Boat license La Rochelle - FAQ

The minimum age to take the coastal pleasure boat license is 16. This is the same minimum age for inland waterway or offshore licenses.
It is also possible, from the age of 16, to practice accompanied navigation at sea.
The accompanying person must hold a coastal or offshore boat license for at least 3 years and must declare this accompanied navigation to the competent maritime authorities in the geographical area.

This is a frequently asked question. There is a so-called “technical equation” used to determine the ratio between sail area, loaded boat weight, and engine power, in order to define whether the sails are the main means of propulsion and the engine only auxiliary, in which case a boat license is not required. Otherwise, the coastal pleasure boat license, or boat license, is mandatory.

Yes, in order to use certain radio equipment, the operator must hold a certificate attesting to their skills.
For a VHF radio with or without DSC, the required certificate is the CRR (Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate).
Since 2011, holding at least the coastal pleasure boat license is sufficient when navigating less than 6 nautical miles from a safe haven in territorial waters. Beyond that, the CRR remains mandatory.

Yes, if you navigate beyond French territorial waters and abroad.

Depending on the trainees, a motorboat for motorboat users or a sailboat for sailing enthusiasts.
The sailboat used is equipped with a powerful engine, which requires holding a boat license to operate it.

Whatever the type or category of vessel, it is important to have basic fundamental knowledge of maritime safety.

No disadvantages at all. On the contrary, training is much more comprehensive on a larger vessel. This training allows for better analysis of the environment before carrying out any maneuver, whether in port or at sea.

In practice, and in accordance with legislation, a minimum of 2 hours of practice at the helm is required to obtain the boat license once the theory exam has been passed.
In addition, 1 hour and 30 minutes of collective practical training must be added.

Once you are ready to register for the theoretical exam, the training center registers you. The exam takes the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ).
Your theoretical knowledge is assessed through a 30-question MCQ, with up to 5 mistakes allowed. You retain the benefit of passing the theoretical option for 18 months. After this period, if you have still not validated the practical part of your boat license, you must retake the theoretical exam.

No, there is no final practical exam as such. The practical skills are validated once you have achieved the required competencies listed in the certification booklet that follows you. This part of the training lasts a total of 3 hours and 30 minutes, including 2 hours at the helm and 1 hour and 30 minutes of collective training.

Yes. We are aware that for some people with limited experience, it can be useful to refresh their skills. We offer 1 or 2 hours to review the basic notions together and to help you learn more.

On lakes and rivers up to the first maritime obstacle (bridge, lock, etc.), the coastal license is required. Beyond that, the inland waterways license is needed, as for canals. The inland license also allows navigation on lakes.

Regardless of the option (coastal or inland waters), boat licenses issued after completion of full training in an approved center have unlimited validity. They are valid for life. No medical examination is required.
However, if you navigate very infrequently, a refresher on essential safety rules from time to time cannot hurt. A boat license, even in La Rochelle with Infornav, is not like riding a bicycle—you can forget a little.

Yes, it is mandatory unless you are accompanied by a professional jet ski instructor who supervises the outing under their responsibility.

In practice, you can contact Infornav directly at 07 61 45 94 17 to arrange an appointment. You can also send an email to “contact@infornav.fr” and request a callback, or use the contact form.
Visit the page we dedicate to administrative procedures. There you will find downloadable the CERFA document for your registration file as well as a medical fitness certificate to be completed by your physician.
You will also find a link to purchase tax stamps online (€38 and €70), and you will need a copy of your ID and a compliant color photo. You will then be ready to start your boat license training in La Rochelle.

As we explain in our article dedicated to the INFORNAV boat license in La Rochelle.
For several years now, it has not been uncommon to see success rates consistently approaching 99%, but it is certain that a closer look would reveal gaps, especially in the practical application of certain essential safety standards.
During training for the INFORNAV license, we place particular emphasis on safety in real-life situations during a three-day session.
You will be far more confident in yourself, knowing that you can face situations where many novice boaters lose control and turn what could have been a minor incident into a real disaster.

We could answer very simply by highlighting an attractive pricing policy, especially since it benefits from a substantial 20% discount throughout 2020.
But we prefer to draw your attention to our references in the dissemination of safety rules. You can consult our qualifications and expertise in the various fields.
We put a great deal of energy into conveying messages and creating real-life safety scenarios during our training courses so that our trainees gain confidence and are able to face situations that put them and their crew at risk.
Even the most minor incident can have serious consequences if you do not have the right reflexes at the right time.
We want to make our boat license training in La Rochelle a benchmark.

Since the latest reform, the instructor is also the examiner for the practical part of the boat license. There is no longer a state-appointed examiner to assess the practical part of the exam.

Yes, all boat licenses, regardless of the option, are valid for life.

You simply need to take the inland waterways theory exam at an approved center, as the practical skills are already acquired.

You can consult the official website of the French administration https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F14022

This is a major debate among boaters. We believe that even when using a sailboat, you still use maritime routes. The coastal license provides at least the basic fundamental notions of maritime safety.