What do you need to know to pilot a barge or a boat without a licence?
At Crisboat, we specialize in the rental of boats and barges for the organization of river cruises in France and Europe in particular. All the boats we offer can be piloted by adults, even if you have never sailed before. Indeed, they are accessible without a licence, and without experience. For this, they meet precise criteria. For example, they are 14.99 m long at the most. Dedicated to river navigation, they are equipped with everything you need to live comfortably during your stay. They are easy to manoeuvre and work a little like a car. And above all, before departure, we explain everything to you so that your cruise takes place in excellent conditions.
Easily steerable boats without experience
To pilot our barges and boats, no licence is required. Moreover, most of our customers are renting them for the first time (63% in 2019). In fact, navigation is simply done using an ignition key, forward and reverse gear. On D-Day, our team will explain everything and train you to navigate on the waterways and canals. Designed for people with no experience, our boats are characterized by their ease of piloting. You just have to be patient when passing through the first locks, until you get the hang of it. But otherwise, there are no particular difficulties. The aim is really to ensure that everyone can enjoy it, even if you've never been on a barge before.
Manoeuvring and driving information
On waterways, you have to manoeuvre in the centre. When you pass another pleasure craft, the rule is to turn right to go along the bank. In the case of a narrow navigation zone, priority is given to the largest gauge. If there are fishermen along the lanes, you must slow down to avoid making eddies. Please also be aware that night navigation is prohibited. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to pass a lock, depending on the traffic. In the summer, it takes longer because there are many of you on the tracks. As for the speed, it is limited between 6 and 10 km/h. This is also the reason why barges without a permit are accessible to everyone. Finally, just like in a car, you have to be careful and look behind you often because faster boats may want to pass you.