Fake Skippers: A Growing Danger on French Coasts

The popularity of summer boating on the French coast has unfortunately attracted unscrupulous individuals. These individuals pose as professional skippers, posting enticing ads on platforms like Click & Boat and Leboncoin, and taking passengers on board without official contracts or recognized qualifications.

This often results in illegal activity, exposing clients to significant risks.

A Worrying Increase from Finistère to the Mediterranean

On July 21, 2025, the Maritime Prefecture of the Atlantic (Finistère) issued an official warning after identifying several illegal offers published on these platforms. A similar situation was observed a month earlier in Saint-Malo, where the DDTM of Ille-et-Vilaine and the public prosecutor’s office initiated proceedings for illegal command and undeclared work.

In the Mediterranean, a control campaign was launched in the spring to stop illegal practices before the peak season.

Behind these attractive offers often lie serious offenses: skippers without licenses, vessels not registered for commercial use, and absent or vague contracts. All of this is often masked by attractive prices and well-crafted communication.

What the Law Says:

Renting a boat with a skipper is perfectly legal, provided everything is in order. The Prefecture of Corsica-du-Sud issued a statement on July 24 outlining the following:

• Hiring a skipper is optional, never mandatory.
• The captain must be independent of the rental company and offer a separate contract for their services.
• They must have a maritime record book and hold the Capitaine 200 certificate, a mandatory professional qualification (you can request to see it).
• The rental is for the entire vessel, never per person.
• As the renter, you remain in control of the itinerary and schedule, within the limits set by safety regulations.
• Violators face up to 3 years in prison, a €45,000 fine, confiscation of the vessel, and prosecution for undeclared work or deceptive business practices.

How to Spot a Fake Skipper:

• Abnormally low prices, including navigation.
• No clear contract for the skipper’s services.
• No proof of the Capitaine 200 certificate.
• Vague or absent boat registration (especially the absence of NUC – Commercial Use Vessel status).
• Communication only via private messaging, without legal framework.

Authorities recommend prioritizing declared professional channels or, at a minimum, systematically requesting documentation before confirming a rental.

Warning Signs to Heed:

• Prices that are too low with a skipper included
• Absence of a separate contract for navigation services
• No proof of license or maritime record book
• Vague announcement about the vessel’s registration (NUC mandatory for commercial use)

Safe Boating: Best Practices

To navigate safely, it’s best to take a few precautions. With the rise of summer boating, the risks are not only legal: they are also meteorological and human. Before any outing:

• Check the weather forecast. Adapt your route to the weather, and don’t hesitate to postpone your departure if conditions worsen.
• Also check the safety equipment on board: up-to-date logbook, life jackets in sufficient numbers and suitable for all passengers, including children.

In case of problems, contact emergency services:

CROSS: 196 (free call)

VHF: channel 16

On the surface, offers from individuals may seem attractive. But an improvised cruise with a phantom skipper can quickly turn into a nightmare. Before boarding, demand proof. And keep in mind that safety at sea always begins on land.

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