Enim

Duration considered

The regular and continuous length of residency, within the meaning of Article L 5551-1, can be understood by analogy to the rules set out under Article R 111-2 of the (French) Social Security Code. This condition is met by possessing residence in France or upon the condition of a principal stay, i.e. an actual period of stay within metropolitan France or an overseas department of at least 6 months. This can be proven with any conventionally recognizable document (lease, subscriptions, etc.).

For seafarers who reside on a vessel during their contract(s) and who do not have their residence in France, this period is calculated based on the presence of the seafarer in territorial or internal waters for a period of 6 months (assessed on a 12-month basis).

In effect, being a seafarer taken on board foreign-flag vessels does not prevent the application of the regulations of the country within the waters of the vessel’s location.

It must be an actual stay of more than 6 months, assessed on a rolling 12 months period. It may be made up of non-continuous stays.

This obligation of subscription to Enim (french public body of social security) or an insurance policy is required from the day on which the length of stay in territorial waters reaches 183 days, calculated on a rolling 12 months basis. To subscribe to Enim, the seafarer must certify this by making a sworn statement.

Ship-owners also have the option of subscribing to Enim or insuring a seafarer, under the conditions of Article L 5551-1, at any point once the expected length of stay is 183 days or more.