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Boating schools in France
In short
The permis plaisance is required above 6 hp (4.5 kW). Sailing boats at sea are exempt, even with an auxiliary engine.
When a certificate is required
For motorboats above 6 hp (4.5 kW). Sailing boats at sea are exempt, auxiliary engine or not.
Duration and minimum age
A few days of theory plus practical training aboard. 16 for the coastal option.
What a course costs
Around 350 to 550 euros for the coastal option, 200 to 300 euros more for the offshore extension.
Who issues the certificate
Ministry for the Sea, examined through the departmental authorities, www.mer.gouv.fr
Finding a school
Where the boating schools in France are listed
No list of single schools, it dates within a season. We name the bodies that keep the registers.
Approved boating schools
Bateaux-écoles agréés
Every French boating school carries an approval number from the departmental authority, and the departments hold the lists.
www.mer.gouv.frSailing association
Fédération Française de Voile
Sailing schools and clubs with their own training, on every coast.
www.ffvoile.frMarina association
Fédération Française des Ports de Plaisance
Harbours with attached schools and charter operators.
www.ffports-plaisance.comThe certificates
What each certificate covers
Permis plaisance option côtière
Motorboats above 6 hp, up to 6 nautical miles from shelter, by day and night
Extension hauturière
An extension of the coastal permit without a distance limit, theory examination only
Option eaux intérieures
Canals and inland waterways
Certificat de radiotéléphoniste
Radio certificate
Context
How training works in France
France draws a sharp line between power and sail. A sailing boat goes to sea without a certificate, auxiliary engine or not and whatever its length. Once the engine is the main means of propulsion and develops more than six horsepower, the permis plaisance applies. That is why French boating schools teach almost only powerboating, while sail training sits with the clubs of the national sailing federation.
The second speciality is the approval number. Every school carries one from the relevant authority, and a school without one cannot produce a valid certificate. Ask for it, any serious school shows it.
Recognition, charter, cover
What the certificate means outside the classroom
Recognition abroad
Foreign certificates are recognised for visitors. On the canals hire companies often ask only for a briefing.
What the charter base asks for
Canal hire normally runs without a certificate, after a briefing. At sea the bases ask for a certificate and a radio ticket.
All countries at a glanceWhat matters for cover
The Atlantic and the Channel are a cruising area of their own, not the Mediterranean. Tide and current change the claims picture as well.
All countries at a glanceQuestions and answers
Common questions about boating in France
When does France require a permis plaisance?
As soon as the engine develops more than 6 hp (4.5 kW). Sailing boats at sea are exempt, auxiliary engine or not.
What is the extension hauturière?
A theory-only extension of the coastal permit that removes the six mile distance limit.
Do I need a certificate for a canal boat?
Usually not. The hire company briefs you, and you still carry the responsibility.
Last reviewed: 27 September 2026. The authority of the country you boat in has the final word.
We insure boats whose owner or flag is in Germany, Austria or Spain.
Other countries
Do you run a boating school?
A training boat runs commercially, with a liable instructor: that needs its own arrangement.
