The boating license, coastal permit

What is the coastal license used for?

The boat license or coastal license in La Rochelle is mandatory to operate a recreational motorboat with an engine power greater than 6 horsepower. The license is therefore also mandatory to operate a personal watercraft, such as a jet ski or sea scooter.

Although it is not essential to operate a sailboat, the coastal license can be useful for all beginner boaters who wish to learn the basics of maritime regulations, whether buoyage or right-of-way rules. Holding the boat license or coastal license in La Rochelle is therefore an asset when renting a sailboat.

Holders of the coastal pleasure boat license (formerly sea license) are authorized to operate a recreational motorboat with an engine power greater than 6 horsepower up to 6 nautical miles from a safe haven, i.e. 11.11 km (1 nautical mile = 1.852 km).

In practice, this therefore means the right to navigate between two safe havens separated by a maximum of 12 nautical miles.

Clarification on the notion of a safe haven

For legislators, the term “safe haven” refers to a place where the vessel can either dock or anchor safely and depart again without assistance.

According to this definition, the notion of a safe haven may vary depending on weather conditions. Indeed, a bay that is sheltered at a given time may no longer be so a few hours later if the wind changes strength or direction. It is therefore up to the boater to ensure the quality of the chosen haven according to changes in wind and sea conditions.

Authorized power

The coastal license authorizes its holder to operate a recreational motorboat with no power limit.

Finally, the coastal license allows navigation both day and night.

Obtain your boat license with Infornav in La Rochelle

Program and exams

The boat license or coastal license in La Rochelle consists of two parts: a practical test and a theoretical test.

Theoretical training

The theoretical training takes place in a classroom. It can be completed either in one day (for example over a weekend) or as evening classes.

The theoretical training covers the following topics:

• Rules of the road and helm orders
• Day and night buoyage (regions A and B) as well as beach marking
• Lights and shapes of vessels (how to recognize different vessels)
• Sound signals (in fog or to indicate an intention)
• Distress signals
• Weather signals
• Port entry and exit signals
• Safety rules for water skiing
• Regulatory concepts and good practices for environmental protection
• Weather: where to obtain forecasts, the Beaufort scale, sea state
• Mandatory safety and equipment for pleasure craft
• Mandatory administrative documents in the event of inspection
• Organization of maritime rescue services
• Basic notions for reading a nautical chart
• Basic use of VHF and safety procedures
• Essential mechanical notions (pre-departure checks, monitoring at sea, and basic maintenance)

Theoretical test

The theoretical test takes the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) consisting of 30 questions. The exam can be passed with a maximum of 5 errors.

The candidate retains the benefit of passing the theoretical option for 18 months following the exam.

The practical training for the boat license or coastal license in La Rochelle includes the following topics:

• Ensuring crew safety
• Deciding whether to go out
• Use of life jackets
• Engine start-up and pre-departure checks
• Maneuvers at different speeds on a defined course
• Stopping the vessel’s momentum using reverse gear
• Man-overboard recovery
• Picking up a mooring buoy
• Following a compass heading and an alignment formed by two landmarks ashore
• Knowing when and how to use distress flares and safety equipment
• Getting underway, docking
• Preparing and securing mooring lines
• Anchoring, checking anchor hold, taking swing radius into account
• Turning around
• Navigating in reverse over a long distance
• Detecting a collision course or risk of collision
• Determining wind and current direction

Practical test

There is no final exam for the practical part of the coastal license. The practical assessment therefore takes place during the training itself. The student is assisted in navigation situations by an instructor who validates skills as maneuvers are performed on the water. Each candidate must complete at least 2 hours of practical training.

INFORNAV boat license

The specific feature of the INFORNAV boat license is the possibility to combine the theoretical part of the license with a 2-day nautical safety course for a total of 3 days of training.

The INFORNAV boat license automatically delivers the coastal license.

The benefit of this license lies in the practical part, allowing you to spend 2 days at the helm of a motorboat and sailboat instead of the 3 hours and 30 minutes required by regulations.

You will be able to deepen all the concepts described to pass your license successfully, and above all, this license allows you to learn much more and be better prepared for your first outings at sea.

Where to obtain the boat license or coastal license in La Rochelle?

Training and exams for the coastal pleasure boat license are provided by approved schools, including Infornav at:
6 Rue Roy Rochet
17000 La Rochelle.
Training can take place at sea as well as on rivers.

Training approval for operating pleasure motorboats No. 017067.

Some practical information here regarding registration for the boat license in La Rochelle

How much does the coastal license cost?

Expect a minimum of €410 including registration and training fees.