Boat and sailing boat conveying

Boat delivery is an activity governed in France by specific rules aimed at ensuring maritime safety, crew qualifications and contractual transparency between the ship owner and the professional skipper.

​

​

What is delivery according to French regulations?

Boat delivery involves moving a boat from point A to point B by sea, in return for payment, without commercial transport of passengers or goods.
In other words, it is a technical service and not a means of transporting people: the boat is considered to be property temporarily entrusted to a professional to be transported to another sailing area.

Historically governed by the circular of 20 January 1993, this regulation has since been repealed. However, the practice remains subject to French maritime law and the Transport Code, particularly with regard to the skipper's liability, insurance and social obligations.

 

The role of the professional convoy operator
The convoy operator, whether self-employed (freelance skipper) or representing a convoy company, is legally responsible for the vessel throughout the duration of the mission.
They must:

• Hold the required maritime qualifications (at least a 200 or 500 UMS captain's licence, depending on the size and navigation area of the vessel).

• Be in compliance with social security and tax obligations (affiliation with ENIM or the general social security system).

• Assemble a qualified crew of sufficient numbers, in accordance with maritime safety regulations.

• Ensure the safety of the vessel, the crew and the maritime environment.

​

The transporter has an obligation of result: they must deliver the boat in the agreed condition to the port of destination. In the event of damage or loss, they may be held liable, except in cases of force majeure or fault attributable to the owner.

​

The delivery contract: an essential step
The delivery contract is a mandatory document between the boat owner (or their representative) and the delivery skipper.

It sets out the terms of service and the obligations of each party.

• This contract must include:

• The identity and qualifications of the skipper and crew members,

• The ports of departure and arrival,

• The provisional dates,

• The terms of remuneration,

• The insurance policies taken out,

• Ancillary costs (fuel, supplies, ports, crew transport, etc.),

• The terms of termination and cases of force majeure.

​

This contract protects both the owner and the skipper by clearly setting out responsibilities and conditions of performance.

​

At STYS, an automatic service contract is systematically drawn up for each delivery, guaranteeing the legal security of all missions carried out.

​

Respective obligations
For the carrier
To man the vessel (crew composition and management).

To comply with navigation and safety rules.

To deliver the vessel in the agreed condition.

To keep the owner informed of the progress of the crossing.

​

For the owner

• To provide a vessel in good working order that complies with safety standards.

• Provide the mandatory ship's documents (ship's papers, insurance, authorisations).

• Pay for fuel, stopovers and ship's cash.

• Ensure the conveyor is paid according to the agreed terms.

​

Costs and pricing structure
Fuel costs are borne by the boat owner, based on actual consumption during the delivery.

The average price for professional delivery is between €3 and €5 per nautical mile, plus the skipper's fees (insurance, board fund, administrative costs, etc.).

These costs vary according to several criteria:

• Type and length of the boat,

• Distance to be covered,

• Navigation area (coastal or offshore),

• Number of crew members required,

• Weather conditions and season.

​

Each assignment is assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure a balance between safety, reliability and budget transparency.

​

National and international transport
Transport can be carried out in France or internationally.

In the case of a transfer between two countries, the applicable law is generally that of the ship's flag.
French sailors carrying out transport abroad remain covered by their maritime employment contract and the social security system for sailors.

​

STYS strictly complies with all legal obligations for all transport services provided, whether domestic, trans-Mediterranean or transatlantic.

​

​

Prohibited activities
Transport services may not under any circumstances include the transport of passengers or commercial goods.
The skipper and crew are authorised to move the boat only, and not to operate the vessel for profit.

Any use of the boat outside the scope of the mission defined in the contract constitutes a breach of trust under maritime law.

​

​

In summary
Professional boat delivery is a serious activity, governed by French maritime law.
Hiring a qualified and registered skipper guarantees:

• The safety of the vessel,

• Administrative traceability,

• Compliance with regulations,

• And transport in complete confidence.

​

With STYS, each delivery is covered by a clear, compliant and secure contract, signed between the owner and the professional skipper, for a smooth, transparent and 100% compliant transfer.