[Paddlewise] French navigation bumf

Basis of French authorisations to navigate up to 5 miles from land. Boats must
be homologated (several pages of bumf about that, but I couldn't be bothered).

Translated (You're welcome, don't mention it :-)) from French documents on
website "Fedération Française de Canoë-Kayak".





NAVIGATION OF SEA KAYAKS FROM 1 TO FIVE MILES FROM LAND





Dispositions valid for Brittany. 


1- Definition & characteristics of a sea kayak 





Boat having a rigid structure, excluding inflatable kayaks 





Length equal or more than 4 metres.


Width equal or more than 50 centimetres.


Spray decked and fitted with skirts.


Insubmersible by means of watertight compartments incorporated intot the
construction, with acces hatches or covers, or by rigid bulkheads (minimum
volume: 90 litres ).


Fitted at each end with a dispositive for towing. 





2- SECURITY MATERIEL 





1 PFD/Person on board.


1 spare paddle / person on board.


1 pump or bailer per cockpit.


1 compass conforming to art. 224-2.39.5


1 marine chart of the navigation zone.


3 automatic red lights of an approved type.


1 signal mirror per cockpit.


1 whistle or horn per cockpit.


1 electric flashlight (waterproof).


1 tube fluoresceine of 90 g.


1 waterproof approved VHFper group of 3 kayaks, ( or 2 VHF per 4 to 6 kayaks,
3 VHF for 7 to 9 kayaks ,etc..). 





3- PROCEDURE of DECLARATION to the MARITIME DEPARTMENT 





Written request for individuel authorisation to navigate in the 5th categorie
per marine departement sector for each period of 1 year, certifing that the
kayak & complete equipement are the personal property of the individual and
reserved for their exclusive use. 





Presentation, by the individual of the kayak fully equipped at centre for
maritime security for the relevant sector. 





After verificationand  authorisation of the centre for maritime security,
attribution of a number and an attestation in the name of the individual to be
quoted in any ulterior communications


( the number will take the form of:KY- sector code - N°  of order of 3 digits.

Eg.: KY-GV-003 ).


The number must be affixed to the kayak. 





4 - MONITORING. RADIO LIAISON. INFORMATION. 





The evening before, if possible, or at latest before putting to sea,
information by telephone to CROSS (SAR, Coast guard, I think, kevin) concerned
giving:


· The referenece of the authorisation for each individual,


· Destination of the voyage and itinerary time of departure, ETA,


At the moment of putting to seat, information by VHF to the (CROSS?) of the
sector concerned giving the same information and any other useful information.

Upon arrival at the destination, information by VHF to the CROSS. 





Navigation by day only per group of 3 kayaks minimum (1 double kayak is
considered as 1 unit).





Lovely, init?





I think we should find a way of sending a message of sheer admiration to the
French sea kayakers - even with all this, they still go paddling!





Kevin.














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