Jet Ski Regulations
To practice Jet Skiing, you need…
A coastal or inland waterway license
- THE COASTAL LICENSE allows daytime navigation within 2 miles of a shelter for a sit-down jet and one mile for a stand-up jet without power limitation. It is the ideal license for jet skiing.
- THE INLAND WATERWAY LICENSE is mandatory for operating a jet ski on inland waters. This license allows its holder to operate a jet ski on closed water bodies (ponds, lakes).
Jet ski navigation is PROHIBITED at night
- 2 MILES OFFSHORE: This is the maximum authorized distance for navigation (2 nautical miles allowed for sit-down jets, stand-up jets remain at 1 nautical mile).
- AT SEA it is forbidden to operate within the 300-meter coastal strip (from the shore to the sea). Jet ski operation must take place between 300 meters and one mile (for stand-up jets) or 2 nautical miles (for sit-down jets) from the shore. Navigation within the 300-meter zone is only allowed if there is a marked crossing channel with yellow buoys that connect to the shore, specifically designated for jet skis.
- LAUNCHING VIA NAVIGATION CHANNELS: Some municipalities have created channels marked by regulatory yellow buoys to facilitate access to the sea. It is mandatory to use them for entering and exiting, while respecting the speed limit of 5 knots or 3 knots. If no such channel exists, the law allows departure from the beach perpendicularly towards the sea (and the same for returning), always respecting the authorized speed.
Technical Rules
- REGISTERING YOUR JET SKI: Every personal watercraft must be approved by the Maritime Affairs and registered. This number must be visible from 30 meters.
- MANDATORY SAFETY EQUIPMENT: an automatic engine shut-off system in case of the pilot falling (kill switch), a bright-colored life jacket, two hand flares, a ring and a rope (line) three times the length of the vehicle for towing, and a recommended thermal wetsuit. The noise level must not exceed 80 decibels at 7.5 meters. Wearing a life jacket is mandatory.
- WEATHER CONDITIONS: If you plan to go on a ride for several hours, check the weather forecast to avoid unpleasant surprises… the weather changes quickly at sea.
- WEATHER INFORMATION: National meteorology service Tel: 08 36 68 02 ** (** = department number).
- Furthermore, the establishment of these instructors must have a declaration of Physical and Sports Activity from the D.D.J.S (Departmental Directorate of Youth and Sports) as well as approval from the Maritime Affairs.
