What's new

Prefectural Decree N° 037/2020 regulating navigation and maritime activities in French inland waters and territorial waters in the Mediterranean was issued to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic. With some exceptions, all non-essential navigation and maritime activities are suspended until further notice.

Obviously, the decree has given rise to lots of questions about what can and can’t be done during the confinement. We have collected the most frequently asked questions and answers covering general issues and specific topics. We’ll be publishing some of the most relevant Q&A over the coming days.


And just so you know.....
During this confinement we all have more time that we used to. We think it’s very important to use this time positively. So, if you have any questions feel free to send them to us. We will share the questions and answers with you on Linkedin. We look forward to hearing from you.
 

Q&A

 
Q1
What sanctions will I incur if I do not comply with prefectural decree No. 37/2020 of March 20, 2020 (hereinafter PD 37/20)?
In addition to getting booked during a trip ashore in breach of containment measures; in accordance with the provisions of the prefectural decrees in force, you might incur a fine of up to €38 for infringing  the French penal and be condemned to serve one year in prison and pay a € 150,000 fine for infringing the transport code.
 
Q2
Does the French navigation ban apply to ships flying foreign flags?
The provisions of PD 37/20 and 38/20 apply to all ships in French internal and territorial waters of the Mediterranean, whether they fly the French flag or a foreign flag. Violations will be criminally prosecuted before the Maritime Court, regardless of the nationality of the master of the vessels In addition, ships flying a foreign flag must  comply with innocent passage requirements in French sovereign waters.
 
Q3
I have to bring my yacht to a shipyard on the Côte d'Azur. Am I allowed to?
In accordance with the provisions of article 2 of PD 37/20 you can send the ship to the yard as long as the works or maintenance contract were signed before March 20, 2020.
The crew, which must be kept to a minimum to prevent the spread of Covid-19, must have the executed contract binding the owner of the ship to the shipyard on board. You must also report your intentions to the nearest maritime semaphore.
 
Q4
I own a yacht flying the Malta flag currently in the port of Marseille. I have to leave to reach the port of Piraeus (Greece). Can I leave France?
In accordance with the provisions of article 2 of PD 37/20, you can exercise your “right of innocent passage’ in French internal and territorial waters of the Mediterranean. You can leave the port of Marseille en-route to Greece. Navigation in French internal and territorial waters must be carried out continuously and quickly. You are not allowed to anchor in these waters during your journey except for safety reasons.