The’Order from 18 May 2020 from the Mediterranean Maritime Prefect, sets out the conditions under which these activities may be carried out, taking into account the authorisations for access to maritime space set by the prefects of departments. Under this decree:

• The Leisure craft navigation is free of charge, with no distance limit from the home port or mooring buoy, conversely:
  • stopping in a port, or anchoring and mooring shall not occur further than 54 nautical miles (approximately 100 km) from the home port or mooring buoy, in line with restrictions on shore leave;
  • Stopping and anchoring, launching boats, and scuba diving are prohibited within 500 metres of coastal areas where access has not been lifted by the prefects.
• The Water sports (kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, etc.) is free, however, it can be restricted by local access to the maritime space.

One Questions et réponses detailing the terms of application of this order for a wide variety of cases is available on the website of the Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean.

After several weeks of inactivity for crews and pleasure boaters, and thus a period without routine checks and maintenance of equipment, the maritime prefecture recommends proceeding before any outing at sea with:

– checking his good physical condition; ;

– checking the general condition of the boat (engine, sails, anchor, etc.); ;

– Compliance and condition of mandatory safety equipment; ;

– control of manoeuvring capability; ;

– checking the reception conditions at the destination port.

Finally, the maritime prefecture reminds you that it is essential to have a communication device with a charged battery to contact CROSS Med if necessary (on 196 from any phone or channel 16 by VHF).