In France, operating a boat over 6 HP requires a licence. Three levels exist: coastal (fits 95% of cases), offshore (open sea), inland (internal waterways). Price, duration, procedure and equivalences detailed.
The 3 French boating licences in 2026
The coastal licence (also called "Option Côtière") is the key for 95% of rentals. It authorises navigation at sea up to 6 nautical miles from shelter (about 11 km from shore) — that's the entire Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Estérel calanques, Porquerolles, Cap Taillat. Price: €300 to €400 all-in, 3 to 5 days at a sailing school.
The offshore licence ("Extension Hauturière") allows sailing without distance limit from shore. Useful to cross to Corsica, go to Monaco from Saint-Tropez, or do long-distance cruising. Price: €250 to €350 extra. Prerequisites: hold the coastal licence + theory and practical exam.
The inland licence concerns internal navigable waterways (rivers, canals, lakes). No use for boat rental on the French Riviera. Similar price to coastal. Mentioned here for completeness.
Which foreign licences are recognised in France?
Directly accepted without formality: EU licences (Germany RYA, Italy Patente, Spain PER, Netherlands Vaarbewijs, etc.), the ICC (International Certificate of Competence), English, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian licences. Presenting the original + certified translation is enough.
Not automatically recognised: American (unless validated ICC), Asian, Latin American and African licences. Two options: get the ICC via a remote English school (€300, 2 weeks) then rent in France, or take a French skipper on board (+€200/day).
Practical note: before booking, send us a photo of your licence. We validate within 24h with our maritime lawyer (free service). Immediate clarity on recognition and alternatives.
Beware of "fake licences" sometimes offered online. The French Maritime Authority runs random on-water checks during the high season. €1,500 fine + boat impounded if a fake licence is detected.
Boats accessible without licence (no constraint)
Craft under 6 HP (about 4.5 kW) require no licence in France. Small 4-5m inflatables with throttled outboard. Max speed 8 km/h, capacity 4-6 people, navigation limited to 2 km around the departure port.
Practical: these boats allow discovery of the nearby coast (Sainte-Maxime beaches, Canoubiers Bay) but do NOT allow reaching Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez or Port Grimaud — out of authorised zone. For a real Gulf outing, coastal licence or onboard skipper remains mandatory.
Where to get your licence near Saint-Tropez?
Three serious sailing schools within 20 minutes of Sainte-Maxime. École Glénans (Var branch): intensive 5-day course, €380 all-in, weekly exams. Formation Cap Bateau in Saint-Raphaël: 3-day weekend, €320, particularly suited to beginners. Les Voiles Saint-Tropez: yacht-immersion course, €450, sporting cruiser dimension.
Tip: some schools offer a "licence + rental" combo — you take the licence on Friday then rent your boat at preferential rate the following weekend. Interesting for a trial trip if you're considering buying a boat.
FAQ
Is the boating licence valid for life?
Yes, in France the leisure licence is valid for life with no mandatory renewal. No periodic medical. However, in case of loss or theft, duplicate costs €30 from the maritime prefecture. Abroad (Spain, Italy), renewals sometimes required — check before sailing outside France.
Can I rent a boat the same day I take my licence?
Yes, the licence is valid immediately on issue. The provisional attestation (blue paper given on exam day) is accepted by all rental agencies while awaiting the final title (received 6-8 weeks by mail).
Does a sailing licence (FFVoile) replace the boating licence?
No. The FFVoile licence attests to insured practice but not motor operation capacity over 6 HP. To rent a motor boat, only the coastal licence (or equivalent) is recognised. For pure sailing without motor, the licence suffices.
