Using a foreign boat licence in France
Your boating licence was issued in another country? Depending on your nationality and where your licence comes from, you can skipper a French boat or get the French licence by equivalence.
What the rules say
| Your nationality | Licence issued by | Skipper a French boat with it | Get the French licence by equivalence |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | European Union | Yes | Yes, with the CRR or an equivalent radio certificate |
| French | Non-EU | Yes | Yes, after the multiple-choice test (sea or inland) |
| European Union | European Union | Yes | Yes, with the CRR or an equivalent radio certificate |
| European Union | Non-EU | Yes | Yes, after the multiple-choice test |
| Non-EU | Your own country | Yes | No |
| Non-EU | European Union | Yes | Yes, after the multiple-choice test |
| Non-EU | Non-EU, not your own country | No | No |
“Yes” means within the limits of your own licence, with a translation if needed. Without the CRR radio certificate, you may not use the VHF radio.
Sources: French administration summary table of the order of 6 July 2011 (in French). Checked on 31/10/2026. Boats flying a foreign flag follow the rules of their flag state.
Getting the French licence by equivalence
Apply with form Cerfa 14683 and the original of your licence (with a certified translation if needed). Depending on your case, you will need to pass the theory test or hold a radio certificate. The application goes to the competent French boating office.