Boat licence on Lake Geneva: who needs one?

Swiss side: when do you need a licence?

No licence is needed for rowing boats, sailing boats up to 15 m² of sail area and motorboats up to 6 kW — you must be 14 to helm the latter. Above that, you need the licence for the relevant category:

The licence is obtained from the cantonal vehicle licensing office (theory, then practical). Procedures and fees are on the office's page.

French side

A French pleasure-boat licence (permis plaisance) is compulsory to helm a boat whose engine exceeds 4,5 kW (6 hp), at sea as on inland waters — sailing boats included, if they have such an engine. Below that, no licence.

On the whole lake

The Franco-Swiss agreement provides that the licence is issued by the country of the skipper's usual residence and that it is valid on the whole of Lake Geneva, in Swiss and French waters alike.

On board, French side: the licence, the registration document and the regulations in force, on paper or on your phone. On the Swiss side, the licence is shown on request (Lake Geneva regulations, art. 8).

Hiring a boat

Many hire companies offer licence-free boats (small engines) and boats with a skipper. In Geneva, licence-free hire boats may not go downstream of the Jetée des Pâquis – Jetée du Jet d'eau line unless helmed by the hire company or its staff. Hiring to an intoxicated person is prohibited (Lake Geneva regulations, art. 92).

The app's verified hire companies: Sports outing menu, “Boat hire and skippers” map layer.

Open the Lake Geneva map

See also

The Navigating Lake Geneva guide, and: Right of way, buoyage, lights, Speeds and zones, Safety and equipment, Emergencies and rescue, Water sports: the rules.