French Polynesia is a popular destination for boaters and adventurers of the South Seas. Each year, the archipelago welcomes an increasing number of boaters into its territorial waters, drawn by the unique experience offered by these exotic islands.
The rise in maritime traffic has led the government of French Polynesia to reorganize, or rather “rethink from the ground up,” the regulations on navigation and anchoring in this area, which until now had been left to develop naturally.
For months, we have been working together with the government of French Polynesia to illustrate these new regulations on Navily, in order to inform and guide boaters through these major changes!
French Polynesia: New Regulations for Boaters
Meet Catherine Rocheteau, Director of DPAM
I am Catherine Rocheteau, Director of the Polynesian Directorate of Maritime Affairs (DPAM). My role is to oversee and coordinate all projects related to the management of maritime activities in Polynesian waters. Passionate about the sea and committed to preserving our natural heritage, I strive to balance the development of boating with the protection of the marine environment and the needs of local communities. Through the ESCALES initiative, our ambition is to provide a clear, respectful, and harmonious organization for an activity that is rapidly growing.
As Director of DPAM, my mission is to oversee the implementation of the new regulations in collaboration with various stakeholders: local institutions, communities, economic players, and, of course, the boaters themselves. This initiative goes far beyond a simple legislative framework—it involves rethinking how we welcome sailors while respecting the unique environmental and cultural balance of Polynesia. I am also involved in communication and awareness efforts regarding these changes, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the issues at hand and actively engage. This service aims to enhance safety, protect the marine environment, and ensure the satisfaction of all, whether cruise passengers, pleasure boat crews, island residents, or service providers.
Why new regulations in French Polynesia?
French Polynesia is a true Pacific gem, known for its crystal-clear lagoons, exceptional biodiversity, and the hospitality of its people. However, the steady increase in boating activity in our waters has highlighted significant challenges: preserving marine ecosystems, ensuring fair access to anchorage areas, and guaranteeing safety for all users.
These new regulations are not just restrictions—they represent an opportunity to create a sustainable framework. The goal is to anticipate future challenges by establishing a system that manages maritime traffic while enhancing Polynesia’s natural and cultural heritage. Protecting the lagoons means preserving a vital part of Polynesian identity and ensuring that future generations can also enjoy these wonders.
The growing number of boaters in Polynesian waters has made structured management of stopovers essential.
The objectives of the new regulations
- Optimizing the use of anchorage areas: By regulating the number of vessels in popular anchorage spots, the service aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure fair access for all sailors.
- Protecting the marine environment: By setting up organized anchorage zones and installing eco-friendly moorings, the service seeks to minimize the impact of anchors on sensitive seabeds and preserve marine biodiversity.
- Improving nautical safety: Centralized management of anchorage areas will allow better monitoring of vessel movements, ensure compliance with maritime regulations, and enable quicker response in emergencies.
- Enhancing services for boaters: The new service will provide up-to-date information on anchorage conditions, online reservations, and support for vessels to meet their needs.
The major changes
For pleasure boats under 20 meters, the launch of this new service is planned for 2025.
The administration is preparing a pilot phase in certain popular anchorage areas before gradually expanding the service across the entire Polynesian territory. DPAM is working closely with municipalities and local communities to ensure the success of this project.
The measures to be implemented
- Online reservations: Boaters will need to book their anchoring spot in advance via an online platform, the Escales e-service, reducing uncertainty and conflicts over anchorage space. When applicable, the platform will also facilitate payment of fees and mooring charges.
- Installation of eco-friendly moorings: To protect fragile marine ecosystems, eco-friendly mooring systems will be installed in sensitive areas, allowing boats to dock safely without damaging the seabed.
- Monitoring and assistance: Local teams will be deployed to welcome and assist boaters, ensure compliance with regulations, and respond quickly to any issues.
- Education and awareness campaigns: Initiatives will be carried out to promote environmentally friendly anchoring and navigation practices while respecting local customs. These efforts aim to involve local communities in protecting their marine environment and welcoming boaters.
Full implementation and level of tolerance
The new service for boats under 20 meters will be fully operational by 2026. Currently, a pilot phase is being prepared in selected areas, with a tolerant approach to allow sailors to gradually adapt to the new rules.
During this transition, we are taking an educational approach: the aim is not to impose immediate penalties but to help boaters adapt. Information campaigns, practical guides, and on-site assistance will be provided to ensure a clear understanding of the new rules.
How will the regulations be enforced?
The enforcement of these measures is based on a balance between prevention, awareness, and control.
- Prevention and information: Local teams managing regulated anchorage zones will be mobilized to inform boaters about best practices and designated areas. A dedicated online platform, the Escales e-service, will centralize all relevant information.
- Monitoring: On-the-ground teams will ensure compliance with regulations, with a particular focus on sensitive areas.
- Sanctions as a last resort: In cases of clear and repeated non-compliance, penalties may be applied, although enforcement will prioritize education and cooperation over punishment.
The DPAM favors a collaborative approach, involving sailors and local communities in the effort to respect and preserve the marine environment.
Forbidden areas
Some areas are now entirely off-limits to boating activities. These restrictions primarily concern particularly vulnerable marine habitats or sites of great cultural significance to local populations. For example, fragile coral reefs, which serve as the ocean’s lungs, or lagoons that act as sanctuaries for endangered marine species.
However, these decisions are not made lightly. Before defining these areas, extensive environmental studies are conducted to identify locations where anchoring and navigation have the most critical impact. At the same time, these studies help pinpoint areas with lower environmental sensitivity, where efforts can be concentrated on infrastructure development and management.
The DPAM works closely with local populations and municipal authorities to ensure that these measures align with the needs of residents and the specificities of each island. Their active participation ensures shared, sustainable, and respectful management of traditional practices. This collaborative approach is essential for preserving both the richness of natural heritage and the cultural ties that connect Polynesians to their environment.
A long-term vision
This initiative is part of a long-term vision to make French Polynesia a responsible “sea-ritory” in terms of sustainable nautical tourism.
Future projects include:
- Expanding the stopover management system across all of French Polynesia, with continuous optimization of digital tools.
- Developing more eco-friendly moorings and suitable infrastructure for boaters.
- Strengthening partnerships with local communities to incorporate their knowledge and needs into maritime management.
- Coordinating efforts with other Pacific islands to manage sailor traffic collectively.
The goal is for Polynesia to remain a place of wonder and adventure while becoming a model for responsible and sustainable management of its maritime resources.
A big thank you to Catherine Rocheteau and DPAM for these essential insights. Want to learn more about authorized anchorage areas? Visit Navily!
