Maritime safety is based on strict regulations concerning the maintenance and inspection of ships. Whether it is a recreational sailboat or a professional boat, each boat is subject to mandatory controls that guarantee its seaworthiness and the safety of its occupants. These technical checks are not simple administrative formalities, but essential measures that prevent accidents at sea, ensure the legal compliance of your ship and extend its life span. In France, maritime legislation imposes different types of controls depending on the characteristics of the boat, its size and its use. Knowing exactly these obligations will not only allow you to avoid sanctions, but above all to navigate with confidence. With the evolution of technologies, solutions such as the Oria Marine connected boxes now facilitate the monitoring of these regulatory controls by automatically alerting you to the deadlines to be respected.
Mandatory checks according to the type of boat
French regulations distinguish between different categories of vessels, each subject to specific controls. It is essential to know the obligations that apply to your particular boat.
Pleasure boats (less than 24 meters)
Recreational vessels are subject to a control regime that varies according to their size and navigation area.
Periodic technical checks : Contrary to popular belief, pleasure boats for personal use are not subject to a mandatory technical inspection comparable to that of cars. However, certain checks are required during major changes such as returning to service after a substantial modification or a change of ownership.
Safety equipment compliance (division 240) : Division 240 is the reference text for the equipment of recreational vessels. It requires the presence on board of mandatory safety equipment that varies according to the distance away from a shelter (basic, coastal, semi-offshore or offshore). The owner is responsible for the conformity and good working condition of this equipment.
Navigation certificate : For pleasure craft for commercial use (NUC), a periodic visit is mandatory to obtain and renew a navigation license. This visit includes a thorough examination of the hull, mechanical installations, and safety equipment.
Professional and commercial boats
Ships for professional use are subject to much stricter and more frequent controls.
Inspections by approved organizations : These boats must be regularly inspected by officially recognized organizations such as Bureau Veritas, Maritime Affairs or other classification societies. These controls cover all the components of the ship and are particularly rigorous.
Specific standards (division 222, division 223, etc.) : Professional ships must comply with specific regulatory divisions according to their use: division 222 for cargo vessels under 500 tons, division 223 for passenger ships, etc. These texts detail precisely the equipment required and the construction standards to be respected.
Control frequencies : For professional vessels, inspections are generally annual, with more thorough visits every five years, including dry-docking for the inspection of the hull. With an Oria Marine box installed on board, shipowners benefit from automatic alerts when an inspection deadline approaches, thus limiting the risk of being forgotten.
Technical inspection: what does it include?
A comprehensive technical inspection covers several essential areas that ensure the overall safety of the vessel.
Shell and structure control
The hull is the fundamental element of any ship and is the subject of particular attention during inspections.
Tightness check : The examination focuses on the integrity of the seals, thru-hulls, valves and portholes. The slightest entry of water can compromise the buoyancy of the ship and therefore represents a major danger.
Wear, cracks or corrosion : Inspectors look for any sign of structural weakness such as cracks, especially in areas subject to high stress (transom, bow, ballast attachment). On metal shells, corrosion is the subject of particular attention with thickness measurements at strategic locations.
Engine and mechanical equipment control
The propulsion system is crucial for safety at sea and is subject to thorough checks.
Oil, belts, filters : The general condition of the engine is evaluated, with particular attention to the levels and quality of fluids (oil, coolant), the condition of the belts, filters and fuel supply systems.
Propeller and shaft line : Inspectors check the absence of excessive play in the transmission line, the condition of the propeller (absence of deformation or corrosion) and the proper functioning of the base for outboard or Z-drive motors.
Security equipment check
Safety equipment is carefully checked because it is the last barrier in the event of an incident.
Vests, fire extinguishers, flares : Each item is checked for its number, condition and expiration date. Extinguishers must be in sufficient number according to the size of the vessel and should be regularly revised. Hand fires, parachute rockets and smoke bombs must be valid.
VHF, first aid kit : Emergency communication methods such as VHF (with ASN preferably) are tested. The first aid kit should be complete and up to date. For offshore navigation, the presence of a distress beacon is also checked.
Control of electronic and electrical equipment
Electrical systems represent a potential source of fire and require special attention.
Battery, navigation lights : The condition of the batteries, their fixing and their ventilation are checked. Navigation lights (starboard, port, stern, anchor) must all function properly.
GPS, sonar, etc. : Navigation aid equipment is not always mandatory, but when it is present on board, its proper functioning is checked because a failure could compromise the safety of the ship.
Frequency and schedule of checks
The frequency of checks varies considerably depending on the type of boat and its use.
Inspections annually, every five years or according to the category of the vessel : For pleasure craft for personal use, there is no mandatory technical inspection at fixed intervals. On the other hand, professional vessels and pleasure boats for commercial use are subject to annual visits and more thorough checks every five years (special inspection with dry-docking). For pleasure boats over 24 meters, periodic visits are also mandatory.
Obligations of the owner : Even in the absence of a mandatory technical inspection, the owner of a pleasure boat remains legally responsible for the good general condition of his boat. Using the Oria Marine box can be invaluable in following the various maintenance deadlines recommended by the manufacturer, even if they are not legally required.
Who can carry out the checks?
The organizations authorized to carry out these checks are strictly regulated by regulations.
Accredited organizations (Bureau Veritas, Maritime Affairs, etc.) : For professional vessels and recreational vessels for commercial use, only organizations officially recognized by the maritime administration can carry out regulatory controls. Among them are Bureau Veritas, Maritime Affairs Services and various classification societies such as Lloyd's Register or DNV-GL.
Special cases: self-control for certain pleasure boats : For pleasure craft for personal use, the verification of safety equipment is the responsibility of the captain. This self-check must be carried out regularly, and especially before each departure at sea. To facilitate this monitoring, solutions such as the Oria Marine connected box allow you to receive automatic reminders on equipment requiring verification or replacement.
Consequences in case of non-compliance
Failure to comply with control obligations may result in various sanctions, both administrative and legal.
Administrative and criminal sanctions : In the event of control by the maritime authorities (customs, maritime affairs, maritime affairs, maritime gendarmerie), the absence or non-compliance of mandatory equipment can lead to fines of up to several thousand euros. In serious cases that endanger the lives of others, criminal proceedings are possible.
Withdrawal of boating license : For professional or commercial vessels, a check revealing serious breaches may result in the immediate withdrawal of the navigation license, effectively prohibiting any trip to sea until the vessel is in compliance.
Insurance risks : In the event of a claim occurring with a ship that does not comply with regulations, insurance companies may refuse coverage or apply increased deductibles. Non-compliance with control obligations can thus have considerable financial consequences.
Best practices for anticipating checks
A proactive approach to maintenance and controls can avoid a lot of inconveniences.
Up-to-date maintenance log : It is a good practice to keep a maintenance log listing all the interventions carried out on the vessel up to date. This document not only facilitates the technical monitoring of the boat but can also be an asset during its resale.
Regular reviews by a professional : Even in the absence of regulatory obligations, having your vessel inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year is strongly recommended. This precaution makes it possible to detect possible problems early and to ensure the longevity of the boat.
Preparing for control visits : For vessels subject to periodic inspections, good preparation is essential. This includes the prior verification of all the points usually examined and the provision of all required administrative documents. Installing an Oria Marine box facilitates this preparation by alerting the owner to upcoming deadlines and guiding the preliminary checks to be carried out.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What are the mandatory documents on board a boat?
Every ship must have several mandatory documents on board: the navigation title (circulation card, French license or both depending on the size), the civil liability insurance certificate, the navigation license for the boats concerned, as well as radio certificates if the ship is equipped with a VHF or an EPIRB. For crews, a boating license is mandatory for motor boats of more than 6 hp.
How often should you have your pleasure boat checked?
For pleasure boats for personal use of less than 24 meters, there is no mandatory periodic technical inspection. However, safety equipment must be checked before each sea trip. For pleasure boats for commercial use (NUC), an annual visit is mandatory.
What safety equipment is mandatory under division 240?
Division 240 defines four equipment packs according to the distance away from a shelter: basic (up to 2 miles), coastal (up to 6 miles), semi-offshore (up to 60 miles) and offshore (up to 60 miles) and offshore (beyond 60 miles). Equipment includes life jackets, light tracking devices, fire-fighting devices, dewatering equipment and emergency communication devices, the nature of which varies according to the category.
Can you carry out some checks yourself?
For pleasure boats for personal use, the owner is responsible for checking the safety equipment and the overall condition of the boat. On the other hand, for professional vessels or for commercial use, inspections must be carried out by approved organizations. The Oria Marine box can help boaters structure their self-checks by providing checklists adapted to their type of vessel.
What happens if a check reveals an anomaly?
In the event of a minor anomaly, a compliance period may be granted. For more serious anomalies, in particular those involving the safety of the ship or its crew, a navigation ban may be pronounced until the problem is completely resolved. In all cases, a new check will be necessary to verify the correction of the defects found.
What is the difference between technical inspection and routine maintenance?
Technical inspection is a punctual check of the vessel's compliance with current safety standards, while routine maintenance is all the regular operations necessary to keep the boat in good condition (emptying, antifouling, greasing, etc.). The two are complementary: good maintenance greatly facilitates the passage of mandatory technical inspections.
Conclusion
Mandatory checks for boats should not be perceived as simple administrative constraints but as essential guarantees of safety for all mariners. Whether it is a recreational sailboat or a professional vessel, these periodic checks make it possible to ensure that the boat meets current standards and can face the sometimes unpredictable conditions of the marine environment. Although the regulations distinguish between different regimes depending on the type of vessel and its use, the owner remains responsible in all cases concerning the general condition of the boat and the presence of the required safety equipment. To facilitate the monitoring of these obligations, innovative solutions such as the Oria Marine connected box offer valuable help by automating due date alerts and structuring the verifications to be carried out. Faced with the complexity and constant evolution of maritime regulations, do not hesitate to consult the official texts or to call on certified professionals to assist you in this essential process for serene and responsible navigation.
