What is the coastal boat licence?
The coastal licence (or pleasure boat licence - coastal option) is France's basic boat licence. It authorises navigation up to 6 nautical miles from a shelter at sea, covering the vast majority of coastal leisure boating activities. It is valid for life once obtained.
What boats can you use with the coastal licence?
The coastal licence is mandatory for any motorised boat whose power exceeds 4.5 kW (approximately 6 hp) at sea. This includes outboard motorboats, rigid inflatables, motor cruisers and sailboats fitted with a powerful auxiliary engine. Below 4.5 kW, no licence is required.
Coastal licence training
The theory test
The theory test comprises 30 multiple-choice questions covering maritime regulations, navigation, weather, collision rules (COLREGS) and safety. You need at least 20 correct answers. Preparation generally takes 2 to 3 weeks using an app or a nautical school.
The practical test
The practical test lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes. It includes a dockside section (manoeuvres, on-board safety) and an at-sea section (bearing, navigation, light observation, right-of-way rules). The examiner assesses the candidate's safety and confidence on the water.
How much does the coastal licence cost?
The coastal boat licence costs between €600 and €900, depending on the nautical school and region. This fee generally includes theory classes, practice trips at sea and exam fees. Intensive weekend packages are available.
The coastal licence and the offshore licence
With the coastal licence, you can navigate up to 6 miles from the coast. For offshore or open-sea navigation, the offshore licence is required. It is obtained in addition to the coastal licence via supplementary training in advanced astronomical and meteorological navigation.
How to get the right guidance?
DevisPermis.fr connects you with partner nautical centres offering coastal licence training across France. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes and receive a call from an advisor within 48 hours.
Next step
How to get the right support?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with a certified driving school near you. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes, and an advisor will call you back within 48h* to offer a tailored package.
Discuss it for free*Excluding Sundays and public holidays
Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What exactly is the coastal boat licence?
The coastal boat licence (coastal option of the leisure licence) allows motor navigation up to 6 miles from shelter (about 11 km from shore), day and night, with no power limit. It is mandatory from 6 horsepower. Accessible from age 16 in France, it includes a theory exam (30-question MCQ) and a practical training of 3.5 hours minimum.
How long is the coastal licence training?
Coastal licence training lasts about 15 to 20 hours total: 12 hours of theory in class or e-learning and 3.5 hours minimum of sea practice. Most candidates obtain it in 1 to 2 weeks of intensive training. Tip: choose a school near your sailing area to familiarise yourself with local currents, tides and landmarks.
How much does the coastal boat licence cost in 2025?
The coastal licence costs between 280 and 450 euros depending on schools and regions in 2025. Add 38 euros of tax stamp for title delivery and 70 euros for the exam fee. Total: count 400 to 550 euros all-inclusive. Intensive weekend courses often cost 30 to 50 euros more than sessions spread over several weeks.
What tips to pass the coastal theory exam?
The exam includes 30 MCQ questions; you need at least 25 correct answers (5 mistakes maximum). Prioritise lateral and cardinal buoys, collision regulations (COLREGs) and navigation lights, which represent 60 percent of questions. Practice on at least 500 mock questions. The national pass rate reaches 90 percent thanks to an accessible MCQ with serious preparation.
Find your driving school
Continue your research with our dedicated pages.