Traffic rules must be obeyed... even at sea

Nine kilometres per hour are allowed along the coast – and that goes for Jet skis as well. © Gary Knight

Summertime is holiday time. And that makes many sailors fail to put on their life jackets or stick to the speed limits. The result is an increased number of accidents, which can sometimes be deadly. Since last year, the number of incidents was up 11 per cent. Just two weeks ago, there was a collision just off the shore of Menton that injured four people, a few days later a woman was wounded on a catamaran in Corsica. In addition, diving accidents happen far too frequently. Thus, the minister of the environment advises keen divers to never dive alone and to fully respect the stages of pressure equalisation.

Enjoying balmy temperatures and a clear blue sky when you're on the ocean, it's easy to lose track of the tachometer. However, French sailors should be aware of the law: a maximum of 5 knots (9 km/h) may be driven within a radius of 300 meters to the coast. Within the bays, no more than 20 knots (35 km/h) are allowed. This applies to boat engines, and also jet skis, of at least six horsepower. Last year 180 offenders were recorded, 120 of which have had their driving license revoked. 44 cases were seen by the courts.

From now on, the government will take even more drastic measures to control the situation. Police helicopters will be used to detect those who break the speed limit with radars and officers will patrol the water on jet skis and other boats. And boat owners also face the prospect of police visiting their private yachts. Speeding, absence of safety equipment and overcrowded boats will not be permitted. Warnings, fines and the loss of licenses are the punishments faced by offenders.

Law breakers can be given fines of up to 3,750 euros, which should be an effective deterrent for the owners of smaller boats. For those with large yachts, however, this sum is often nor more than spare change, which is why, in these cases, the officials prefer a temporary driving ban.

According to the authorities, many foreign tourists and residents break the law as a result of ignorance. But this is not a valid excuse in the eyes of officials and they will get the same punishments as French residents. The aim of these security measures is to reduce the risk of accidents before the boats have left the harbour - and there are no exceptions to those who knowingly or unknowingly risk the lives of others out at sea.

Rani Nguyen