SIB/boat use in France

[Scarlet-Jester]

We will be taking our new boat (Bombard 380, 25hp) over to France this year to use on a lake. I have started to look into what is needed to make this happen legally and have found conflicting views. I have found the details regarding the Permis Plaisance, which looks like a total nightmare, as it requires an exam and practical course to be completed. On another site I read that you do not need a license if you are visiting i.e. on holiday.

Can anybody here shed any light on this?

[Channel Ribs]

A lake may well have local regs, but I would have thought the ICC is a good place to start. Also make sure you have ownership and proof of VAT papers.

This section might help:

Boating Abroad | Information & Advice | RYA

[Nickgriff]

I live in France and both my boats are UK registered. I use them on Lake Geneva and Lake Annecy. There are local regulations on both. I have my ICC and I also took my CEVNI (spelling ?) exam. Both boats are SSR registered and have French Insurance. As I understand, and maybe wrong, under European Law the driver must comply with the regulations of the country that the boat is registered in..
Hope that helps.

[Scarlet-Jester]

Thanks guys.

Nick this is pretty much what I have gleaned as well but at this point cannot find anything official to back that up. I am looking at doing a RYA course and getting my ICC as well but probably not the CEVNI at present. I have found a site Sailing Licences and Boat Permits in France - AngloINFO Provence (France) that advises on the types of licenses you require for boat use in France but it is still not clear on whether this is required for a UK user in France or for French residents only. I will keep digging!

[Channel Ribs]

You will have trouble finding anything concrete, there is a thread on the YBW forum where this has been discussed and some serious research/translation gone on.

Is there a slipway or other waterside facility on the lake that you can ask?

[Max...]

This is a very interesting topic as I too am off to France this summer with the boat. Can I butt in and ask if anyone know the regs for using a boat on the Dordogne river?

I have PB2 and VHF certs but have not applied for the EU licence - is that the ICC?

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Max...

I have PB2 and VHF certs but have not applied for the EU licence - is that the ICC?

The RYA can issue you with an ICC on the strength of your PB2.

[Scarlet-Jester]

Originally Posted by Max...

This is a very interesting topic as I too am off to France this summer with the boat. Can I butt in and ask if anyone know the regs for using a boat on the Dordogne river?

I have PB2 and VHF certs but have not applied for the EU licence - is that the ICC?

Have a look at the link I posted Max. This indicates that you need to have the ICC and have it validated for inland waters by passing CEVNI exam. You can use your PB2 to get the ICC but will only be for boats up to 10m (that is what I am planning to do). Above this size you need to do your day skippers. I am looking into all of this and will post when I get more details. There may also be local regulations in force as well. I work with a French lady and I am getting her on the phone for me tomorrow to ask some of these questions on my behalf!

[Max...]

Thanks chaps - very helpful and not too expensive after all. I'll post up the specific links for reference:

CEVNI test via RYA: The ICC CEVNI Test | The ICC and Proof of Competence Abroad | Boating Abroad | Information & Advice | RYA

French tolls:

http://www.vnf.fr/vnf/img/cms/Touris...1012301530.pdf

BUT this does state: vessels under 5m and with engine under 9.9HP are exempt!

Looking at this then - I think I just need to get the ICC, take the online CEVNI test (£25) and as the SIB is under the 5m/9.9HP no toll is necessary.

[Bongy]

Originally Posted by Scarlet-Jester

Have a look at the link I posted Max. This indicates that you need to have the ICC and have it validated for inland waters by passing CEVNI exam. You can use your PB2 to get the ICC but will only be for boats up to 10m (that is what I am planning to do). Above this size you need to do your day skippers. I am looking into all of this and will post when I get more details. There may also be local regulations in force as well. I work with a French lady and I am getting her on the phone for me tomorrow to ask some of these questions on my behalf!

when are you going then?

There are 3 of us all with 380's and 25's going this summer too!