French Certificates of Competence
On 1 January 2008, a new system for French registered boats was introduced. The Recreational Permit (Permis Plaisance) is available for four different purposes, one each for sea and inland waters, each of which can be extended. Validity is ‘for life’. They can be held by persons of any nationality. The inland water licences are:
(a) EI Eaux Intérieures licence – for boats up to 20 metres.
A QCM theory test of 25 questions is taken (four errors are allowed). Plus a minimum of three hours practical training must take place at a training centre. Practical training may begin before the theory test is taken, but a permit is only issued when the practical and theory tests are passed.
(b) GP Grande Plaisance Fluviale licence – for boats with no length restriction.
Basically the Eaux Interieures test, plus the candidate must be at least 18 years of age and have done a minimum of 9 hours practical training on a boat of at least 20 metres in length. The GP permit has replaced the former PP (peniche plaisance) licence that applied to boats over 15m.
Beyond the GP, taking passengers on board a peniche (i.e a hotel barge) requires a “Passager” licence which also involves serving time as deck crew.
Canal Boat Tui 