On the water, certain rules apply. Knowing them is necessary to operate a vessel correctly and to understand what other waterway users are doing. These rules are essential to waterway traffic flow and safety. They help prevent accidents, dangerous behaviour and nuisance to others. In addition, proper regulation contributes to nature preservation. The RGP (Règlement Général de Police – General Police Regulations) and the RPP (Règlements particuliers de police – police regulations specific to individual waterways) include important information on fast motorboats, and speedboat operators are subject to specific rules. This brochure provides further details.

Speed relative to the shore is always restricted on inland waterways. Exceeding these speed limits is permitted only on river sections specifically reserved and marked with buoys for that purpose (‘speed basins’). Unless otherwise indicated by signage, the speed limit is 6 or 8 kph on canals and from 10 to 15 kph on rivers.

Water-skiing and wakeboardingWater-skiing or wakeboarding is permitted only in zones specifically designated for these sports. Water-skiing and power-boating are permitted only on stretches of water specifically reserved for that purpose (remember that swimming is strictly prohibited here).

Rules for safe and fast boating in France

RequirementsRecreational PermitThis permit is required to operate any vessel on inland waterways (except for customers of businesses that hire out boats with low-power engines and less than 15 m in length, as well as for boats with engine power of no more than 4.5 kilowatts (6CV)). Recreational permits (permis plaisance) – for boating on inland waterways as well as at sea – were significantly revised in 2007. Today, only two permits exist, depending on boating type or vessel size:Coastal Recreational Permit (permis plaisance côtière): for boating at sea, within 6 nautical miles of a mooring site, with an optional deep-sea extension (no distance or power restrictions);Inland Waterway Recreational Permit (permis plaisance en eaux intérieures): to operate boats no more than 20 m in length, with an optional extension for large recreational vessels on inland waterways (no length restrictions).Previously issued permits remain valid, however; their prerogatives are simply extended to the new regulatory limits.

All foreign operators are subject to these regulations, except European citizens with an international certificate. Further information on boating safety (including information brochures for download) is available online at www.vnf.fr

- Remain seated in the driver’s seat when underway;- Wear a lifejacket when operating a speedboat while

standing, unless the boat in question is equipped for standing operation. Lifejackets are always required for water scooter users.

- Avoid hindering or endangering other waterway users;

- Obey speed limits, generally indicated on signs or on navigation charts;

- Avoid excessive boat engine noise or idling the engine unnecessarily when the boat is stationary;

- Obey applicable regulations concerning alcohol consumption;

- Have a registration certificate for your vessel; - When you sell your speedboat, the new owner

must register the vessel in his name.

Charts of high-speed zonesThe top speed of motorboats is restricted on the

water, unless signs on the shore and official charts indicate otherwise. Keep in mind that speed limits may be lower in some boating zones or in protected nature areas. At www.vnf.fr, you can download the RPP and RGP regulations specifying:

• Speed limits in various boating zones;• Zones where water-skiing is permitted;• Zones where high-speed water scooters are

permitted.

EnforcementThe water police is responsible for enforcing regulations on waterways, particularly monitoring behaviour on the water, boating certificates and alcohol consumption. Traffic officers are empowered to issue citations for violations.

Your vessel: features and equipment• The registration number must be displayed on

both sides of your vessel. This registration number must be clearly visible, in a colour contrasting with the background, and must follow prescribed size requirements as outlined in the RGP.

• The engine must be in proper running order, in order to prevent nuisance due to smoke or fumes. There must be no risk of fire or explosion.

• The engine exhaust must be fitted with a properly functioning muffler that meets applicable regulations on noise pollution.

• The steering mechanism must be well maintained and in proper running order.

• The vessel must be equipped with a dead-man switch, which automatically shuts off the engine when the operator is incapacitated or falls overboard.

• There must be a lifejacket within reach for every person on board.

• A fire extinguisher, ready to use and checked regularly (every two years), is required on board.

• An adequate horn for warning signals is required on board.

• An oar and an anchor, of adequate make and weight, ready to use, are also recommended on board.

Rules for fast motorboats• Think about others – especially swimmers – who

also wish to enjoy themselves on the water, and avoid making nuisance waves;

• Be aware of commercial vessels, and in particular the waves and eddies these vessels may produce, as well as their significant blind spot (sometimes as much as 350 m);

• Obey speed limits;• Avoid all conflict. Keep the atmosphere on the

water cordial.• Respect nature and the environment;• Put your boat in the water only where permitted

and always be aware of vessels already using the waterway;

• Know and apply regulations;• Ensure all safety equipment is on board;• Take out proper insurance for your vessel. This is

in everyone’s interest. • Keep your registration certificate, your boating

permit and your identity documents at hand;• Use common sense, not the power of your engine!

Traffic accidents are relatively rare on the water. Keep it that way. Happy boating!

Speedboating is great fun, but excess speed, young people racing like mad and water scooters often top the list of nuisances on the water. Speed lovers are not always popular. Lead by example and respect the rules of the game!

1. Prepare your journey Be sure to take along up-to-date navigation charts covering your entire route. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and do not set off in poor visibility or in the dark unless absolutely necessary. In poor weather, ensure that everything is properly secured.

2. Commercial vessel blind spotCommercial vessels are sometimes unable to see you because of their blind spot, which can reach 350 m, the length of three football pitches! Adjust your course and speed in order to remain out of their blind spot. If you can see the cabin of the other vessel, its operator can see you too.

3. Clear courseMake sure your course is clear so that it is obvious to others what you intend to do. Cross a waterway or channel as fast as possible by proceeding in a straight line. In a channel, canal or river, keep to starboard as much as possible and look behind you regularly. Do not keep to the middle of the waterway.

4. Blue sign rulesWhen a vessel is displaying a blue sign with a flashing white light, try to pass it on the side with the blue sign – as long as the situation allows, of course. Think ahead to be able to react quickly.

5. Reduce your speedReduce your speed in time so that waves from your bow or stern do not hinder other vessels.

6. VHF radioIf you have a VHF radio on board, you are required to monitor it. When underway, set your VHF radio to channel 10 and use it to prevent dangerous situations. In special zones, such as traffic control stations, locks and bridges, use the channel indicated on signage.

7. Warning signalWarn small vessels of danger with a single long blast of the horn.

8. Give commercial vessels plenty of room Keep to starboard as much as possible and keep your distance from commercial vessels. Make sure to give them plenty of room, especially around curves and at harbour entrances.

9. See and be seenMake sure you are always visible and make sure you can see properly all around you. Make sure you can always hear the sound signals of other vessels.

10. Fast and safe through a lockMake sure you can moor your vessel on both port and starboard sides in a lock. Place enough fenders and mooring ropes on both sides of your vessel, before you enter the lock. If you have to wait, do not drift in front of the lock (so as not to hinder other vessels): pull alongside to the holding area. Enter the lock in the correct order of arrival of the various vessels and leave enough room for the vessels coming behind you.

Tips for recreational vessel operators

This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and made possible by the INTERREG IVB programme (Numericanal). These brochures were created together by Numericanal partners building on the work carried out in the Netherlands Safe Boating programmme ‘Varen doe je samen!’ The purpose is to enhance safety on the water, especially on waterways used by both commercial vessels and pleasure craft. Questions? Go to www.numericanal.eu and www.safeboating.eu