Cruising Europe: France & the Channel Islands 

While we have tried to be as comprehensive as possible, there is always a chance that something may have changed, so do check with the authorities if you are unsure of anything.

France

What you need to have:        

• Original paperwork for your boat including registration document- fines can be levied if these documents are invalid or incorrect.     
• No International Certificate of Competence (ICC) required for coastal waters.
• If you venture onto the inland waterways, you will need an ICC.  The exception is if your craft is under 5m in length and not capable of more than 20kph.  
• Your ICC will have to be valid for inland waters which means you have to pass the CEVNI test and you will need a copy of the CEVNI rules onboard.   
• A VHF licence is required for all inland waterways. France is a signatory to the RAINWAT agreement therefore if heading inland your VHF should be ATIS capable.  

Who you need to tell:        

•  You won’t need to clear customs or immigration, but French customs have the right to, and often will, check your paperwork.

What you need to know:

• Purchasing red diesel for use by leisure boats in France is illegal, but if you bought your red diesel in the UK, a receipt marked duty paid should be sufficient to satisfy French authorities of its legality. However, there have been incidents, particularly in Avignon, when even this has not been accepted. 
• Your boat needs to be seaworthy and suitably equipped, otherwise the authorities are within their rights to stop you from sailing.         
• A holding tank is a necessity for new boats since 1 January 2008. A tank is not a required for older boats but they must still comply with rules which prohibit discharge in ports and designated anchoring spots i.e. use shore toilets.  If you head onto the inland waterways, discharging is not permitted, but there is a tendency to turn a blind eye.  

Channel Islands  

What you need to have:

• The Channel Islands are not part of the EU, so you will need to carry the ‘Q’ flag.
• There are no specific ICC requirements.  

Who you need to tell 

Customs differ between the states of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey (Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark).

• In Jersey you will only have to clear customs if you have goods to declare or have non- European Economic Area nationals onboard. 
• If you are visiting the Bailiwick of Guernsey you must fly the ‘Q’ flag and clear customs. This can be carried out at St Peter Port, Beaucette Marina or Braye Harbour. Customs forms can be collected from the marina offices and are written out in duplicate. The yellow copy should be kept onboard and produced, if requested, when visiting other ports within the Bailiwick of Guernsey.   

What you need to know: 

• Yachts returning to the UK from the Channel Islands will have to fly the ‘Q’ flag once 12 miles offshore and clear customs. Customs can be contacted via the National Yachtline on 0845 723 1110.
• Passports are not required for British sailors, but you will need your passport number for your C1331 (pleasure craft on non-EU voyages) form if you sail directly between the Channel Islands and the UK.