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Hi Chris,

I've just updated the Book of European Waterway Regulations for the RYA in the light of Revision 6 so I had to look carefully at the amended text. There aren't many major changes or additions, but they've made an enormous number of small changes to make the language more definitive. I was working from the English version of course but I do have it in French and v.6 uses Poteaux in section 7.03 concerning use of anchors, and also in Annexe 7.E.6.1 where the icon is shown. I didn't cross reference French texts though.
My rather old Collins Robert dictionary does give 'poteau' as a synonym for 'pieu' but I guess the ECE Transport Commissioners felt that 'poteau' was more precise in this context 

Tam

Hi Tam

I note in Rev 5 they were still called pieux d'ancrage. same section (7.03). Searching online all these terms are used to describe what we call ground anchors. 

Hard to argue with latest edition CEVNI (?6) though!

l'Académie Francais (dictionnaire de) lists pieu d'ammarage under pieu. www.dictionnaire-academie.fr/article/A9P2336
A search of poteau there did not show an extensive listing of terms in use, historic or marine alas. Guess language evolves faster than an acadamy.


Regards
Chris

They are called "poteaux d'ancrage in the CEVNI rules. Although they are incuded within the rules for use of anchors, countries may nevertheless permit their specific use, and the sign E6.1 is then shown:

 
 

Chris Grant wrote:

 Some years ago someone pointed to a list of waterways that prohibit them but I can't find the reference any more, perhaps VNF would know.
 

They are in effect treated as an anchor within the CEVNI rules - i.e. if you are at a place where anchors are forbidden that includes use of spud poles.

Tam

Thanks guys. I think I'll go with Chris R's "pieux d'ancrage" though I agree with Steve's note that most in France won't necessarily know what it is anyway, barges not being so favoured by French boaters by and large. I also agree with Ghris G's comment that they should be used sparingly in France for the good reasons Chris mentions. I have rarely used them but they're good to have just in case. My interest right now is not to use them but to get the French translation right for the sales spec.

Pete

I don't know the French for it apart from perhaps "Poteau de pomme de terre"  but just a mention that the use of Spud Poles is not popular and is even prohibited on many French waterways as they can damage the fragile and often historic clay or brick lining of a canal. Some years ago someone pointed to a list of waterways that prohibit them but I can't find the reference any more, perhaps VNF would know. Generally I would be very reluctant to use them in France on older canals.

Pete Clark wrote:

Help! Does anyone know the French for Spud Pole?

Pete Clark

Hi Pete

Also known as pieux d'ancrage.

Manoeuvre de pieux may be the placement of them by winch, crane or hydraulic means.

Regards
Chris

"un ou deux pieux", but 99% of the French don't know/understand what it is
 

Ian McCauley wrote:

manœuvre de pieux
(Catharina has two)
 

Thanks Ian. I don't want to seem churlish after you've been so quick off the mark and helpful, but is this correct? "Pieux" certainly makes sense, but my understanding is that the French word "manoeuvre" connotes some action or movement rather than a stationary object (even if in this case the pole does indeed move within its casing).

The French broker through whom I am selling Nooit Gedacht, which like your ship has 2 spud poles, has used the term "Pale d'amarrage" but again, I'm not sure, which is why I ask.

"Pieux d'amarrage"? Anyone else any ideas? Anyone know what term French speaking Belgians use?

Pete Clark

Pom Welesa? Well it’s nearly Christmas 😂
 

manœuvre de pieux
(Catharina has two)

Ian

Lisette & Ian
Catharina Elisabeth

Help! Does anyone know the French for Spud Pole?

Pete Clark