Boat Driving Class on the Seine river

We're approaching things a bit backwards, as we took our boat driving course before even passing the theory exam!

And we did this practical course the very next day after our theory class...

It’s quite unconventional. The usual process is to first attend the theory class, then take and the theory exam.
Once you pass, you proceed to the driving practical class.

After completing and passing the driving course, the instructor automatically submits your documents to the administration to process your final boat driving license.

The reason for our approach was simply that there was only one available slot at that time. 

We booked last minute, so we couldn’t be picky with the dates.
Since we’re on a sabbatical, timing isn’t a concern for us.

So, here we are on a chilly Friday morning in December 2024, standing on the banks of the Seine River, ready to learn how to pilot a boat.

Naturally, we arrived somewhat unprepared.

Any tips?

• Bring your candidate book for the instructor to fill out all the basic maneuvers you’re expected to "master."
  
  
• Don’t forget sunglasses! They’re essential on a boat, but we didn’t have any, making us squint in the sun.
  
  
• It was sunny but freezing cold. You’ll be outdoors for hours, hands on the wheel the whole time, so gloves are a must. Luckily, the instructor lent me his pair.
  
  
• Dress warmly if you’re doing this in the winter—unlike me, who wore just a light jacket...
  
  
• If there are multiple students on the boat, try not to go first (like I did). Learning by "doing" means you can benefit from others' mistakes if you go second. No wonder I struggled; I was the one going first 90% of the time (that’s my excuse, LOL).
  
  
• The advantage of taking your class in winter is fewer people—less crowded classes and easier to find a spot. Most people tend to take classes in the spring to prepare for summer holidays.
  
  
• Lastly, learn the bowline knot (noeud de chaise) from a YouTube tutorial beforehand (the snake-in-the-well method) so you don’t feel lost during practice. It is also very stressful when the instructor watch your every move...

What do you learn?

Off the top of my head:

1. You learn to check the essential safety equipment required on board.

2. You learn what to inspect on the off-board engine before starting it up.

3. You learn about the different speeds of the gears.

4. You learn three essential knots:

   • Cleat Hitch (noeud de taquet)
   • Bowline Knot (noeud de chaise)
   • Mooring Knot (noeud d'amarrage)
     I had learned these knots from my father-in-law, but he taught me a different method, which didn’t help during practice. It's best to follow the instructor's way to ensure you get the green light.

5. You learn to maintain your course using the compass. This was particularly challenging for me; I struggled to stay on course for more than two seconds, veering left and right the entire time.

6. You learn to execute full "8" turns.

7. You learn various ways to park the boat:

   • Mooring on a buoy (prise de coffre)
   • Mooring on the left/right side of the dock

8. You learn how to enter and exit the harbor by navigating using landmarks. I found this difficult because, not only could I not maintain a steady course, but you also have to do it while looking back at the landmark as you drive forward.

9. You learn how to recover a man overboard. This was perhaps the easiest part, aside from managing the kill switch, but it becomes second nature after a few rehearsals.

I may have missed some points; if so, let me know.

How much does it cost?

The one-day theory class +online preparation courses/online test access + half day practical class did cost around 365 euros per pax. 

Plus you have to pay for a Fiscal stamp 38 euros per pax.

And finally you pay 30 euros per pax for the exam center. 

The total cost per pax for a Boat driving license in France is 433 euros.

Am I ready to navigate?

I don’t feel ready to do it on my own just yet; I would need more practice on a small boat. But if I had to jump straight onto a 40-foot sailboat... boy, I’d be in trouble!

Anyway, first, I need to pass my theory exam to obtain my boat driving license.

Stay tuned!