Training
Boat License
Coastal license for sea navigation up to 6 nautical miles, offshore for high sea or inland for rivers and canals: find the nautical school that fits your project. Intensive weekend training or split sessions. Marine charts, VHF drills and hands-on navigation included. Free quote, 48h callback.
The essentials
The French boat license (permis plaisance) is mandatory to pilot any motorboat over 6 horsepower (4.5 kW), issued by the Affaires maritimes. It comes in three options: coastal license (sea up to 6 nautical miles from shelter), offshore extension (high sea without limit) and inland waterways license (rivers, lakes, canals). The coastal license costs between EUR 650 and EUR 850 depending on the centre, is accessible from age 16 and often prepared in an intensive weekend format.
Everything about the boat license
The French boat license, also called 'permis plaisance', is mandatory to pilot any motorboat over 6 horsepower (4.5 kW). Issued by the Affaires maritimes of the Ministère de la Mer, it comes in two main options: the coastal license for navigating at sea up to 6 nautical miles from shelter, and the inland waterways license for rivers, lakes and canals. The offshore extension, accessible after the coastal, allows unlimited distance navigation. Training combines theory (safety rules, buoys, weather, VHF) and hands-on practice with an approved instructor, often in an intensive weekend format. DevisPermis puts you in touch with partner boat schools - coastal, offshore or inland - for a fast path, often in 1 to 2 weeks, at compared prices.
Why get a boat license?
- Access to leisure boating at sea and on rivers: renting, buying, trips with friends or family.
- Navigate across Europe and in many countries worldwide that recognise the French license.
- Professional asset for marine tourism, yachting or rental businesses.
- Enhanced safety: you learn maritime rules, buoyage, VHF use and emergency procedures.
Who is this course for?
- Adults and teens from age 16 (with parental consent for minors).
- Owners of boats over 6 hp (inboard, outboard or RIBs).
- Holiday-makers wanting to rent a boat (Mediterranean, Atlantic, southern canals).
- Marine professionals (sailing instructors, rental operators, guides, jet-ski instructors).
How does the training work?
- Theory (about 5h): road rules, cardinal and lateral buoyage, signals, weather.
- Practice (minimum 3h30): port manoeuvres, man overboard, variable-speed navigation.
- Theory QCM exam (30 questions, max 5 errors allowed).
- Immediate provisional certificate, final license issued within 1 to 2 months.
- Hauturier option: astronomical training and night navigation for unlimited coastal range.
Our tips to choose wisely
- Prefer a school with a recent, well-maintained boat: practice should be comfortable and safe.
- Check that the training includes VHF (mandatory since 2019 for sea navigation).
- If you live far from the coast, opt for an intensive weekend course at the seaside.
- Ask about all-inclusive fees: some centres charge separately for the handbook, ANTS fees and license delivery.
- See Service Public for the official list of approved centres and the detailed exam fact sheet.
01
Choose your course
Select the training that fits your project and profile.
02
Receive your quote
Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes. An advisor calls you back within 48h*.
03
Start your training
Enrol in the nearest partner driving school.
*Excluding Sundays and public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Is a boat license required to sail at sea?
The sea license is mandatory to operate a motorboat of more than 6 hp at sea. Without a license, you can sail within 2 nautical miles of a shelter in a boat of less than 6 hp.
Can you take the coastal and inland waterway licenses at the same time?
Yes, some nautical schools offer combined courses allowing both options to be obtained in a single intensive session.
From what age can you take a boat license?
The boat license (coastal and inland waterways) is accessible from age 16. Minors between 16 and 18 need parental or guardian consent to register.
How much does a boat license cost in France?
A coastal license costs between €650 and €850 depending on the training centre. The inland waterways license is in a similar range. Request a free quote for prices from partner nautical schools near you.
Is the French boat license recognised abroad?
The French boat license is recognised in most EU countries via the Convention de Vienne, as well as Croatia, Greece, Tunisia or Morocco. For some countries (USA, Canada, Brazil), an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) may be required in addition.
What is the difference between coastal and offshore?
The coastal license allows navigation up to 6 miles from a shelter (about 11 km). The offshore extension removes this limit and allows unrestricted navigation. Offshore requires astronomical navigation and route-calculation skills.
Is the boat license valid for life?
Yes, unlike the car license, the boat license is valid for life and never needs renewal. You keep it as long as you have not committed a serious offence leading to suspension or revocation.
Do I need specific skills before training?
No prior skills are required. Training is designed for complete beginners, even without sailing experience. However, good physical condition and the ability to swim are strongly recommended for safety.
How long does the full training take?
For a coastal license alone: 1 to 2 days in intensive format, or 2 to 4 weeks in evening classes. For the combined coastal + inland, count 2 to 3 days intensive. The offshore extension requires 20 to 30 additional theory hours.
What happens if I fail the theory exam?
You can re-sit the exam with no minimum delay. Re-sit fees are modest (about €38 ANTS fee). Most candidates pass on the first try thanks to the QCM format on digital support.
By city
Boat License in the largest cities
Discover schools, success rates and practical tips for your training in each city.
Paris
Île-de-France
Marseille
PACA
Lyon
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Toulouse
Occitanie
Nice
PACA
Nantes
Pays de la Loire
Strasbourg
Grand Est
Bordeaux
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Lille
Hauts-de-France
Montpellier
Occitanie
Rennes
Brittany
Reims
Grand Est
Le Havre
Normandy
Saint-Étienne
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Toulon
PACA
Grenoble
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Dijon
Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Angers
Pays de la Loire