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Sailing on French waterways: the essential rules you need to know
By Yasmine EDDAM23 April 2025The rivers and canals that criss-cross France represent an exceptional heritage and a vital network for goods transport, river tourism and water-based leisure activities. But this seemingly free space is actually governed by a set of sometimes complex rules, designed to ensure the safety of all and the preservation of this environment. Whether you're an experienced sailor, a passenger boat captain or just a weekend boater, a minimum knowledge of river regulations is essential. This article provides an overview of the essential points to master if you want to sail French inland waters with peace of mind. The regulations governing navigation permits are one of the fundamental aspects you need to know to avoid any fines and ensure safe navigation. It is essential to find out about the different types of licence required, depending on the capacity and...
Collision and assistance in river navigation: who is responsible?
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationEven with the utmost caution, accidents can happen on waterways. A collision between two vessels (a collision), or the need to rescue a vessel in difficulty (assistance), immediately raises complex questions of liability and compensation. Who should pay for the damage? The intervention of a...River boats: what licences and certificates are required to sail in France?
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationOwning and operating a boat on French waterways, whether for transporting goods, receiving passengers or even for stationary activities, is more than just knowing how to manoeuvre. A dense set of regulations governs the commissioning of boats and the qualifications of those authorised to operate them...Inland navigation policing: what rules need to be observed on French rivers and canals?
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationSailing on French inland waterways, whether for the transport of goods or passengers, or simply for pleasure, is not a totally free activity. Far from it. A precise regulatory framework governs this practice, aimed above all at ensuring the safety of people and property,...Identifying inland waterway vessels: registration and measurement
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationFor many people, navigating the rivers and canals of France in their own barge, houseboat or self-propelled transport vessel is a dream or a professional reality. However, beyond the pleasure of navigation or commercial imperatives, river boats have a very specific legal status...Ownership and transfer of a river boat
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationAt first glance, the purchase or sale of an inland waterway vessel, whether a houseboat, a converted former motor vessel or a goods transport unit, may seem to fall under the classic rules for the sale of movable property. However, the legal reality is more nuanced. While the French Code...Security interests in river vessels: liens and mortgages
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationAcquiring, maintaining or operating an inland waterway vessel often represents a substantial investment. To finance these operations, recourse to credit is frequent. Conversely, many professionals (suppliers, repairers, crews, port authorities, etc.) may hold debts relating to the operation of the boat. How can lenders guarantee repayment?...Seizure of the boat: enforcement measures and protection of the creditor
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationWhen a debtor fails to honour his financial commitments, the creditor has legal means at his disposal to recover the debt. If the debtor is the owner of a valuable asset, such as an inland waterway vessel, this asset may be subject to specific procedures known as enforcement measures. French law, supplemented by other...The legal status of inland waterway vessels: what you need to know
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationWhether it's a barge fitted out for habitation, a hotel boat navigating the canals or a self-propelled vehicle transporting goods, the river boat occupies a unique place in our landscape and in our law. Often perceived as a simple means of transport or an original place to live, it has a unique place in our...Ship co-ownership: an essential guide to understanding your rights and obligations
Commercial, business and competition law, Navigation``html Sharing the ownership of a boat, whether it's a sailing yacht for leisure, a trawler for fishing or even a commercial vessel, is a solution that appeals to many people. It's a way of pooling acquisition and maintenance costs, and sharing a passion or activity...End of joint ownership of a ship and tax aspects: what you need to know
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationLike any human enterprise or legal structure, ship co-ownership has a limited lifespan. Whether through the will of the co-owners, the force of events or a court decision, the shared adventure around the vessel will one day come to an end. How does this happen in practice?Ship co-ownership: how is it created and how does it work?
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationThe idea of buying a boat as a group appeals to many people who love the sea, whether for fishing, pleasure or even a commercial activity. It's an age-old practice that allows you to share the costs and pleasures of sailing. But beware: owning a shared vessel is not the same as...Ship's agents: what rights, what financial responsibilities?
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationBecoming part-owner of a ship, or "quirataire" as it is known, opens the door to a shared maritime adventure. But beyond the dream, this status confers specific rights and, above all, implies financial responsibilities that it is essential to understand before committing yourself. Far from being just a passive investor, the...
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