Recreational boating: do you need a boat license?
Verified 25 November 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Everything depends on the type of navigation you practice (inland waters or at sea), and the equipment of your boat (engine, sail, ...).
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Inland navigation (rivers, canals, lakes)
Motor boat
The power of your boat is less than 4.5 kilowatts (6 horsepower)
You do not need a boat license to navigate in inland waters.
The power of your boat is more than 4.5 kilowatts
You must have a boat license that includes the following option or extension:
- Or the option inland waters, for navigation on a vessel of less than 20 meters in length
- Either the grande piance extension inland waters, for navigation on a vessel of 20 meters or more in length
Boat without motor
You do not need a boat license to navigate in inland waters.
Sailing and motor boat
The power of your boat is less than 4.5 kilowatts (6 horsepower)
You do not need a boat license to navigate in inland waters.
The power of your boat is more than 4.5 kilowatts
You must have a boat license that includes the following option or extension:
- Or the option inland waters, for navigation on a vessel of less than 20 meters in length
- Either the grande piance extension inland waters, for navigation on a vessel of 20 meters or more in length
Navigation at sea
Motor boat
The power of your boat is less than 4.5 kilowatts (6 horsepower)
You don't need a boat license to sail at sea.
Boat without motor
You don't need a boat license to sail at sea.
Sailing and motor boat (regardless of power)
You don't need a boat license to sail at sea.
FAQ
Service-Public.fr
Service-Public.fr
Ministry of the Sea and Fisheries
Ministry of the Sea and Fisheries
Ministry of the Sea and Fisheries