I'm aware that you need an ICC (with CEVNI) for the French Inland Waterways, but what's the situation for trailer-sailing on lakes? Do these count as 'Inland Waterways' or are there other factors?
I sail off the coast near my home in Granville Normandy. I have been boarded a couple of times by customs but nobody has asked for any certificates. I even race with the Yacht club boats in the winter and they have never asked either. When I asked the skipper of the boat I race on, about qualifications, he said he has sailed since he was eight but has no certificates. I think it all a myth to make us join the RYA.
ALLAN
my experience of sailing in france has been exactly the same - never asked for anything other than ssr. however, i have been warned that if you get into an argument / accident / or just the Douane when they are trying to keep their jobs, it can be very different.