What's new in rule 240 for 2025 concerning safety on board ships at sea?

Rule 240, which governs the safety of ships at sea in France, is essential legislation to guarantee the protection of crews and passengers. In 2025, several important clarifications were made to this rule, aimed at reinforcing safety measures at sea in the face of technological developments and new requirements in the maritime sector. Here are the main changes concerning fishermen at sea and their boats.

Clarification, if any were needed, on circuit breakers

Since the last modification, the circuit-breaker must be worn at all times by the boat's pilot. This device cannot be tinkered with (extended or moved). But you already knew that. The new clarification is that the circuit-breaker must be worn whenever the engine is switched on. It is forbidden for the pilot to detach himself from the boat if the engine is running. Finally, and this was already the case, a second circuit-breaker is absolutely essential to restart the engine in the event of a fall into the water.

L'importance du gilet de sauvetage
The importance of a lifejacket

Personal flotation devices

The clarification concerns the suitability of lifejackets for the morphology of the people on board.

Also a reminder of the minimum buoyancy index:

  • less than 2 miles from shore: 50 newtons
  • 2 to 6 miles: 100 newtons
  • above: 150 newtons

Finally, for children weighing less than 30 kg, a 100 newton vest must be worn.

One of the biggest changes is the compass!

Indeed, from now on, a compass that meets ISO 25862 or 14227 standards. In other words, compasses are classified by a letter system according to their reliability. Only Class A or B compasses are now authorized.

This compass must be watertight, attached to the ship and visible from the cockpit!

Safety harness clarification

This is compulsory for all semi-offshore and offshore sailors, and must have an attachment point on the boat. It doesn't have to be dedicated. Suffice it to say that on our boats, this is quite straightforward: bolsters, console bars...

VHF, no change, but a reminder

A VHF is, of course, compulsory on board (fixed or mobile, depending on your cruising area). It must be permanently tuned to channel 16. It is forbidden to switch to another channel to chat with friends, unless the VHF has a permanent watch on channel 16.

Aural and visual surveillance is important both for yourself and for other boats that may be in difficulty in the area.

Toujours penser à la sécurité lorsque l'on pêche
Always think about safety when fishing

Why are these changes necessary?

The amendments to rule 240 are part of an overall framework for modernizing maritime safety. These adjustments take into account the evolution of technology and the contemporary challenges of navigation. With ever-increasing maritime traffic and growing recreational activities, it is becoming crucial to adopt more effective measures to protect people at sea. New requirements, particularly for positioning and communication equipment, aim to reduce risks and improve rescue operations.

What's more, these changes also respond to an increasingly strict international framework, aimed at bringing French regulations into line with global maritime safety standards.

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