UPDATE, JUNE 20, 2024: French maritime authorities have updated the newly revised regulations for anchoring in the French Mediterranean yet again. This is according to the Professional Yachting Association (PYA). The organization strongly recommends that captains pay attention to Article 3. It applies to yachts of 80 meters (262 feet) and larger, plus all commercial vessels where either the tonnage is 300 or more or the LOA is 45 meters (148 feet) or larger. Specifically, all of these vessels need a permit for anchoring or stopping, where “stopping” means using dynamic positioning. Captains must hail the appropriate sémaphore, or radio-signaling station, for the anchoring area to obtain the permit. Additionally, the PYA calls attention to Article 4, which requires that captains of yachts from 45 to 80 meters need to alert the appropriate sémaphore at least one hour before arriving of their intention to anchor or stop.
Read on for our original article.
Maritime authorities in France have modified regulations for a few regular moorings along the country’s southern coast. If your plans for the summer including anchoring in the French Mediterranean, make sure your captain pays attention. Failure to comply results in hefty fines. Captains who break the rules more than once may face jail time, too, besides fines.
The Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean released the details on May 23. The newly modified rules apply to megayachts that exceed 148 feet (45 meters) LOA or exceed 300 gross tons UMS (Universal Measurement System). The prefecture doesn’t distinguish between a yacht in private use versus a charter yacht or one engaged in scientific activity. Regardless of LOA, the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), a non-profit trade organization representing yacht crew worldwide, advises that all captains follow them.
Besides downloading the document (linked above) outlining the changes, the PYA recommends a few courses of action. Firstly, it urges captains to hail the appropriate sémaphore, or radio-signaling station, for the anchoring area via VHF channel 16. Specifically, captains should confirm compliance with the zoning. Notably, the PYA says calling the station via phone is better. (The prefecture lists each station’s direct phone number and email in the document.) It’s because all sémaphore conversations are recorded. On a related note, the PYA recommends recording the conversation as well, in case a dispute arises later.
Secondly, the PYA wants captains anchoring in the French Mediterranean to pay attention to the information the radio-signaling station will want. Some details are the same for superyachts whether seeking permission to drop anchor or use dynamic positioning. For example, captains need to explain the estimated time of arrival to the anchorage, and the reason for anchoring. The yacht’s name, IMO number, gross tonnage, LOA, draft, number of crew, and number of passengers are further mandatory.
Despite the modifications for yachts exceeding 148 feet, some rules remain the same for all yachts of 78 feet (24 meters) and larger. Here, too, the prefecture outlines them in the document. The prefecture also provides the coordinates for and colored-zone charts of the compulsory anchoring areas.
Finally, the PYA strongly recommends your captain download the Nav&Co mobile phone app, besides using whatever electronics he or she typically does for navigating in the region. The prefecture is one of a few government agencies using it, further updating it once new regulations are affective.
Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr
Professional Yachting Association pya.org
Leave a Reply