[santeana]

Jack...also try ybw livaboard.

You may know all this but just in case....

1. Not specific to France but the question of ICC (International Certificate of Competence) is becoming rife in EU for visiting skippers and I expect with other countries who signed up to the UN Resolution 40. Even if not always stricly needed, (usually visiting skippers under their own flag are exempt) EU Port Captains frequently apply the rules as they see fit. E.g. In June British boat evicted from Montenegro on entry. Skipper had ICC but left it in UK. Offered to get copy faxed but as it was a week-end office was closed. He had to leave by shortest route or in "big trouble". Have a nice day!

2. Also if you venture onto EU canals/inland waters skippers need additional qual''n on rules and regs, (called a CEVNI). UK based skippers can take both ICC/CEVNI at the same time thro'' RYA short course. These are fast becoming essential for boating abroard (from UK). So far UK has not caught the EU bureaucratic virus.

3. If en-route to Med France note that Portugal has also re-introduced Circ''n Tax this year after 7 year lapse. Each harbour now has authorities set-up to control. Tax becomes operational after 180 days in country and based on boat''s hp, tonnage, year of build.

4. From June, third party insurance is now compulsory for vessls over 7m in Portugese waters (and overseas territories, I guess) for minimum 250,000 Euro.

Hope I''ve not stretched the brief too much.

Cheers, Ron