Maritime Drone Regulations in France: What Professionals Need to Know in 2026
- 2 days ago
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In 2025, France adopted new regulations governing the use of autonomous maritime drones in its territorial waters. Supported by the French Maritime Cluster (Cluster Maritime Français), this law aims to secure sea operations while clarifying obligations for operators. At BathyDrone, we provide a complete breakdown of these rules to help you navigate in full compliance.
Who is covered by these regulations?
Definition of a maritime drone
French regulations define a maritime drone as an autonomous craft, with no pilot on board, with a length between 1 and 7 meters. This category is subject to specific requirements, distinct from those applicable to autonomous vessels over 7 meters or drones under 1 meter.
Drones under 1 meter: Not covered by these regulations.
Drones from 1 to 7 meters: Subject to technical and administrative obligations.
Autonomous vessels over 7 meters: Governed by a different regulatory category.
Note: Inland waters (rivers, lakes) are not covered by this decree and remain subject to separate regulations.
What are the obligations for drones between 1 and 7 meters?
Technical obligations
To be compliant, a maritime drone must meet the following requirements:
Category | Equipment/Requirement | Description |
Registration | Registration | Mandatory with Maritime Affairs |
Mandatory Equipment | Bilge pump | To evacuate water in case of infiltration |
Navigation lights | Regulatory to ensure visibility | |
VHF Relay | To relay distress messages | |
Radio links | Secure and redundant to guarantee communication | |
Cameras | To monitor the drone's immediate environment |
Application areas
The regulations apply only beyond 300 meters from the coast. Within this distance, drones under 7 meters are exempt.
Example:
A 5-meter drone navigating 200 meters from the coast is not affected. The same drone 400 meters from the coast must comply with all obligations.
What qualifications are needed to pilot a maritime drone?
Training and certificates
Remote piloting of a maritime drone requires specific training, distinct from standard licenses (Coastal, Offshore). Pilots must obtain a Captain 2000-type certificate, which involves several weeks of training.
Command and Control (C2) requirements
The command and control station (C2) must be equipped with hardware redundancies (radio links, GPS, backup batteries) to ensure operational reliability, even in the event of a failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
My drone is 6.5 meters long and navigates 250 meters from the coast. Does this apply to me? No, the regulations only apply beyond 300 meters from the coast for drones between 1 and 7 meters.
What is the duration of the Captain 2000 training? This training generally lasts several weeks and covers both technical and regulatory aspects.
Can I use my drone in freshwater without registration? Yes, inland waters (lakes, rivers) are not affected by this decree.
The regulation of maritime drones in France introduces strict but necessary obligations to guarantee safety at sea. By anticipating these requirements, you avoid the risk of sanctions and optimize the reliability of your operations.
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