Coastal vs offshore boat licence: differences and which one to choose in Saint-Tropez
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
The French boat licensing system has two main categories for motor boats: the coastal licence and the offshore licence. Both allow you to navigate independently, but with very different limits. Here is a complete comparison to help you choose the one that fits your actual boating plans.
The coastal licence: for day sailing
The coastal licence allows you to navigate up to 6 nautical miles from a shelter in daytime conditions. It covers all of the most popular destinations in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez: Pampelonne, Briande, Cap Camarat, l'Escalet and the Calanques de l'Esterel are all within this radius. It does not allow night navigation, passage to the Iles d'Hyeres (Porquerolles, Port-Cros) or offshore crossings.
The offshore licence: for unlimited navigation
The offshore licence, or permis hauturier, removes all distance restrictions. It allows day and night navigation at any distance from the coast. This licence is required for sailing to Porquerolles or Port-Cros from Saint-Tropez, for example, as both islands are more than 6 miles from a shelter. It is also required for any crossing between France and Corsica.
Which one should you choose?
If your boating plans are limited to day sailing in the gulf within a 30 to 40-kilometre radius of Saint-Tropez, the coastal licence is sufficient and the more accessible option to obtain. If you want the freedom to sail to the Iles d'Hyeres, navigate at night or make longer passages along the coast, the offshore licence is the right choice. Many experienced boaters hold both.
Rates and training with Octopussy
Both licences are available at Octopussy in Saint-Tropez at €550 per licence, individual training, available in French and English. The coastal licence training lasts 5 to 8 hours including 2 hours on the water. The offshore supplement adds dedicated chart work, meteorology and offshore navigation theory. Both licences are valid for 5 years. Contact us to register: +33 6 10 25 61 26 or WhatsApp.