How to operate the boat
Navigating the canals is very easy with Marin d’Eau Douce. Our boats can be steered without any license. They are very easy to drive.
In fact, any adult can handle it without any special navigation knowledge or skills. In a few minutes, after our safety briefing, you will become the captain of your own ship! You’ll know all the manoeuvres and rules that are essential to enjoying your cruise on the canals.
Our boats will keep no secrets from you. They are perfect for discovering the real Parisians’ Paris.
Rules for boats on the canals.
- Our boats don’t have any priority over other vessels (commercial vessels, private boats, etc.)
- During the navigation, you have to stay in the middle of the canal.
- If you cross another boat, slow down and go on your right hand side.
- Boats going down have priority over boats coming up the canal.
- If you want to overtake a boat, you have to be sure that there’s no danger and to overtake on the left hand side. If someone overtakes you, reduce your speed and go on your right hand side.
- Boats must use their lights at night or in a foggy weather.
- Mooring: if you have to stop, use the mooring equipment provided for this purpose along the quay.
Rules of good behaviour.
- Observe the rules of courtesy towards other users (fishermen, boatmen, navigation agents, residents, etc.). Do not hesitate to slow down and move aside if another boat is coming towards you.
- Do not throw anything into the water and don’t leave anything on the banks. Keep your rubbish with you or put it in the bins provided.
- Do not damage the banks.
- Respect private properties.
- Remember that noise travels far on the water.
- Respect the surrounding flora and fauna.
Practical advice for going through a lock.
Locks are present on the itineraries:
- 1 on the canal de l’Ourcq, 20km (12miles) out from the Bassin de la Villette near the Parc de la Poudrerie.
- 9 on the canal Saint-Martin (4 double locks and 1 single)
The locks are passable only for groups accompanied by Marin D’Eau Douce teams.
- Entrance
➢ Enter the chamber.
➢ On the way down, on the left side, you have to tie up to the bollard at the bottom of the lock.
➢ On the way up, on the right side, you have to tie up to the bollard at the entry to the lock.
- Mooring
➢ It is mandatory on the front and the back of the boat.
Tie up to bollards or hooks.
- Manoeuvres
➢ Caution: Danger!
You must release the moorings from the bollard to allow the boat to follow the variations of the water.
There is a risk that the boat may become suspended if the rope is caught or tied to the mooring!
- Exit
➢ Do not release the moorings until the end of the operation.
