Safety and compliance at the core of our approach
Because e-foiling demands impeccable reliability, we make it a point of honor to adhere to the strictest standards. Scan this QR code to instantly access all our compliance documents and official certificates. Ride with peace of mind!
Regulations
The exact classification of our products under Division 240 is that of a Motorized Nautical Board (PNM) with a power output of less than 4,500 W. As such, it can be operated without a boat license, from the minimum age of 12 years, in compliance with current regulations.
FRENCH MOTOR BOATING FEDERATION
TECHNICAL AND SAFETY RULES FOR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Version approved by the Steering Committee on 30/03/2025
Definition of a PNM:
A PNM is considered a nautical board less than 2.50m in size, equipped with an electric or thermal engine, with or without a foil, allowing autonomous propulsion without direct human intervention, capable of navigating solely thanks to engine power, controlled by an acceleration throttle or any other control device. PNMs fall under the regulations applicable to motorized nautical craft and are subject to maritime safety requirements, particularly regarding mandatory equipment and gear depending on the navigation area. The management and regulation of these craft fall under the French Motor Boating Federation.
Electric-assist nautical boards, considered beach craft, are excluded from these rules.
• The PNM must be equipped with a physical or electronic kill switch.
• Mandatory equipment to date: either a buoyancy aid with a performance level of at least 50, or, if worn, a neoprene wetsuit or dry suit, and an individual light device with an autonomy of at least 6 hours (D240).
• In addition, the Federation recommends wearing a helmet, and simultaneously wearing the buoyancy aid and a shorty or neoprene suit -
Electric-Assist Nautical Board (PNAE):
Definition: A PNAE is a board where the electric motor only assists the user's effort, for example, to facilitate paddling and access to the starting point of the wave (the peak), without allowing autonomous and continuous propulsion. Its main source of movement remains human action, waves, or wind. PNAEs are not considered motorized craft within the meaning of Division 240 and remain classified as beach craft. They are under the responsibility of the French Surfing Federation.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
These technical and safety rules are issued by the French Motor Boating Federation in application of Article L. 131-16 - L. 131-17 of the Sports Code.
They apply to all supervised or educational activities, as defined in Article 1, organized in France by any organizer, whether or not affiliated with the delegated federation. These rules can under no circumstances be applied to the organization of competitive training, competitions, or any other form of competitive activity. For these forms of practice, reference should be made to the Technical and Safety Rules of the corresponding discipline. The technical and safety rules for supervision define common provisions for the organization of the activity. The age of practice and the type of equipment used are specific to the discipline concerned.
ARTICLE 1: DEFINITION
Supervised motor nautical board discovery sessions are organized in the form of teaching slots during which instructors offer participants varied educational situations related to electric or thermal jet ski and electric foil (Efoil) disciplines.
The objective is to learn how to master the craft, safety rules, and navigation instructions.
Learning is supervised by an instructor holding the Professional Qualification Certificate for Assistant Motor Boating Instructor (CQP AMM) or the Professional Brevet in Youth, Popular Education, and Sport, specialty "Motor Boating" (BPJEPS MDA), in accordance with Article L. 212-1 of the Sports Code.
ARTICLE 2: SPORTS DISCOVERY ACTIVITIES
To raise awareness among practitioners about PNM activities, "sports discovery activities" and supervised educational situations can be organized according to the following provisions:
• Participants must be at least 12 years old to practice motor nautical boarding.
• Participants must wear the equipment prescribed in Division 240 and defined in Article 7.
• Activities must be organized in dedicated areas.
• Night navigation is prohibited.
ARTICLE 3: EDUCATIONAL SITES
Educational sessions can take place in different operational zones:
3.1 - Navigation zones. Maritime activities take place exclusively in an area located between 300 meters and 2 nautical miles from a shelter, in accordance with current regulations.
3.2 - Defined operational zones. Practice sites must define operational zones, including a map of the area and proposed routes, which must be available and displayed in the organizing establishment.
ARTICLE 4: SUPERVISION
Educational sessions are supervised by a qualified instructor holding the required certifications according to Article 1. Each instructor can supervise a maximum of 4 participants simultaneously.
Face-to-face instruction, with an instructor on one board and a participant on another board, can take place within a zone ranging from 300 meters to 600 meters from a shelter.
The instructor must be identifiable by a specific vest marked "VNM Instructor or PNM Instructor" and, in addition to the mandatory equipment, must have a means of communication.
Beyond 1 participant on the water at the same time: a safety boat or an approved VNM proportionate to the number of participants plus its crew is required to retrieve participants in case of a problem. Speed limit: Navigation in a channel must not exceed 5 knots.
• Channel entry/exit: Entry and exit maneuvers in the channel must be performed in a prone or kneeling position.
• Increased vigilance: Maintain constant vigilance towards swimmers and other water users to ensure everyone's safety.
• Right-of-way rules: Strictly apply right-of-way and nautical navigation rules to ensure safe and responsible circulation.
• Prohibited zones: PNMs are prohibited in surfing or swimming areas.
• PNM identification: Each PNM must be equipped with an identifier allowing its owner (natural or legal person) to be found if needed.
• In inland waters, local regulations are paramount and must be respected.
• Instructional PNMs must be equipped with a propeller guard and a kill switch to minimize the risk of injury in case of accidental contact with the propulsion area.
• Learning PNMs must be equipped with a jet propulsion pump or a propeller guard, and a kill switch to minimize the risk of injury in case of accidental contact with the propulsion area.
ARTICLE 5: NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
The number of participants in simultaneous activity is limited to 4 per instructor, provided the boarding capacity of the safety boat allows.
ARTICLE 6: AGE AND PRACTICE CONDITIONS
• From 12 years old: access to educational sessions under strict supervision.
ARTICLE 7: MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
All participants must, in addition to Division 240, wear:
• An approved helmet suitable for the activity.
• A full wetsuit or appropriate shorty.
• A 50N life jacket.
• An individual light device compliant with simplified equipment rules.
ARTICLE 8: MANDATORY BRIEFING
Before each session, a briefing is provided by the instructor. This briefing includes:
• Presentation of the route and navigation rules.
• Safety and operating instructions.
• Handling of equipment and explanation of safety devices.
ARTICLE 9: DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS
Any establishment wishing to organize these activities must have:
• The instructor's professional card.
• Proof of their affiliation with the establishment.
• A map detailing the operational zones, the buoyage plan (channels, swimming areas, surfing areas...), and navigation hazards (shoals, rock formations).
ARTICLE 10: SPECIFICITIES
Precautions for CE certified lithium batteries: particular vigilance is required regarding the charging, storage, and exposure of lithium batteries to prevent any danger, namely:
• Avoid interaction with water.
• Storage between 15°C and 25°C in well-ventilated areas, away from heat sources and combustible materials.
• Do not expose them to the sun.
• Do not recharge batteries unsupervised.
• Have an appropriate fire extinguisher.
• For handling and charging batteries, please refer to the manufacturer's documentation.
• For any handling of craft with an onboard electrical source, it is mandatory to refer to standard NF C 18-550, which governs safety and prevention of electrical risk.
These technical and safety rules are established to guarantee safety.
