eFoil regulations & spots in Seychelles

Seychelles has no regulation naming eFoils, electric surfboards or jetboards. Small powered craft are governed by three layers: the Beach Control Regulations (SI 77 of 1978), which cover all beaches and inshore waters and define a pleasure boat as any craft used for pleasure however propelled; the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) Identification of Small Vessels Regulations 2023 (SI 4 of 2023), covering every vessel under 10 m including non-displacement watercraft; and the marine national park regulations enforced by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority. A motorised foil board sits inside all three unless SMSA says otherwise.

The Beach Control Regulations make it an offence to drive a motor boat inshore unless the driver is 16 or older and complies with the regulations and a relevant licence (reg 6); to drive recklessly, at a speed likely to endanger anyone, or under the influence (reg 8); or to run an engine without a silencer (reg 18). SI 4 of 2023 requires small vessels to be identified and marked with an SMSA number, with offences carrying fines on the standard scale or up to 18 months' imprisonment. A draft personal-watercraft regime circulated by SMSA in 2016 proposed daylight-only operation, a 2-nautical-mile limit and a ban in marine parks; its enactment was not confirmed. No life-jacket rule for private riders was found.

Regulation 5 prohibits water-skiing or driving any motor boat within 400 ft (about 120 m) of the seashore, except when leaving or approaching the beach outside a designated swimming area, in a lane marked with buoys and ropes, or in an emergency; the Harbour Master may set aside areas for bathing and water sports (reg 15). In Ste Anne Marine National Park off Victoria, using a surfboard or water-ski anywhere in the park, or bringing any craft into an area reserved for swimmers, carries a fine of up to SR 1,000; dangerous or reckless use of any craft carries up to SR 1,000 or three months' imprisonment. Curieuse Marine National Park fines surfboard or water-ski use SR 2,000 with six months' imprisonment; Port Launay and Baie Ternay have similar rules. Treat every marine park as closed to eFoils.

Enforcement is by beach wardens, police, SMSA inspectors and park wardens, who may stop and board craft without warrant; in 2017 SMSA announced a review of the Beach Control Act for jet skis with fines, confiscation and a competence exam. Launch through a marked lane or from a boat, stay well beyond 400 ft of the beach, avoid the park boundaries, and ask SMSA in Victoria whether a privately imported board must carry a small-vessel identification number.