Extension of validity of small vessel operator certificates
The Administration published on May 19, 2021, a new order number 2021-607 of May 18, 2021, concerning the certificates required for masters of small vessels. The regulatory text extends the validity of the certificates of competency to operate small vessels and the restricted certificate of competency to operate small vessels. It provides that these certificates issued by the Administration will remain valid until the certificate is renewed. The measure applies to all professional seafarers for whom the certificate was issued before December 30, 2020. The measure is also valid for seafarers who obtained their certificate between January 1 and June 1, 2021. The text also corrects an error relating to financial guarantees in case of death and long-term disability in case of abandonment of seafarers.
A decision for all French waters, including the Pacific
The publication of the decree is of particular interest to the nautical and tourism sector. The certificates of competency to operate small vessels are commonly used for captains of small pleasure craft, less than 12 meters long. It is to be noted that it applies on the whole of the metropolitan waters, but also in the overseas departments and territories, in New Caledonia, in French Polynesia, in Wallis and Futuna and in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, areas where the charter and the maritime tourism are particularly developed.
