Geneva Local Reference INFOrmation
Information on the rules on boat licences and sailing permits, the weather and more, with details of the ports around Lake Geneva and links to local sailing associations.
Sailing, and other water sports, are very popular on Lac Léman, the largest lake in Western Europe. The lake is also known as Lac de Genève, or Lake Geneva. Safety Information
When a Permit is RequiredIn Switzerland, there are two types of sailing permit: one for sailing on the sea under the Swiss flag; and one for sailing on inland waters. A person wanting to apply for a sea permit (permis mer) must already hold an inland waters permit (permis pour eaux intérieures). A sailing permit or licence (permis de conduire pour bateaux) is not needed to sail the following vessels:
Permit CategoriesNote: the following information applies to recreational (not professional skipper) permits only. Permits fall into the following categories:
Obtaining a PermitInland waters permitApplications for an inland waters permit can be made at the Road Traffic Office (Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation) of the person's place of place of residence. The exam must be taken in the same canton. The minimum age for obtaining a sail boat licence is 14, for motor boats the minimum age is 18. The applicant must register and pay in advance for the permit. They may register for the theory and only one practical exam. If they fail the practical exam, an additional fee will have to be paid. The followings documents are required on application:
Once the application form has been submitted, candidates have 12 months in which to take the theory test, while the practical test must be taken within 18 months of the theory test. A medical certificate is required for candidates 65 years of age and over. Exams can be taken in French, German or Italian, and an official translator can accompany the person taking the exam. Sea LicenceThe applicant must have a lake/inland waters permit before applying for a sea permit (permis mer). All sea permits are issued by the Swiss Maritime Navigation Office (Office Suisse de la Navigation Maritime). Foreign sailing permits can not be exchanged for a sea permit. To obtain a sea permit the applicant must:
The Cruising Club de Suisse organises lessons and registration for the sea permit.
Registering a Boat or YachtRegistration is not required for the following boats:
Boats are registered at the local Road Traffic Office (Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation). The following documents are required:
All motor boats must undergo a service as well as emissions testing every three years.
PortsThe International Rescue Service of Lake Geneva (Société Internationale de Sauvetage du Léman- SISL) has information on the many ports around Lake Geneva.
Geneva Yacht Clubs and Associations
Sailing Events on Lake GenevaThe Bol d'Or Mirabaud is an annual yachting event that takes place in June. Boats set off from the southwest point of Lake Geneva, make their way to the other end of the lake and back again (approximately 104 miles). Contact InformationCanton of Geneva:
Canton of Vaud:
Further Information
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