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France’s Toilet Mandate for Small Workboats Faces Pushback From Oyster Farmers

Industry groups are preparing exemption requests in response to what they view as an unworkable mandate.

Overview

  • An arrêté issued on 22 July updated the 1987 ship-safety framework to require a toilet and a lavabo on professional vessels under 12 meters.
  • The rule allows the competent authority to exempt vessels under 10 meters based on their design and if time at sea is under six hours.
  • Oyster farmers and small-scale operators argue the installations are impractical on short-trip barges lacking space and onboard water supplies.
  • Sector leaders, including Philippe Le Gal of the regional shellfish committee, warn of heavier paperwork and foresee a wave of derogation filings.
  • Regional reporting cited by commentators mentions blocked orders at boatbuilder Navalu, while no formal rollback or detailed ministry guidance has been announced.