Navigating rivers, birdwatching, or trying your hand at freshwater fishing: fun activities accessible to everyone. Did you know that with a small boat equipped with TEMO you can enjoy splendid trips on inland waterways?
Here's an overview of the regulations and best practices for navigating freshwater with TEMO, ensuring safety and respect for other users. We'll also share some tips for preserving these fragile ecosystems that are so vital to our region.
Navigating in freshwater: an overview of the regulations.
Is a boating license required with a TEMO·450?
Also known as a river license, the inland waterways boating license allows you to navigate on rivers, lakes, and canals. This license is mandatory for boats with an motor power exceeding 4.5 kW (6 hp) and a length of less than 20 m .
With a power equivalent to 2 HP, TEMO·450 is the ideal propulsion system for a light craft under 2.5 m and therefore remains outside the scope of the river permit application.
Is a navigation title mandatory with a TEMO·450?
Administrative registration is mandatory for any vessel over 5 meters in length with an motor exceeding 4.5 kW (6 hp). If your vessel complies with TEMO recommendations and is therefore 2.5 meters or less in length, prior registration with the authorities is not required.
| Inflatable kayaks or boats can be excellent for navigating sheltered inland waterways. Ideally, choose those made of DropStitch fabric, which offer perfect rigidity once inflated. |
What safety equipment should be taken on board with a TEMO·450?
Considering that a boat powered by the TEMO·450 does not exceed 2.50 m in length, there is no mandatory equipment list. However, common sense dictates carrying a minimum of equipment such as oars and life jackets . Find the complete list of best practices in our article "Using your boat tender safely".

How to identify protected areas?
National parks, regional natural parks, nature reserves, the Coastal and Lake Shore Conservancy, etc.: the list of organizations responsible for protecting natural areas is long. Each territory manages these protected areas itself or through partnerships with other organizations. Regulations are therefore local and vary throughout the year.
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Our advice : plan your route in advance and check with local authorities to find out about the regulations in force. Town halls or tourist offices will be able to tell you precisely what is allowed and, why not, direct you to destinations you would not have thought of! |
Best practices for navigating freshwater with TEMO.
Reminder of priority rules
Rivers, streams and canals
Cargo and passenger vessels have priority over recreational and sporting craft. If two vessels are of the same type, the one traveling downstream has priority over the one going upstream. If both vessels are recreational or sporting craft, the less maneuverable one has priority.
Lakes and bodies of water
The applicable priority rules are the same as in maritime navigation.
Navigating safely on inland waterways.
As with any boat trip, caution is essential. Before setting off, review the following points:
- The weather conditions of the day and previous days: floods or droughts can alter the currents and navigability.
- The environment : locate the dams and locks near your route. Note their opening times or water release times.
| Note: Dams are one of the major dangers to freshwater navigation. Upstream or downstream, they create strong currents that are difficult to detect. |

Preserve the fragile ecosystem of inland waters.
- Keep your distance from the animals , without trying to chase them.
- Identify authorized landing or mooring areas beforehand to avoid unknowingly disturbing the habitat or nesting areas of protected species.
- Drive at low speed and away from the banks : your wake creates eddies that cause erosion of the banks, which are true ecological niches.
- Avoid noise pollution and fuel spills . Clean and quiet, TEMO will make you a boater appreciated as much by your fellow boaters as by the wildlife you encounter.
- Inland water fishing is regulated : take the necessary steps to pursue your passion legally.
Lightweight, maneuverable, powerful, and quiet, the TEMO·450 portable electric motor is ideal for exploring new horizons on inland waterways. An easy way to discover new places close to home!
Have you ever tried the TEMO·450 in freshwater?
























Romain Tellier and TEMO, on their way to the Mini Transat 2021!
The SPA (Society for the Protection of Annexes) warns against and denounces the illegal abandonment of small boats.