Rental of a pleasure boat: what are the rules?

Verified 01 March 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

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Vessel owned by a private individual

It is recommended that the boat owner establish a lease agreement with the tenant. For example, this contract must define the following:

  • Amount of deposits or payments on account and the amount of the security deposit
  • Rental price
  • Conditions for termination in the event of cancelation
  • Cleaning and fuel costs

It is also recommended to carry out an inventory of the boat and its equipment.

The owner must also specify to the tenant the extent of the risks covered by the insurance contract of the boat (civil liability, loss and theft, damage, damage caused to third parties ...). The owner must check that this insurance contract allows him to rent his boat.

The vessel must be equipped, depending on the navigation practiced, with several mandatory equipment.

The person who maintains the vessel and safety equipment (the owner or a specialized structure) must complete the annual special check. This document allows the user (owner or tenant) of the boat to verify that maintenance and monitoring of the safety equipment are carried out regularly. This document must be present on board.

Vessel owned by a leasing agency

The organization must enter into a lease agreement with the lessee. This contract shall define the following:

  • Amount of deposits or payments on account and the amount of the security deposit
  • Rental price
  • Conditions for termination in the event of cancelation
  • Cleaning and fuel costs

The organization must carry out an inventory of the vessel and its equipment.

The body must have an insurance contract covering, for example, damage to third parties, losses and theft. This contract systematically authorizes the renting of boats to third parties (tenant...).

The vessel must be equipped, depending on the navigation practiced, with several mandatory equipment.

The person who maintains the vessel and safety equipment (the organization or a specialized structure) must complete the annual special check. This document allows the user (organization or tenant) of the boat to check that maintenance and monitoring of the safety equipment are carried out regularly. This document must be present on board.