Exam topic: entry conditions. Arrêté of 28 Sep 2007, art. 4.1 and 6.2; décret 2007-1167, art. 2.
Where candidates go wrong
- Assuming the extension is a separate permis. It is an extension of the côtière. No côtière, no entry. An option eaux intérieures (inland waters option) on its own does not qualify, even though it is a full permis.
- Waiting for a school to do the paperwork. Unlike the côtière, you can enter as a candidat libre (independent candidate). Nobody chases you.
- Treating it as a skills qualification. There is no practical test and no compulsory course. The extension proves you can do chartwork in an exam room, nothing more. It says nothing about your seamanship offshore.
What the extension gives you
| Title | Where you may helm a motor pleasure boat (> 4.5 kW) |
|---|---|
| Option côtière (coastal option) | Up to 6 nm from a shelter (abri) |
| Extension hauturière (offshore extension) | Beyond 6 nm from a shelter. The décret sets no outer limit |
Source: décret 2007-1167, art. 2. Sailing boats at sea need no permis at all, even with an auxiliary engine. The permis has no expiry date.
Do not confuse the permis with the equipment zones of Division 240 (safety rules for pleasure craft of 24 m or less): 2, 6 and 60 nm from a shelter. Your licence may be unlimited, but the kit on board sets the real limit (see L5.2).
Getting on the list
The dossier d'inscription (registration file) for an extension is set by art. 6.2 of the arrêté:
- the application form, cerfa 14680*02 (service-public.fr);
- a colour ID photo, unless you obtained the côtière or eaux intérieures option less than ten years ago;
- the identifier of the timbre fiscal électronique (electronic fiscal stamp) of €38 (mer.gouv.fr);
- a copy of the licence that entitles you to sit: côtière, or the old permis A or permis mer côtier.
Art. 6.2 does not list a medical certificate (art. 6.1 does, for the côtière). Candidats libres send the form to the service for their home address. The DDTM (departmental sea and territories directorate) sets the dates and venue. Holders of certain professional titles can get the extension by équivalence (equivalence) under the arrêté of 21 Jul 2011 instead of sitting the paper.
Adjustments (aménagements) exist for candidates with documented dyslexia, dysphasia or dyspraxia (mer.gouv.fr).
CAUTION — language The paper is in French. The exceptional foreign-language sessions under art. 18.3 cover only the côtière and eaux intérieures options. Plan on reading French chart notes, tide statements and QCM wording yourself.
Who marks you
The examiners are appointed by the préfet. They must have held the hauturière, a professional title or an equivalent for at least three years, and they may not teach at a bateau-école (art. 18.1). Only candidates and invigilators are allowed in the room.
What the examiner wants to see
A complete, correctly filed dossier, a candidate who turns up with the right kit (L1.2), and someone who knows what the extension does not cover: equipment, crewing and commercial use are separate matters. A permis never allows paid skippering.
Vocabulaire de l'examen
| Français | English |
|---|---|
| extension hauturière | offshore extension |
| option côtière | coastal option |
| abri | shelter / safe haven |
| candidat libre | independent candidate |
| dossier d'inscription | registration file |
| timbre fiscal électronique | electronic fiscal stamp |
| DDTM | departmental sea and territories directorate |
| équivalence | equivalence (credit from another title) |