Permis Plaisance: Eaux Intérieures

Last updated September 23, 2024

Inland Waters Certificate

The Permis Plaisance: Eaux Intérieures (Inland Waters Certificate) is a crucial certification for boating enthusiasts in France, specifically for those who wish to navigate inland waterways. This certificate allows the operation of both motorboats and sailboats up to 20.0 meters in length with no restrictions on engine power. One of the notable advantages of this certification is the ability to navigate at night on inland waters, providing flexibility for those embarking on longer journeys. However, it’s important to note that navigation at sea is not permitted under this certification. Another key benefit is the allowance to operate Personal Watercrafts (PWCs), such as jet-skis, adding an element of versatility for recreational users.

For boaters looking to handle larger vessels on inland waterways, the Permis Plaisance: Grande Plaisance Fluviale (extension) (Inland Waters Certificate: Large Pleasure Craft) is available as an extension. This extended certificate lifts the length restrictions on both motorboats and sailboats, meaning there are no limits on vessel size or engine power. Just like the standard Inland Waters Certificate, this extension permits nighttime navigation on inland waters, but not at sea. It also retains the ability to operate Personal Watercrafts, making it the ideal certification for those seeking greater flexibility and capacity on rivers, lakes, and canals.

In comparison, the Permis Plaisance: Côtière (Coastal Waters Certificate) opens up the possibility of coastal navigation, allowing certified individuals to operate motorboats and sailboats with no limitations on length or engine power. With this certificate, boaters can explore up to 6 nautical miles from the coast and have the added freedom of nighttime navigation both inland and at sea. This certificate also covers Personal Watercrafts, providing a comprehensive solution for those who wish to enjoy boating and jet-skiing along coastal regions.

For more adventurous sailors, the Permis Plaisance: Hauturière (extension) (Offshore Waters Certificate) takes boating to the next level by offering unrestricted sea navigation. With this certification, boaters can operate vessels of any length and engine power without being limited to coastal waters. Like the Coastal Waters Certificate, it permits nighttime navigation on both inland waters and at sea, and includes the operation of Personal Watercrafts. This makes it the ultimate certification for those looking to venture far beyond coastal areas and into open seas.

In summary, the Permis Plaisance: Eaux Intérieures and its extension are ideal for those looking to navigate inland waters with varying degrees of vessel size. As boaters seek to explore coastal or offshore waters, the corresponding coastal certificates provide the necessary skills and permissions for broader marine exploration.

Certificate Privileges

Length Overall (LOA)

<20m

Engine Power

No limit

Sea Waters Navigation

Not allowed

Sailboat Operation

Motorboat Operation

PWC Operation

Inland Nighttime Navigation

Sea Nighttime Navigation