For lovers of sailing, boating, jet-skiing or any other water-sport: what are the rules you must respect? Where can you go boating in Luxembourg? What insurance cover should you have, whether your pleasure-boat is in Luxembourg or abroad?
Insurance policies for boats, catamarans, motorised rubber dinghies, jet skis and other water-craft are all different, depending on each owner’s requirements. Some policies cover loss and damage to your own equipment, whilst others cover damage to third parties, such as boats or people. Whether you take to the water on a daily basis or just occasionally, it is essential to protect yourself against the possible risks… just as you do when driving a car!
Here's what you need to know about boating in Luxembourg. All the rules which apply to pleasure boating can be found here here.
- An ‘Inland Waterway Licence’ to operate a pleasure craft with a maximum length of 20 metres, on inland waters, rivers, lakes, etc.
- A ‘Coastal Licence’ to operate a pleasure craft of up to 7 metres in length without a cabin, on coastal waters up to three miles from the shore.
- A ‘Coastal Licence Plus’ to operate a pleasure craft of up to 20 metres in length, in coastal waters up to six miles from the shore.
- An ‘Open Sea Licence’ to operate a pleasure craft of up to 24 metres in length, on the open sea, with no limit to the navigable area.
You must be at least 16 years old before you can apply for a boating licence. However, parental consent is required for minors.
It is compulsory to have your boat or pleasure craft identified or registered. For small boats, you must have an identification certificate, valid for five years.
"Whether you want to sail your boat or to take out insurance cover, your vessel must be recognised by, or registered with, the Commissariat aux Affaires Maritimes in Luxembourg. You also have to be resident in Luxembourg. "
A Luxembourg boating licence (or the Luxembourg endorsement of a foreign certificate) is required if you want to continue sailing on a boat registered in the Public Register of Pleasure Craft which fly the Luxembourg flag.
https://maritime.public.lu/en/pleasure-craft/permis-navigation.html
To go boating in Luxembourg, you have to go to the River Moselle. Most other places do not allow motorised craft. You must also have your own boat, because it is not possible to rent one.
Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive legislation regarding boating. Nor are there any international or European boating permits. You have to find out about the legislation in force in the country where you want to sail your boat. However, you can obtain a license in Luxembourg which enables you to sail on the sea.
As a Luxembourg resident you may also own a boat registered and insured in Luxembourg but moored abroad.
You must, at least, have third party liability insurance, which only covers damage to third parties. (https://www.stradalex.lu/en/slu_src_publ_leg_mema/toc/leg_lu_mema_199710_78/doc/mema_1997A24041).
In order to be fully protected, it is best to take out comprehensive boating insurance.
Boat insurance aims to cover sailing or motor boats, catamarans and others, used for sporting, recreational and leisure purposes. At Baloise, this insurance can only be subscribed by individuals, so it does not cover boats used for professional purposes.
The insurance policy takes effect for a minimum of one year and thus it covers your boat during its period of use as well as during its parking at the quay and during winter periods.
Just like with a car, there are two types of cover.
- Insure your nautical equipment:
You have the choice of two formulas: Third Party cover only, in the event of injuries caused to a third party as the result of an accident; or All Risks which also protects you against the costs of repairing or replacing your boat.
- Insure the skipper:
This insurance is only taken out when renting a boat and covers the material damage or bodily injury caused to third parties.
Additional options for safe boating are available on certain conditions, such as:
- the towing of water skiers
- the deposit required in the event of seizure of the boat following an accident
- the reimbursement of assistance costs
- the contents of the boat (for example furniture or navigation equipment) in the event of a boating accident
When subscribing, recent photographs of the boat are required if it is to be insured against accidental damage so that your insurer can find out the type of boat and advise you on the best cover.
The insured value of the boat is communicated by the policyholder, based on the current characteristics of the boat at the time when he takes out the insurance. For example, an owner estimates that his 15-year-old sailing boat is now worth €20,000. He therefore insures it for a value of €20,000 and pays the premium according to the fixed amount.
As regards coastal sailing, and cruising on inland waterways (including lakes and reservoirs), Pleasure Boating Insurance is valid in all the countries of geographic Europe and in those bordering the Mediterranean.
In summary, whether you are an occasional sailor or a water sports enthusiast, it is important to have adequate insurance in order to sail without a care and to enjoy your boat in complete safety.