To support the growth of recreational boating in French Polynesia, trained mediators now travel through several anchorage zones to explain local regulations and help captains use the Escales online declaration system.
As recreational boating continues to grow throughout Polynesian waters, managing anchorages has become a critical issue. To prevent disorganized anchoring, user conflicts, and environmental pressure, French Polynesia first established regulated zones and a digital declaration system known as the Online Mooring System (escales.gov.pf). But for this framework to work effectively, a direct connection with boaters was still needed.
That connection now exists. The Polynesian Directorate of Maritime Affairs (DPAM) is gradually deploying a team of on-site mediators: six in the Ra’iātea–Taha’a lagoon, six more across Taiarapu-Ouest, Huahine, and Fakarava, and Mo’orea scheduled to follow by the end of 2025. Once fully operational, their presence will cover nearly 382 designated spots within 73 regulated anchorage areas.
Their mission? To meet with boaters, explain local rules, answer questions, and assist with the use of the Escales platform. Trained in visitor outreach, communication, and marine environmental protection—multilingual and highly mobile—these mediators serve as trusted points of contact to help visitors navigate the islands with confidence. Their educational approach aims to anticipate tensions, reduce misunderstandings, and foster a more harmonious relationship between residents and visiting sailors.
This support phase paves the way for the next step: mandatory reservations on the Escales platform and, by 2026, a more structured regulatory framework that will include tailored fees for the use of maritime space. Plans also include appointing dedicated managers to oversee anchorage zones and strengthening cooperation between the DPAM, local municipalities, and state law-enforcement agencies.
In the meantime, these mediators symbolize a shift in direction: boating that is more organized, more transparent, and better aligned with the rhythm of the lagoons. Their presence reinforces a simple truth—here, navigation is above all a matter of mutual respect and the shared stewardship of an extraordinary maritime environment.
