Yachts > 24 meters (LH) and gross tonnage < 3000
A modified technical system
Since 2008, France has implemented regulations dedicated to pleasure yachts (private or commercial) with a hull length above 24 meters, titled "Division 242". This regulation, inspired by the British Large Yacht Code (see illustration below), is particularly suitable for this category of yachts.
The provisions equivalent to the SOLAS and 1966 Load Line Conventions as introduced by Division 242 have been notified to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and are, therefore, recognized by countries signatory of the IMO Conventions. Thus, it is possible to issue international safety certificates on the basis of this regulation, and French commercial pleasure yachts benefit from an international recognition.
On international navigation, pleasure yachts for commercial use are considered as cargo ships.
The table below highlights the links between international conventions and French and British regulations:
Register an existing yacht under the RIF
The owner of an existing yacht, who wishes to register under the RIF, may request an evaluation survey. Carried out by the RIF ships safety surveyor, the survey is a mean to establish quickly if there are technical differences between the yacht and the applicable regulations. This is useful to estimate the necessary expenses to ensure compliance for registration under the French flag. On request, the RIF technical expert will come on board for a complete verification of the ship. Within 24 hours, you will receive a survey report.
Register a yacht under construction with the RIF
The owner of a yacht under construction, who wishes to register under the RIF, shall fill in the declaration of construction (DMC in French). It is in particular used to indicate the future use of the yacht. Throughout the construction, the RIF’ safety inspector may perform special surveys to ensure that the characteristics and equipment of the ship comply with French and international regulations.
Approval
Commercial yachts over 24 m (hull length) and with a gross tonnage less than 3,000, are approved by the Secretary of State for the Sea based on recommendation from the central safety commission (CCS).
Approval of a ship can be quick. It depends on the quality of the technical file sent to the safety commission. However, if the ship already holds valid safety certificates, interim certificates may be issued to allow immediate operation under the French flag (provided that a complete technical file has been provided and that the ship has successfully undergone a safety survey).
Safety documents
Based on the applicable regulatory provisions, ships have different safety documents. The table below summarizes, based on the ship characteristics (in particular the gross tonnage), the certificates and documents required on board. The issuance of these safety documents is free of charge.
Mandatory safety documents on board a ship.

The RIF technical expert: single point of contact
The RIF inspector is the link between the shipowner and the various stakeholders in the administration:
- the safety commission (CCS)
- the ship safety center (CSN).
Classification society
Yachts with a reference length (LR) of 24 meters and above shall hold the first class notation of an authorized classification society
For any additional questions or clarification on below section, feel free to contact the technical experts of the RIF Office (rif.technique@mer.gouv.fr).