Smoking, bringing your dog, confetti: the rules on board

On a privately hired boat, certain activities are often restricted or prohibited: smoking indoors, throwing confetti or objects into the water, and sometimes bringing animals on board. These rules respond to two concerns: safety, particularly the risk of fire, and protecting the river. There is almost always an alternative.

The exact conditions vary from one boat operator to another: ask about them before you start communicating with your guests.

Smoking: areas and alternatives

Smoking is generally prohibited indoors, because of the fire risk and out of consideration for other guests. On the deck, the rule depends on the boat. Ask whether there is a designated area, and remember to provide an ashtray there so that no cigarette butts end up in the water. E-cigarettes are often subject to the same rules as tobacco.

Bringing your dog

Some boats accept animals, others do not, or only under certain conditions: the dog must be on a lead, kept clean and not disturb other guests. For a specific event, mention it as soon as you request a quote. Assistance dogs are covered by special rules, which the boat operator will be familiar with.

Confetti, lanterns and fireworks

Confetti, rice, glitter and balloons are often banned, as they end up in the river and make a mess of the deck. Firecrackers and sparklers also pose a fire risk. To find out more about prevention, read our article on safety on board.

The alternatives

• soap bubbles or biodegradable petals, subject to agreement;
• a photo booth or lighting décor for a festive effect;
• a clearly marked smoking area.

To understand how these rules fit into the overall organisation of your event, read our guide to preparing a private boat hire.