Vehicles and Boats
The station has the following vehicles and boats:
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Shared-use trucks (three 4WD Land Rovers)
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Reserved-use truck (one 4WD Land Rover)
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Run-about car (Ford Focus)
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Staff vehicles (Ford Ranger, Kia dump truck)
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Non-powered watercraft: four double sit-on-top kayaks, three single sea kayaks, two outrigger canoes, one Laser sailing dingy
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Motor boats: two 14' skiff 25Hp 2-stroke, and two 18' boats - Whaler 140Hp and Parker 140Hp 4-stroke)
Vehicle Usage
All drivers must complete the vehicle use form on arrival.
Boating
Anyone wishing to operate any Station boat needs to be approved first. The law in French Polynesia requires that anyone driving a boat with an engine >7HP must have a French boating license. We can make arrangements for you to take the test with an English translator at the Station or you can take the test in Papeete.
More details about the test are available on this site including a study guide, example questions, and example forms.
• All motor boats are available for those who have a French boating license so long as they keep within the lagoon. Only the two larger boats (Parker and Boston Whaler) can be taken outside the lagoon, and only then if qualified Station employees are driving them. Special exceptions might be made for those who have extensive experience of handling boats at sea and need to go outside the reef for research or educational purposes. A surface watch person is required for dives outside the lagoon.
• For safety, when using any of the boats, you must have a shore contact who knows of destination and expected time back. Also fill this information on the board by the dock. You must take sufficient life vests and paddles. Life vests must be worn while sailing the Laser dinghy.
• Boats should not be operated after dark without special permission from the Station management. Operating any boat (including kayaks) under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.