Sailing to France

[SpaceCygnet]

I am based in Ireland and considering sailing to France this summer. What are the paperwork and documentation requirements for sailing in French waters and entering marinas or ports? I do have the purchase/bill of sale and vat evidence but the boat has never been through a full register with the marine authorities and I am wondering if that is an absolute requirement for France. Any thoughts from others who have been through this would be appreciated.u

 

[sailorman]

bill of sale helps to prove vat status
reg docs
possibly ins cert
radio licence
in date flares & L/raft

we saw no officials last year

 

[johnalison]

I have never had a problem in spite of several inspections, with normal paperwork, including an out-of-date SSR. Just keep the usual bills of sale, VAT certs, and personal documents and what you would have at home and you'll be fine. Quite nice place France, and the cheese is good.

 

[colvic987]

white diesel also might be a good idea to have in your tank, and not red, you know the French, will tax and fine you if them can...

 

[Tranona]

The advice on the RYA site will apply in principle to a boat of Irish origin. You will need to register your boat on the equivalent of the Small Sips Register. There have been proposals recently for a changes to this process and not sure whether they have been implemented so you need to check with the Irish registry. Do not go to France without the registration document and passports for crew. Bill of Sale and VAT evidence is useful but rarely asked for. If you do take flares and liferaft it is better that they are in date, although there is no evidence that they are checked systematically.

 

[Tranona]

white diesel also might be a good idea to have in your tank, and not red, you know the French, will tax and fine you if them can...

No they won't - the French authorities have confirmed that they will take no action on dyed fuel in a tank provided you have a receipt from UK (or Ireland) covering the purchase. Diesel in a can should be white.