The law was passed on June 20, 2016. Just before the summer. Boats sailing under foreign flags, but with French nationals on board will have to comply with national laws.
No more Belgian flag for sailing without a license, no more Dutch flag for sailing with reduced safety equipmentâeuros¦
For some years, we have seen these flags flourish in our ports. European nationals could register their boat wherever they wanted and then depend on the regulations of their flag.
Thus, the Belgian flag allowed to pilot any motor boat without a license. Similarly, the Dutch regulations on the safety equipment to be carried on board according to the navigation zones (distance from a shelter) were much more flexible than in France.
It was tempting for a Frenchman to cross the border, not for financial reasons, but simply to simplify his life. Intermediaries even offered to take care of the administrative part for a few dollars.
But everything changes as of June 20, 2016.
The law reads as follows (sources legifrance):
LAW No. 2016-816 of June 20, 2016 for the blue economy
" In order to encourage the boating sector,
Art. L. 5241-1-1 - Regardless of their flag, pleasure boats and personal watercraft belonging to natural or legal persons whose principal residence or registered office is in France, as well as pleasure boats and personal watercraft in the possession of such persons, are subject, in French territorial waters, to all the rules relating to ship's credentials and to the armament and safety equipment applicable on board pleasure boats and personal watercraft flying the French flag "
This article of law clearly indicates that the advantages of the foreign flag no longer apply to French residents sailing in French territorial waters.
The end of an era?
It's a little rough to announce this change just before the summer. What to do when you are in this situation? One can keep the foreign flag and simply get in line by passing the right license and embarking the corresponding safety equipment. The return under French flag is also possibleâeuros¦
