy storage.

I intend to take it to the South of France this summer to use in the Med, for a bit of fun for myself and the kids a couple of hours a day.

Does anybody know if I have to have any paperwork or permit to use this dinghy during my 3 weeks holiday?

Any advise welcome!

Thanks,

Mark.

 

[snowleopard]

the rule in france is that all boats must be registered. the only exceptions are 'engins de plage', i.e. beach toys.

strictly speaking therefore you should carry an SSR certificate.

 

[tcm]

Kids under 16 can't use more than 6hp for a start, and even if they are over 16 they may need certificates and this is changing. New rule regarding PWCs came in last year, frexample. Ask at an "Ecole Bateau" and a lesson or course could be a nice day out anyway. Although - it'll be in french...

The speed limit is er er 5knots with 300 metres of the shores i believe (not *utterley* sure but this is about right). The people who will nick you work hours between 9am and 7pm. There are on the spot fines, potentially.

The maritime police, if they stop you, and they often do as they cruise around, will expect some sort of "Permis de Conduire" (boat driving licence) which is required by a french-flagged boat for more than 6hp and although not actually by a uk flagged boat i would suggest you have an ICC - usually a one or 2-day course from novice in the uk.

You might consider geting new badges for the outboard so it reads "5hp", but I cannot condone that of course. I hear that with a mercruiser, the cowlings are interchangeable. I also understand that if you have a 15hp with black cowling you can cut the existing decals with a razor blade and peel them off so it looks like a 5hp.

 

[Mark2196]

Thanks for that.
Just one thing, whats a SSR cerficate?
I'm totally new to this.
Mark

 

[Mark2196]

I can take a powerboat course at my local boating school. Pt 1 & 2. Will this suffice? The dinghy is 3 metres long if that counts.
Mark

 

[snowleopard]

SSR stands for Small Sips Registry. you fill in a form, send off £10 and back comes your registration. no one asks for proof that you own the boat, that it is what you say it is or even that it exists at all, which makes it about as much use as a chocolate fireguard. it satisfies the french rules however.

 

[richardknight]

When we put our boats in the SSR 18 months ago a guy came out, did various measurements, calculated weight etc... and checked that it was what it was supposed to be in order dor us toe get the various bits and pieces.

Regards

Richard

 

[trouville]

the SSR is £12, and its a pity about the 300meter rule,as it rules out a lot of good anchoages,and came about becouse of bad behavior of Jet skis and MOBOs

 

[Vulcan]

You need several items on the boat to meet the regulations here. First either an ICC or Permis Cotier for the skipper. Second registration for the boat, SSR or Acte de Francisation. Third insurance for the boat and skipper. Fourth mandatory safety equipment on board. Speed in harbours is 3 knots, speed within 300m of coast is 5 knots. It all makes sense really and the police do enforce it. Serious breaches will have your boat impounded and a big fine for you.

 

[ipw]

I,ve been to france 4 times with a 3.8 inflatable with a 20 hp .Not once did i get asked for papers ,if you don,t act silly the police will be more concerned with jet skis . On one occasion i was asked to clear the beach swimming area by a lifeguard. I would get icc 2 {i got mine last year} but if not just go and launch and have fun