What is the offshore licence?
The offshore licence (extension of the coastal licence) permits navigation at sea with no distance limit from shore. It is the licence for navigators wishing to make crossings, sail at night, or venture into open seas and distant waters.
What are the conditions for the offshore licence?
To access offshore training, you must already hold the coastal licence. There is no specific age requirement, but practical navigation experience is strongly recommended. The training is technically and theoretically demanding.
The content of offshore training
Astronomical navigation
The offshore licence introduces astronomical navigation: use of the sextant, plotting position by celestial bodies (sun, stars), determining latitude and longitude. Even if GPS is ubiquitous, these techniques remain on the curriculum and are essential in the event of an electronic failure.
Advanced marine meteorology
The training deepens marine meteorology: reading fax weather charts, identifying weather systems, forecasting wind and waves, and how to behave in a storm.
Electronic navigation
The offshore licence covers the use of navigation GPS, electronic charts (ECDIS), radar and AIS (Automatic Identification System) for safe navigation.
What does the offshore licence cost?
Offshore training costs between €800 and €1,400. It includes theory lessons (generally 30 to 40 hours) and practice trips at sea. The theory test is a 3-hour written exam.
How to get the right guidance?
DevisPermis.fr connects you with approved nautical centres offering offshore training. Select "Offshore Licence" in the form and receive a personalised quote within 48 hours.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What exactly is the offshore boat licence?
The offshore licence (offshore extension of the leisure licence) allows motor navigation with no distance limit from shore, so on the high seas and internationally. It is mandatory beyond 6 miles from shelter. Accessible from age 16 in France, it complements the previously obtained coastal licence. Training focuses on celestial navigation, tides and marine meteorology.
How long is the offshore training?
Offshore training lasts about 25 to 35 hours of theory in class or e-learning, versus 12 hours for coastal. No practical test: only a 1.5-hour theory exam with SHOM chart and compass is required. Most candidates obtain it in 3 to 6 weeks, in part-time preparation. Tip: practice on 10 typical route plotting exercises.
How much does the offshore licence cost in 2025?
The offshore licence costs between 200 and 400 euros in classroom training in 2025, or 150 to 250 euros in e-learning. Add 38 euros tax stamp and 70 euros exam fee, for a total of 300 to 500 euros. Equipment (Cras ruler, dividers, SHOM chart) represents 80 to 120 euros extra but remains usable for real navigation.
What tips to pass the offshore exam?
The exam includes a theory MCQ and 3 plotting exercises on SHOM 7066 chart to complete in 1.5 hours. You need at least 16/20 with no eliminatory error. Master perfectly: tide calculation (twelfths method), course correction (variation and deviation), dead reckoning and observed point. Practice on 15 timed mock sessions. The pass rate reaches 80 percent with serious preparation.
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