Legal framework
Governing: Division 240 art. 240-2.12 (edition JORF 8 Jun 2026); arrêté of 1 Apr 2008; AP 109/2024 art. 3 (Mediterranean). Builds on: L1.1, L1.2.
What counts as a jet ski
Division 240 defines a véhicule nautique à moteur (VNM) as a craft under 4 m hull length, driven by an engine turning a water-jet turbine, and ridden on the hull (seated, standing or kneeling) rather than inside it. An electric version follows the same rules. Rental jet skis are powered well above 4.5 kW, so the licence rules of L1.1 and L1.2 apply.
Where and when
| Single-seat VNM | Multi-seat VNM | |
|---|---|---|
| Time of day | Daylight only | Daylight only |
| Maximum distance from a shelter | 2 nm | 6 nm |
| Buoyancy aid worn | Level 50 up to 2 nm | Level 50 up to 2 nm, level 100 from 2 to 6 nm |
What you wear
Whatever the distance from a shelter, including inside 300 m, each rider must wear (240-2.12):
- a buoyancy aid (level 50, or 100 beyond 2 nm);
- neoprene of at least 2 mm (shorts, shorty or full suit). This protects against the turbine jet if you fall off the back. Swimwear alone does not comply.
The kill-cord must be attached to the driver's wrist, leg or buoyancy aid whenever the engine is running, and must not be lengthened or re-routed. A second kill-cord must be quickly reachable aboard so that a passenger can restart and come back for the driver.
What the machine carries
Within 2 nm: a waterproof light with 6 hours' endurance, a towing point and line. From 2 to 6 nm (multi-seat only), add three red hand flares, a steering compass, an official chart, a summary of the collision regulations and a buoyage guide. Rental companies rarely equip machines for 2–6 nm, and the rental contract may set a smaller area.
Leaving and reaching the beach
On the Mediterranean coast (AP 109/2024 art. 3), jet skis inside the 300 m band go at 5 knots, and only:
- in lanes where they are specifically authorised, or in lanes reserved for them; or
- where nothing is marked, on a course strictly perpendicular to the shore, straight in or straight out.
Jet skis are in principle barred from ordinary shore-access lanes and from water-ski lanes unless the local buoyage plan says otherwise. Some marine protected areas ban them completely (L3.3).
Guided rides without a licence
A company can take people without a permis on an instructor-led jet-ski outing (initiation or randonnée encadrée) under the arrêté of 1 Apr 2008:
- participants over 16, each signing a declaration;
- a qualified instructor (BPJEPS motonautisme or equivalent) leading no more than 4 jet skis;
- CE-marked machines of 75 kW or less, carrying one person fewer than their maximum capacity; stand-up machines excluded;
- routes at sea more than 500 m from shore, except for departure and arrival;
- an annual approval (agrément) from the authorities.
WARNING — "location sans permis" The arrêté forbids the words "location sans permis" (rental without a licence). A lawful operator may advertise "initiation et randonnée sans permis avec moniteur diplômé". If someone offers you a jet ski to ride alone without a licence, the offer itself tells you what kind of operation it is.
TIP — at the counter Check the kill-cord and the spare before leaving, and ask to see the buoyage diagram: jet-ski lanes are marked on it (L2.1).