Navigation regulations and information
The sovereignty of the Republic
of Croatia extends over the internal waters and
the territorial sea as well as over the air space
above them and over the seabed and the subterranean
area beneath.
The internal seawaters of the Republic of Croatia
include: harbours and bays on the mainland and
island coast, parts of the sea between the mainland
coast and the baseline of the territorial sea.
Foreign merchant vessels are allowed to navigate
in internal waters and enter ports open to international
traffic by using the shortest regular routes.
Foreign vessels (yachts) may freely approach and
remain in the internal waters of the Republic
of Croatia under the condition that they are in
possession of a Navigation Permit issued by harbour
master's office or its branch office. In exceptional
cases they may obtain special permits. Legal regulations
for foreign vessels apply to foreign pleasure
craft as well. In the internal waters of the Republic
of Croatia there may be prohibited zones foreign
vessels (yachts) may not enter, while domestic
vessels may do so only under special conditions
and with special permits. All such information
as well as other important data is contained in
the Navigation Permit that is issued to every
foreign vessel (yacht) at the first port of entry.
Daily changes are announced by means of navigational
radio broadcasts, while changes that are to remain
in force over longer periods are published in
the Notice to Mariners.
Transport of cargo and passengers from one port
to another (cabotage) may be carried out by Croatian
vessels only; this does not apply to foreign yachts
if they transport persons without charge.
A foreign vessel (yacht) seeking shelter in the
internal sea of the Republic of Croatia due to
force majeure or danger has to notify the nearest
harbour master's office without delay.
The territorial sea of the Republic of Croatia
comprises an expanse of water 12 M in width, extending
from the starting line towards the high seas.
The starting line is composed of:
The low water line along the mainland and island
coasts,
Straight lines closing entrances to ports and
bays,
Straight lines connecting legally determined points
on the main land and island coasts.
The outer border of the territorial sea runs along
a line each point of which lies at a distance
of 12 M from the nearest point of the starting-line.
Vessels of all foreign states enjoy the right
of harmless passage through the territorial sea
(without entering ports; without endangering order
and peace or the security of the Republic of Croatia).
Foreign vessel is to proceed without stopping
or delay; stopping and anchoring is permitted
only if due to some navigational problem, force
majeure, imminent danger or rendering help at
sea. Foreign fishing craft are obliged to use
the shortest route without stopping or anchoring,
at a speed not below 6 knots; while navigating
they are obliged to exhibit signs by which they
may be identified as fishing vessels. They are
forbidden to fish, i.e. catch any kind of sea
organisms; their catch and their fishing equipment
are to be stored inside the vessel or sealed if
on deck.
In the territorial sea or in the internal waters
special vessels (navy or other vessels and aircraft)
are authorized to: investigate whether a vessel
has the right to fly its flag; stop any suspicious
vessel (yacht); examine the ship's documents and
search such a vessel (yacht); chase, impound her
and bring to the pertinent authority.
A foreign vessel shall be subject to legal proceedings
if the authorities of the Republic of Croatia
find reasonable suspicion that the vessel in question
and/or its launch have broken laws or regulations
relating to the Republic of Croatia sovereignty
and jurisdiction or such as imposed by international
law. The same applies if a foreign vessel fails
to stop after it has been visually or audibly
signalled to do so. The pursuit of such a vessel
shall last till it stops or enters the territorial
waters of its own or some other state.
Offenders are subject to severe punishment ranging
from fines to seizure of the vessel (yacht) and
equipment, i.e. the catch (in case of fishing
craft).
The epicontinental shelf and
the commercial zone of the republic of Croatia
The epicontinental shelf of the Republic of Croatia
comprises the seabed and its subterranean area
beyond the external border of the territorial
sea up to the border of the epicontinental shelves
of neighbouring countries. The Republic of Croatia
implements its sovereign right to explore and
exploit the natural resources of this area (mineral
and other inanimate wealth on the seabed and its
subterranean area or organisms found exclusively
beneath the seabed or in permanent physical contact
with the seabed).
The law of the Republic of Croatia defines the
commercial zone as the seabed and its subterranean
area extending beyond the outer border of the
territorial sea towards the high seas up to the
borders of the commercial zones of neighbouring
countries. Within this zone the Republic of Croatia
has the exclusive right to construct, permit and
regulate construction work and to use artificial
islands, installations and equipment offshore,
on the seabed and in its subterranean area. Within
this zone vessels are required to respect regulations
aimed at preventing pollution of the sea.
Access, navigation and stay of
yachts of foreign registration
Foreign yachts, boats and sports sailing boats
may enter and sail in the territorial sea of the
Republic of Croatia and according to a sailing
plan (itinerary) call at ports and harbours in
accordance with the regulations.
Navigation Permit (Odobrenje za plovidbu) is issued
by the harbour master's office or its branch office
in the nearest port or harbour open to international
traffic (port of entry) in agreement with the
authorized police and customs bodies of the Republic
of Croatia. Such authorization lasts until the
yacht (vessel) leaves the territorial sea of the
Republic of Croatia.
Shipmaster has to enter such a port by shortest
route and immediately call to the harbour master's
office or its branch office. For a yacht (boat)
transported by land the Navigation Permit can
be obtained in any of the harbour master's offices
or their branch offices.
The following information is necessary before
a Navigation Permit can be given: name (ime) of
vessel, registered number (oznaka), state flag
(zastava), home port (domicilna luka), nationality
(nacionalnost), registered tonnage (RT), length
(duljina), width (sirina), height (visina), draught
(gaz), make and horsepower of engine (vrsta motora
i pogonska snaga), make and number of radio-receiver
(radio prijamnik), of radio-transmitter (radio
odasiljac), of radio direction finder, of radar,
of underwater ultrasonic and any other technical
equipment; given name (ime) and family name (prezime),
nationality (dravljanstvo), maritime rank (zvanje
u brodarstvu), kind and number of passport or
similar document (vrsta i broj putne isprave)
of the master, number of crew members (broj clanova
posade), number of passengers (broj ostalih putnika);
the crew list of the vessel: family name and given
name of every crew member (ime, prezime), number
of passport or equivalent document (broj putne
isprave), nationality (drzavljanstvo), place,
year and day of birth (mjesto, godina i datum
rodenja) and duty on the ship (duznost na brodu);
the list of other passengers: family name and
given name, date of birth, nationality, port of
embarkation (luka ukrcaja), passport number.
An attested list of crewmembers and of passengers
on a yacht or boat of foreign register is an integral
part of the Navigation Permit.
Yachts of international registration can stay
and sail along the coast of the Republic of Croatia
only if they are validly registered as yachts
in their own country, if they have customary maritime
documents and are outfitted according to the regulations
of their own country, and if the crew have valid
documents showing their qualifications. If such
a foreign yacht, boat or other vessel is not in
possession of all valid documents then the procedure
is as follows: the vessel must be submitted to
technical inspection to determine its seaworthiness.
If it passes such technical inspection then it
may be declared seaworthy and issued with a Navigation
Permit. If it is not declared seaworthy then it
may be demanded that certain noticed defects be
remedied. If the master of a vessel of foreign
registration is not in possession of the necessary
documents concerning his/her qualifications (navigation
licence), or if the crewmembers do not possess
adequate documents showing other qualifications
then a temporary licence and/or papers may be
issued upon the completion of an examination.
These are valid for the same length of time as
the Navigation Permit.
Persons who are not members of the crew do not
need any other document except valid passports.
Croatian customs and exchange regulations are
valid for all those sailing a yacht, boat or other
vessel.
The same regulations apply to foreign vessels
entering Croatia overland. However, they do not
apply to kayaks and boats of less then 3 m without
mechanical propulsion. Such craft do not need
Navigation Permits; they must however abide by
all regulations and restrictions valid for other
craft.
On leaving Croatian territorial sea, the master
of a vessel is bound to record his exit with the
competent persons in the nearest international
port of entry.
If a Croatian national or a foreigner hires a
Croatian boat (rent-a-boat) for sport or recreation
and does not have a navigation licence he must
take a navigation test according to a certified
programme which can be obtained at any harbour
master's office or its branch office.
Foreign yachts cannot engage in cabotage (the
carriage for hire of goods or passengers). But
members of the owner's family and relatives can
be transported. Croatian nationals can stay on
foreign yachts while they are in harbour, but
cannot sail in such yachts without authorization
from the interior security authorities. This does
not apply to sailing in internal waters. The names
of such Croatian nationals must be included in
the list of passengers submitted for authorization
to the authorities in the port of embarkation.
Foreign yachts, which are not issued with a Navigation
Permit, must leave Croatian territorial sea by
a stipulated route. Such yachts may stay in a
port or harbour only for essential repairs, to
take on food or fuel, or if in need of medical
attention.
No fishing may be done from foreign yachts unless
they are in possession of a fishing permit.
A foreign yacht may be left for safekeeping and
maintenance, including agreed on repairs or alterations,
at a Croatian marina, harbour for pleasure craft
or similar place. In such cases the master has
to inform the pertinent harbour master's office
or its branch office and the customs authorities
or its branch office. The harbour master's office
will enter the data concerning such laying-up
of a foreign vessel into the Navigation Permit.
On our coast specialized marinas engage in such
safekeeping and maintenance of yachts. Each of
them has own price listing all services rendered.
Ports open to international traffic
as maritime border crossings
These are ports (parts of them) at which vessels
(yachts) of Croatian register are obliged to call
when departing for or returning from abroad. The
same applies to vessels (yachts) of foreign register.
Such ports may be open to international traffic
permanently or seasonally.
Croatian ports permanently open to international
traffic: Umag, Porec, Rovinj, Pula, Rasa, Rijeka,
Mali Losinj, Senj, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Korcula,
Ploce, Metkovic and Dubrovnik.
Seasonal maritime border crossings are fixed for
each year anew (from May 1 through October 30).
They are: Novigrad, Sali, Soline, Primosten, Ravni
Zakanj (Island of Kornati), Ubli and Komiza.
Customs officials, harbour authorities and the
interior security service operate in all the above
ports of entry, each with their own responsibility
for the maintenance of order in the harbour, the
stay of vessels, harbour operations, loading and
unloading of cargo and passengers, and ship's
crew. In those ports or harbours, which are not
designated as ports of entry, the above operations
can only exceptionally be carried out, and only
with the written permission of the responsible
organs.
A master of a vessel of foreign register can be
fined for a navigation offence: if he navigates
in the internal sea waters and in the territorial
sea of the Republic of Croatia without a Navigation
Permit; if when registering his vessel he supplies
inaccurate information to authorities; if he leaves
or re-enters Croatian territorial sea without
notifying the responsible authorities of his so
leaving and re-entering.
Ships and boat's documents and
records
All vessels must be entered into the Register
of Ships (Upisnik brodova), and boats in the Register
of Boats (Upisnik camaca), the categories being
commercial, personal use, sports recreation. All
commercial vessels must be registered with the
competent harbour master's office, while other
vessels are registered with the harbour master's
office or the local branch office on which the
boat depends. The above registers are public documents,
which record details concerning the vessel, name
of owner and/or holder of the right of use and
any other legal information about the rights concerning
the ship or boat.
All vessels and boats owned by Croatian legal
subjects or citizens must be entered. Vessels
and boats owned by foreign physical or legal persons
need to be entered only if so required by Croatian
law and regulations relevant for the registration
of vessels.
Foreign citizen may, in principle, register his
boat in the Register of Boats, but only if this
boat is not entered in the foreign register.
Boats intended for sport or recreation whose owner
is a citizen of Croatia resident abroad, a foreign
national resident abroad, or a foreign legal subject
operating from abroad must also be registered
if they constantly or mainly navigate in the territorial
sea of the Republic of Croatia. They must not
be entered in a foreign Register of Boats.
Registration forms for initial registration of
ships must be accompanied by:
Certificate of make or some other certificate
of ownership;
Nationality certificate for physical persons and
certificate of registration in the Republic of
Croatia for legal subjects;
Certificate showing name and homeport of a vessel:
Tonnage certificate (tonnage bill);
Dead weight scale;
Seaworthiness certificate or navigation permit;
Freeboard certificate (loadline certificate).
Registration forms for initial entry of boats
into a Register of Boats must be accompanied by:
Construction certificate or statement attesting
do-it-yourself construction or any other certificate
of ownership;
Tonnage certificate (tonnage bill);
Proof of ownership of engine.
In addition the harbour master's offices and branch
offices may demand other complementary certificates.
All documents accompanying the request for registering
must be submitted in the original.
When registration is completed a Certificate of
Registration for a ship and a Navigation Permit
for a boat which bear all the data entered into
the register will be issued. Any later changes
entered into the register must also be entered
into a Certificate of Registration or a Navigation
Permit.
The following craft do not have to be entered
into the Register of Boats:
A boat entered in a foreign register;
by-boats;
Sports rowing boats, kayaks and similar craft,
boats of less than 3 m in length and 1 m in width;
exception to the last are boats less than 3 m
long which are so constructed to be used for speed
boating (with appropriate engines).
Ships and boats are deleted from the register:
If they are lost or may be considered lost;
If they no longer meet the required conditions
or are not used for their original purpose;
If they are permanently withdrawn from use;
if they have been entered into another register.
A ship or boat propelled mechanically is taken
to be lost if nothing has been noticed of her
for three months, or six months for a vessel without
mechanical propulsion. The owner or holder of
legal right of use of the vessel must request
deletion within 8 days. Such deletion is effected
by the harbour master's office where the vessel
is registered.
Seaworthiness
Seaworthiness of a ship
Ships of the Croatian merchant navy may sail when
they have been declared seaworthy and possess
all the necessary documents. They are declared
seaworthy on the basis of regulations concerning
the construction, outfit and maintenance of the
ship and on the basis of the required number of
qualified crewmembers. Hrvatski registar brodova
(Croatian Register of Ships) in Split is responsible
for this in the Republic of Croatia.
Inspections to attest seaworthiness may be initial,
regular or special.
Initial inspections are carried out before the
ship is registered in Register of Ships of the
Republic of Croatia. The ship-owner or the holder
of legal right of use makes a request for such
inspection. Initial inspection may be of the entire
vessel or of parts thereof.
Regular inspections are carried out every 12 months.
In procedure and extent they are the same as initial
inspections.
Special inspections may cover a whole vessel or
parts thereof. They must be carried out whenever
a ship suffered damage, or has been laid up for
more than 6 months, when there have been considerable
reconstructions or alterations and whenever the
owner so requests. The harbour master's office
may demand such inspections if there is reasonable
doubt as to a ship's seaworthiness.
When a vessel has been passed as seaworthy it
is fitted out with the necessary documents.
Harbour master's office is responsible for the
security of ships at sea and may inspect whether
ships have necessary documents and check that
the state of the vessel tallies with the data
in documents.
Similar checks can be made on foreign vessels,
that is, on vessels, which are not registered
in a Register of Ships of the Republic of Croatia.
Seaworthiness of a boat
By maritime boat any vessel is understood up to
12 metres in length or less of 15 BRT which is
seaworthy. It may be larger than 15 BRT if it
has no deck or if it is not a vessel for technical
purposes.
If a boat has several means of propulsion it is
classified according to the principal means.
A boat-yacht is any boat so equipped that it can
propel itself for a considerable period under
its own power.
A speedboat is a boat equipped with an engine,
which allows it to move with its bows lifted above
the water. A motorboat is a boat propelled in
normal navigation by inboard or outboard engine.
Sports sailing boats are boats of special construction
with sails. They may be classified according to
the classes for this kind of vessels by sailing
organizations or may be unclassified.
Boats which must be entered in the Register of
Boats (Upisnik camaca) can sail within delimited
areas on specified purposes: if they have been
passed seaworthy (in construction, maritime properties,
means of propulsion and equipment) and are in
possession of a Navigation Permit and operated
by a qualified person.
Boats may be intended for commercial (carriage
of cargo or passengers, fishing etc.) or for non-commercial
purposes (personal use, sport, recreation).
Passenger carrying boats must be built according
to the specifications of the Register of Boats
of the Republic of Croatia. Any vessel (boat)
carrying 12 or more passengers is called a ship.
A boat is certified seaworthy after inspection
by competent harbour master's offices or harbour
offices. Such inspections may be initial, regular
or special.
Initial inspection is carried out on all boats
before they are entered into the Register of Boats,
and after any reconstruction has been carried
out.
Regular inspections are carried out periodically
to ensure that boats are properly maintained.
Periods vary as follows:
boats for transporting passengers or for water-skiing
every year;
other boats used for commercial purposes every
second year;
boats for personal use, sport and recreation every
five years (if the boat is longer than 5 m).
Special inspections are carried out if a boat
has had an accident, if there is reasonable doubt
about its seaworthiness, or if the owner so requests.
Owners must report any accident suffered by their
boat within 24 hours at the nearest harbour master's
office.
A boat that has been passed as seaworthy is issued
with a Navigation Permit. If it is not passed,
a Navigation Permit is not issued or is issued
for a limited period.
A boat, which transports passengers for distances
in excess of one nautical mile, must have mechanical
propulsion. If passage lasts for more than three
hours continuously then the boat must have toilet
facilities and sufficient drinking water.
A boat for transport of passengers and cargo (for
commercial purposes) must have a clearly marked
loadline. The loadline must be shown by a white
line 150 x 15 mm. The number of passengers that
the boat may carry is determined by the harbour
master's office and must be clearly marked on
the boat. Two children under the age of 10 are
equivalent of one adult passenger, but each child
must have a life jacket.
Boats carrying passengers in the territorial sea
of the Republic of Croatia must possess the following
equipment:
an anchor of adequate size and anchor rope (25100
m);
two 10 m long ropes of adequate diameter, or similar
equipment for mooring;
bitts or similar mooring equipment;
a spare hand rudder shaft if the boat has separate
steering equipment;
a hand pump or bucket and dipper;
two oars, four rowlocks or pins (it may have a
spare engine or a by-boat instead);
a boat's compass with illumination;
an up-to-date chart of the area of navigation;
the Adriatic Sea Pilot, Part I East Coast (Peljar
Jadranskog mora, I. dio istocna obala) and the
List of Lights in the Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea
and Maltese Islands (Popis svjetionika Jadranskog
mora, Jonskog mora i Malteskih otoka);
Two nautical triangles or protractor, compasses
and other necessary materials for plotting on
the navigation chart;
Some means of giving acoustic signals in fog (foghorn
or similar);
six red hand flares, three red rockets and two
boxes of matches in waterproof wrapping;
portable fire-extinguisher and an axe;
a first-aid cupboard or box;
a life ring (of approved type) with a rope 25
m long and 6 mm of diameter;
the same number of life jackets (life belts) as
passengers that the boat is registered to carry,
of which 10 per cent must be of child size;
an awning to protect passengers from the sun and
a boat for the transport of cargo hatches for
covering hatchways on the deck and waterproof
covers;
tools and basic spares for the engine and other
mechanical equipment;
navigation lights according to the International
Rules for the Prevention of the Collision on the
Sea;
a battery torch;
a concave rear-view mirror and safety cord for
outboard engine (speedboat);
radio-telephone equipment if passengers are transported
outside internal waters.
Boats for other commercial purposes and sailing
in a restricted area, if the port authority so
decides, do not need a compass, navigational charts,
handbooks, flares rockets and radio equipment.
Boats of more than 7 m long which are not intended
for commercial use must have the following equipment:
an anchor of adequate size and anchor rope at
least 25100 m long;
two mooring-ropes of adequate diameter 10 m in
length and two bitts or similar equipment for
mooring;
a spare hand rudder shaft;
a hand pump or bucket and dipper;
two oars, four pins or rowlocks or a spare engine
or a by-boat;
prescribed lights;
a boat's compass;
up-to-date navigation charts with plotting equipment,
a List of Lights and Pilot;
a foghorn or other means of transmitting sound
signals;
fire-extinguisher and an axe;
a first-aid cupboard or box;
a complete set of tools and spare parts for maintenance
of the engine and other mechanical equipment;
a battery torch;
at least two red handflares or rockets and two
boxes of matches in waterproof wrapping;
a sufficient number of life jackets (life belts).
Maritime boats 57 m need the same equipment as
boats of more than 7 m with the exception of:
compass, charts and navigational publications,
foghorn, flares, rockets and matches, fire extinguisher,
first-aid box and life jackets (life belts).
Foreign speedboats or other craft while sailing
in the territorial sea of the Republic of Croatia
must have a Navigation Permit and the following
equipment:
an anchor of adequate size and anchor rope of
at least 30 m;
rope of adequate diameter and not shorter than
10 m;
two spare oars;
prescribed navigation lights;
a pump or bucket and dipper;
first-aid box;
six red hand flares and two boxes of matches in
waterproof wrapping;
a rear-view mirror if pulling water-skier.
Other foreign boats must have a Navigation Permit
and the following equipment:
an anchor of adequate size with at least 30 m
of anchor rope;
rope of adequate diameter at least 10 m long;
bitts or other mooring equipment;
two spare oars;
prescribed navigation lights.
Portable fire-extinguisher and an adequate number
of life jackets (life belts) are also recommended.
Boats of foreign register can navigate only by
persons with an up-to-date Navigation Licence
issued according to the regulations of their own
state or who have been issued with a Navigation
Licence by the competent Croatian harbour master's
office.
Person who wish to take the test for a mariner-motorist
must fulfil the following conditions: be at least
18 years old, has navigated his/her own boat for
at least three years or has spent as a seaman
on a merchant navy ship at least one year. The
test is taken before a commission of the competent
harbour master's office and according to a specified
programme. An application to take the test must
be sent to the harbour master's office accompanied
with a copy of the applicant's birth certificate,
medical certificate on the hearing and eyesight
of the applicant and a certificate of educational
level (at least eight years of schooling).
Any boat for the transport of passengers or for
commercial purposes up to the outer border of
the territorial border of the Republic of Croatia
must be navigated by a professional mariner motorist.
Such boats must have at least one other seaman
as a crewmember. Each member of the crew must
have a professional Sailor's Book or Embarkation
Permit.
Persons wishing to take the test for amateur skipper
(voditelj camca) must be at least 18 years old
for navigating a speedboat (regardless of the
horsepower of the engine) or a motorboat for commercial
purposes, and only within a certain limited area.
Persons with such a licence can transport passengers
within the harbour area only.
Persons who wish to steer a boat with outboard
engine of up to 3.7 kW (5 HP) or a boat with a
sail up to 5 m long need only pass a test to show
their knowledge of the Rules for the Prevention
of Collision at Sea and are then issued with a
certificate.
Rowing boats for personal use may be operated
by persons over 12 years of age without any licence
or certificate. They must, however, pass theoretical
and practical tests held by a board of the harbour
master's office according to a prescribed programme.
Harbour master's offices organize such tests according
to their annual plans. All details can be obtained
upon written or personal application.
The ship's Navigation Permit and master's Navigation
Licence (according to one of the two above mentioned
categories) must always be kept on board.
Boats can navigate in the territorial sea and
internal seawaters of the Republic of Croatia.
Harbour master's office may delimit or extend
the area in which a boat can sail including the
right to sail beyond the Croatian territorial
seas, or into the territorial seas and internal
sea waters of another states.
For safety of navigation and sea traffic, boats
must keep a certain distance from the shore (except
in harbours and bathing places): rowing boats
up to 30 m, motorboats and sailing-boats up to
50 m, and speedboats, when sailing at speed, 200
m.
Boat regulations stipulate other details on the
seaworthiness of the boats as well as the penalties
for infringement of the regulations.
Vessels used for commercial purposes must meet
the standards set by Croatian Register of Ships
or similar foreign register.
Navigation prohibited area
In agreement with the Croatian Navy (HRM), the
number and size of zones in which sailing is prohibited
has been greatly decreased. Although the HRM has
not yet officially abolished the former prohibited
zones, everything north of the island of Hvar
is considered free for sailing, except parts of
ports that are naval ports and a small number
of prohibited and protected areas.
Naval Ports
Designated parts of the ports of Pula, Sibenik,
Split (Lora) and Ploce (Bazine).
Prohibited areas and protected areas:
I. The area around the Isles of Braun is zone
in which navigation is prohibited. It is delimited
by the following lines:
Zone I
1) Rt Barbaren - RT Kadulja
2) Rt Kadulja - Isle of Supinic
Isle of Supinic - Position A (longitude: 44o 52,6'N
latitude: 13o42,2' E)
3) Position A - position B: (longitude: 44o52,6'N,
latitude: 13o45,1'E)
4) Position B - Postion C: (longitude: 44o53,2'N,
latitude: 13o46,0'E)
5) Position C - Rt Kamnik
Zone II
The south-eastern part of the Isle of Brijuni
within the connecting line Rt Kavran - Rt - Kozlac.
II. Navigation is prohibited in
Limski kanal on the Western coast of Istria because
there is a shellfish farm in it. Only a limited
number of excursion boats can navigate in the
bay.
III. The largest and best-known
protected area is the Kornati National Park, which
extends from Prolaz Proversa Vela (south of the
island Dugi Otok) to the southern point of the
Isle of Kornati. All activities that may pollute
the sea are strictly prohibited.
IV. Navigation is prohibited in
several bays because of the fish farms located
in them. They are listed in pilot books and are
marked by signs on the shore and on buoys.
V. Under a regulation of the Ministry
for Maritime Affairs, Transport and Communications,
the following activities are prohibited in the
interest of safety of swimmers and navigation:
in harbours: swimming, speed boating, windsurfing,
water skiing;
windsurfing in narrow lanes used for commercial
shipping;
boats must keep at a distance of at least 50 m
from such ships; motorboats and sailboats must
keep at least 50 m swimming outside marked bathing
areas or off the open shore at least five days
prior to within a distance of more than 100 m;
polluting the sea with plastic, glass and other
packaging materials and rubbish.
Speedboats, jet-propelled boats and hovercraft
must keep at least 250 m from the shore and in
areas when the navigation of such craft is not
prohibited.
Participation in regattas
A foreign vessel entering the coastal sea, rivers
or lakes of the Republic of Croatia to take part
in sports competitions does not pay navigation
security compensation.
The organizer of the sports event must register
a foreign yacht or foreign boat. The registration
term is the beginning of the competition. The
registration is submitted to the authorized port
authority.
Wintering of the yachts in Croatia
Privately owned yachts can be left in Croatia
for wintering or repaid for an unlimited period
of time with a legal or natural person registered
for this activity (a marina or a private individual
who has obtained the necessary license from the
municipal authorities).
Boat rental (charter)
a) Yachts may be hired (chartered) only from registered,
authorized companies, domestic and foreign. It
is irrelevant for the client whether the yacht
files the Croatian or a foreign flag. Chartering
yachts for profit without a license issued by
the Croatian authorities is illegal and may have
unpleasant consequences for the owner, skipper
and crew.
b) The chartering (renting out)
of one or several yachts against payment is a
commercial activity, which in Croatia, as in all
other market-oriented countries, is subject to
official authorization. Chartering without such
an authorization is considered "lack charter"
and is punishable.
Information about legal charter activity can be
obtained from agencies such as marinas.
c) There are lot of charter companies
in Croatia. Usually they are located in marinas.
Change of the crew
Privately owned yachts can be left in Croatia
for wintering or repaid for an unlimited period
of time with a legal or natural person registered
for this activity (a marina or a private individual
who has obtained the necessary license from the
municipal authorities).
Order in harbours and shipping
lines
Management, maintenance and order in harbours
are the responsibility of the harbour master's
office and their branch offices. The shipmaster
or person navigating the boat must abide by all
harbour regulations.
Person navigating a ship or a boat in harbour
must take care not to damage shore, piers, harbour
installations, moored craft etc.
Vessels (boats) for sport or recreation, as well
as boats in general, must not hinder ship's traffic
in harbours. They are forbidden to move in the
operative part of the harbour (landing place),
especially in parts reserved for international
traffic unless they have a special permit. The
Luka company or any other administrative body
in charge of the port (harbour) regulate the mooring
and anchorage plan and facilities in a harbour.
The master of a boat is responsible for the boat's
safety while in harbour.
Fishing, bathing and anchoring in a harbour and
its depending area are regulated by the harbour
master's office and must not hinder traffic.
It is forbidden to throw garbage or any other
kind of refuse overboard in a harbour. Tanks and
bilges can be emptied only on the high seas and
in places designated by harbour authorities.
Loading, unloading and transhipping of cargo must
be done by a qualified personnel and in such a
way that persons are not endangered, the shore
installations are not damaged and cargo does not
fall into the sea. After the loading or unloading
is finished the responsible persons must clean
up the relevant part of the quay.
If dangerous materials (explosive or inflammable
matter) are being loaded or unloaded the harbour
master's office must be informed thereof and the
efficiency of the boat's fire-extinguisher equipment
must be checked. When such materials are being
handled the code flag; B+ (international: Bravo)
must be flown as required by international regulations.
Ships must pay a harbour tax for the usage of
harbour waterfront (when embarking or disembarking
goods and passengers) and a demurrage fee (if
they use the waterfront for other purposes).
Moreover, ships must pay a fee for usage of sailing
routes (light dues). These dues are not payable
if boats must seek harbour as a result of force
majeure.
Boats must pay a harbour tax for mooring and for
the usage of sea goods. Foreign boats are charged
only for mooring.
The following restrictions on the navigation of
boats should be noted:
For greater safety and to prevent damage to vessels
moored in ports, harbours and marinas on the Croatian
coast there are speed restrictions in the following
places: Limpkin sale (6 knots); Paula harbour
(5-8 knots); Cress harbour (7 knots, from Ovarian
point): Bay of Baker (6 knots); Rab harbour (4
knots); the Zrmanja river (8 knots); Novsko zdrilo
(8 knots); Mali Zdrelac passage (8 knots); Pasman
straits (10 knots); Kanal Sv. Ante, Sibenik(6
knots); Ploceharbour (6 knots); Peljesac channel
(12 knots); Rijeka Dubrovacka (4 knots); and Dubrovnik
Gruz harbour (4 knots).
Boats, other than rowing boats, must not sail
immediately off natural bathing places unless
they are embarking or disembarking passengers,
and then only at designated points and navigating
carefully. Windsurfing is also forbidden within
20 m of bathing beaches.
Boats must keep clear of all places marked by
special floating signs as forbidden for navigation,
especially when work is in progress. If such places
cannot be avoided then boats must go dead slow.
Speed boating at speed, water-skiing and wind
surfing are forbid den in harbours and their depending
areas (especially harbour entrance), in narrow
channels, bays, coves etc., also where sea traffic
is intense. In other zones speedboats must keep
at least 200 m from the shore. It is also forbidden
to drag ski tows astern without skiers, skiing
at night or in poor visibility, skiing behind
a speedboat, which is already pulling skiers,
or beside such a boat at less than the length
of the ski-tow rope.
When anchoring persons in charge of a boat must
be alert to any signs on the shore showing that
anchoring is forbidden because of underwater electric
or telephone (telegraph) cables or water pipes.
Boat-owners must not allow the use of their boats
by persons who do not have the necessary qualifications
and papers.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing for leisure includes the catching
of fish, crustaceans (crabs, lobsters etc.), cephalopodan
(squid etc.), and shellfish.
Equipment for this purpose is deemed to be: a
fishing-line, fishing hook, rod and line, drag
line or long-line with up to 200 hooks, underwater
gun without explosives, harpoon or fish-spear
(for use with fishing-boats with lights of up
to 400 candelas or without lights). If amateur
fishing is organized by a fishing club then larger
fishing boats (leisure boats) can be used. For
fishing with rod and line from shore no permit
is necessary and no dues payable. For all other
kinds of sport fishing permits are necessary and
charges payable according to a scale determined
by the local commune authorities.
Citizens of the Republic of Croatia and foreign
citizens with a permanent residence permit in
the Republic of Croatia who are members of Croat
fishing clubs (associated in the Association of
Underwater Activities and Marine Sport Fishing)
and who can produce their membership book can
without charge or other permit fish in all permitted
fishing-areas and with all kinds of fishing tackle
except underwater guns. For underwater fishing
with guns a special permit is necessary and special
charge pay able, and such fishing zones are determined
by the local commune authorities. Foreign citizens
who have not got a permanent resident permit in
the Republic of Croatia need special fishing permits
and must pay the relevant charges.
Amateur fishing is restricted by certain regulations.
There must be no disturbance of commercial fishing;
persons under 16 must not go fishing underwater
with guns; aqualungs and other forms of underwater
breathing equipment must not be used; underwater
guns must not be used between sunset and sunrise.
Underwater fishing is totally prohibited between
November 1 and March 31 (except in the case of
international competitions); a maximum of 5 kg
of fish and other sea animals may be caught in
any one day except during international competitions;
the following are not counted in the permitted
5 kg: sharks, rays and individual fish of rare
size such as sea-bass, dentex, sea-bream etc.
Fish caught for sport may not be sold or exchanged
for other items.
In fishing reserves no fishing or hunting of any
kind of sea animal is permitted. Such reserves
are the estuaries of the rivers: Dragonja, Mirna,
Rasa, Zrmanja, Krka, Jadro, Zrnovica (near Stobrec),
Cetina, Neretva and Rijeka Dubrovacka, the chan
nel Fazanski kanal, the bays and coves Limski
zaljev, Medulinski zaljev, Soline (Krk island),
Bistrina (near Mali Ston) and the lake Mljetska
jezera.
The following are authorized to oversee the observance
of fishing regulations: fishing inspectors of
local municipalities, interior security agencies,
harbour master's office authorities, State Inspectorate
of Fishing, responsible units of the Croatian
Navy and the maritime customs authorities.
Persons breaking the fishing laws can be fined,
their fishing tackle and equipment may be confiscated
and so may the catch or any profit made from fishing.
In order to prevent over fishing of white fish
both commercial and amateur fishing may be banned
for limited periods, in limited areas or for certain
kinds of fishing equipment. Persons applying for
a fishing permit, especially for underwater fishing-guns,
should get all relevant information from the municipal
authorities in the area in which they intend to
fish, especially information concerning any restrictions
in force.
Underwater activities
Diving with diving equipment, underwater photography,
filming and all forms of marine research of sea
or seabed are understood by underwater activities.
By diving with diving equipment, all underwater
activities are understood that require the use
of compressed air or breathing apparatus.
By autonomous diving equipment the diving apparatus
is understood as well as diving clothes with the
complete underwater breathing equipment.
Any taking of photographs (black-and-white or
colour) below sea level is understood to be underwater
photography. Underwater filming is all filming
with cine-cameras, TV, video or other underwater
filming equipment.
By marine research of sea or seabed the collection
of all kinds of oceanographic, biological, geological,
stereological, gravimetric and other data are
understood.
Areas of underwater activity must be clearly marked
by a blue and white flag, diving by a red and
white flag or some circular marker buoy (in diameter
larger than 30 cm) of orange or red colour. The
flags must be fixed to a floating buoy placed
in the centre of the area where the activity is
taking place.
On those parts of the coastal sea that are not
forbidden zones the citizens of the Republic of
Croatia can dive with diving equipment and do
underwater photography without restriction if
they are members of a society or a club for this
activity recognized by the Croatian Association
for Underwater Activities and Sport Fishing in
the Sea and provided that they have the necessary
diving qualifications. Persons of foreign nationality
may obtain permits from the state bodies responsible.
Diving with equipment is permitted in the Croatian
territorial sea from sunrise to sunset.
The above underwater activities are forbidden
in: specially designated zones; in ports and harbours
open to public traffic and on the sea-routes normally
used for such traffic; 300 m around any naval
vessel; in naval harbours and in zones marked
as military objects and forbidden for diving of
any kind.
Detailed information abut the exact location of
forbidden zones, esp. coordinates and the boundaries
of the zones, can be obtained at all harbour master's
offices or their branch offices.
Navigation beacons and radio
beacons
Sea-lanes are denoted by visual markers, lights,
sound warnings and by electronic appliances. Visual
markers by day and lights by night are most important
for vessels.
Beacons
In the Republic of Croatia the International IOLA
A-system for denoting of sea-lanes is being used:
lateral combined with cardinal.
Beacons may be anchored buoys or stationary. Full
details are given in Pilot 1 The Adriatic Sea
(east coast) and in Pilot 2 The Adriatic Sea (west
coast) and in the List of Lights in the Adriatic,
Ionian Sea and Maltese Islands published by the
State Hydrographic Institute in Split. Light signals
are best studied for each case separately.
Beacons in the Lateral System. The beacons in
this system denote the port (left) and starboard
(right) sides of fairways and navigation channels,
the port marks to be left to port, the starboard
ones to starboard. Port and starboard are given
according to the course that a vessel would sail
into harbour, channel or river mouth from the
open sea. In navigation channels that run parallel
to the coast and can be approached from either
end, port and starboard are denoted according
to the route, which would be taken when sailing
north-west. If a navigation channel following
the coast changes of direction port and starboard
are given in the line of course following the
hands of the clock. Stretches of river that are
navigable for sea-going boats are given as if
the vessel were sailing upstream.
In the international system starboard side markers
are conical; they have a conical top mark and
are coloured green. At night they show green lights.
Port side markers are cylindrical; the top mark
is cylindrical and they are painted red. At night
they show a red light.
If there are a number of the same markers along
the lane, which are difficult to distinguish,
then they must be signed by numbers or letters.
The lights of such markers must differ from the
light showing bifurcation of the channel.
Bifurcation of channel and marks denoting the
main channel are shown by lateral markers, which
are coloured with red and green horizontal stripes.
Cylindrical markers (red-green-red) with red cylindrical
top mark and red light (flashing in groups 2+1),
indicate that the main channel is to the right
(markers to be passed on left). Vice versa, cones
(green-red-green), top mark green cone and green
light (flashing 2+1), denote main channel to left
(markers to be left on right).
Beacons in the Cardinal System. The marks of this
system show the safe side (quadrant) and the deepest
water beside isolated danger point (always offshore).
They may be placed as warning of some important
navigation point in a channel (a change of direction,
a shoal edge, a point where two channels intersect
or bifurcate etc.). They may be located at one
or several edges in places of danger and bear
the designation of the quadrant in which they
lie. Cardinal markers must be passed to N, S,
E, or W according to which compass point they
show, regardless of the direction of sailing.
N.B.: The letter for North in Croatia is S (sjever),
for South is J (jug), for West is Z (zapad), and
for East is I (istok).
Beacons may be anchored buoys or masonry. In shape
they may be a post (cylindrical plinth) or spar
and are painted in horizontal black and yellow
stripes. Their top mark is two black cones. The
position of the cones and the kind of light vary
according to quadrant as follows: N quadrant both
cones pointing up, light quick or very quick white
flashes; S both cones pointing down, light quick
or very quick white flashes, six in a group separate
by a longer white flash and obscurity; E cones
base to base, light very quick or quick white
flashes in groups of three; W cones point to point,
light very quick or quick white flashes in a group
of nine.
Beacons of isolated danger. These beacons show
that navigation all round the marker is possible.
In form the marker is cylindrical with a post,
or is a spar; in colour such markers bear black
and red horizontal stripes with top mark of two
spheres, they may show quick white flashes in
a group of two.
Beacons of a new danger. These beacons show a
newly discovered hazard not yet on navigation
charts or in the List of Lights. Beacons of the
lateral or cardinal systems may be used. In the
cardinal system the beacon emits short or very
short white flashes, in the lateral system the
beacon is red or green in colour.
Very important danger. Two identical beacons several
tens of metres apart. One of them may have the
radar-reflector RACON (Morse sign on the screen
about 1 M long).
Safety beacons. These beacons show that the surrounding
water is safe for navigation; they indicate the
centre of the fairway or channel. These beacons
may be used instead of system A to show the safe
way towards harbour or shore. In shape they may
be spherical or cylindrical, with post or spar
and coloured in red and white vertical stripes.
The top mark is a red sphere, and there may be
white light: isophase, occulting, flashing (every
10 s or Morse code A).
Special informative beacons. They mark a branching
of sea-ways, sea-bed exploration or exploitation,
the location of automatic meteorological or oceanographic
buoys, a zone of naval exercises, position of
underwater cables or pipes, sport or recreation
zones, garbage disposal zones etc. They have no
fixed shape, but must differ from other nautical
beacons. They are yellow with a top mark in form
of the letter X. They may show a yellow light
but of a kind that they might not be confused
with any other system of marking.
All the present systems of marking seaways, channels,
danger etc. are basic elements of safe navigation.
Thus mariners must consult their charts and handbooks
with great attention and keep them up-to-date
according to the Notice to Mariners.
Navigation lights
Navigation lights with their own source of lighting
may be shore-based, located on isolated points
for navigation direction or anchored buoys. A
special place is taken by lighthouses, which have
permanent keepers, while coastal lights, harbour
lights, and light-buoys are unattended.
Lighthouses are located in all places of importance
for navigation or at places of special danger.
In construction and colour they differ from the
surrounding objects and are therefore important
also for daytime navigation. They usually have
rotating dioptric lenses, which allows them to
emit a powerful light, round the entire horizon.
Almost all the lighthouses on the Croatian coast
are in radiotelephone contact with centres of
information. Almost all important lighthouses
emit fog signals, which can be recognized by their
characteristic sound pattern (length, number of
sounds in a group, intervals between sounds).
Coastal lights are positioned on important points,
straits, channels, cliffs, rocks, islets, harbours
and port entrances etc. Their function is to facilitate
navigation in coastal waters. They have fixed
dioptrically lens and are automatically lit and
extinguished at sunset and sunrise.
Harbour lights are positioned inside the harbour
and at the harbour entrance to facilitate entrance
and manoeuvring. They are lit by harbour personnel
or automatically.
Light-buoys are floating lights anchored on buoys
to show shallows or danger points. Usually they
have flashing lights, and are activated by timing
mechanism or photocell.
Each light at sea has its own characteristic:
colour, character, period, height above sea level,
visibility, number and disposition of lights.
Detailed information on this is available in the
List of Lights and on charts.
The colour of lights is B WHITE (bijela), C RED
(crvena), Z GREEN (zelena). When these letters
are noted beside the light visibility they denote
that light shines continuously. If colour is meant
to show the approach to a harbour or through straits
then red denotes the left side and green the right
side. This however is not always sufficient guide
and for individual cases the Adriatic Pilot and
List of Lights should be consulted.
Light character shows the way the light is seen:
Bl flashing; Bl (Gp) flashing in group (i.e. BBl
/3/); Pk occulting; Sj fixed with flashing; Pm
alternating etc. The difference between flashing
and occulting is that with flashing the light
periods are longer than the dark and in occulting
the other way round. If the light has a special
sector then this is noted beside the character
of light.
Light sectors denote areas of safety or danger.
It cannot be taken for granted that the dark or
coloured sector denotes the danger or the safety
sector and so each individual case should be separately
considered from charts or the List of Lights.
Sectors are marked by the abbreviation sect+ beside
the letter denoting the colour (e.g. sect C).
Period of light, the interval between the beginning
of one series of light signals and the beginning
of the next also provides information. In navigation
lights special attention should be paid to the
time period of the light either with a stopwatch
or, after experience, counting the seconds.
Visibility of lights is expressed in nautical
miles (M) in which the light can be seen from
a position 5 m above the sea level. Distances
are given for visibility in normal weather conditions
and for clear nights and are entered on charts
and in the List of Lights. For example, if the
following appears on a chart, B Bl 3 Gp 10 s 16
M or B Bl (3) 10 s 16 M this denotes: white light
flashing three in a group, period 10 seconds,
light over middle sea-level visibility 16 miles.
Radio-beacons
These are radio-stations, which transmit signals
around the whole horizon. They have exact positions
on navigation or radio navigation charts (RC for
short). Some radio beacons intended for aircraft
may also be used (marked RC Aero). Each radio-beacon
has its own station number; name; geographical
coordinates; range (mostly about 100 M, local
about 20 M); kind of transmission (A1A unmodulated
radio wave length; A2A modulated wave length;
intermittent radio signals); frequency (standard
285-325 kHz); identification signal; characteristics
(Morse signals); times of starting and duration
of transmission and whether it works continuously
or only at times of limited visibility (fog);
whether it is single or one of a group (in the
Adriatic are 3 groups).
The radio bearing of radio-station can be measured
by way of radio direction finder. This bearing
is incorrect for radio deviation and the angle
of half-convergence of the meridian (for distances
in the Adriatic sea are almost negligible). Data
of navigation radio beacons are given in the manual
of Radio Navigational Service published by the
State Hydrographic Institute in Split.
Maritime charts
Besides the mariner's compass, all mariners must
have up-to-date maritime charts and the standard
equipment for plotting course.
Maritime charts provide topographic and hydrographic
information. In the upper corner is the name of
the chart and general information; in the right
bottom corner the chart number; the name of the
institution which published it, date of issue,
name of institution which drew up the chart (in
the middle below the frame of the chart); it also
gives the; magnetic rose+ with annual declination
(in several places in the hydrographic part);
details of; minor corrections+ (left bottom corner);
linear measurements in miles (M) and km (in a
suitable place on the chart) etc.
Before the chart is used the information in the
title should be read carefully.
The charts published by the State Hydrographic
Institute in Split give depths and heights in
metres, i.e. depths to level of the chart (Chart
Datum) and heights from the medium sea level.
The State Hydrographic Institute in Split takes
as level of the chart the medium height at low
water during periods of maximum tidal activity
(Mean Lower Water Spring). The sea in the charts
is printed in several shades of blue for maximum
ease of reading. Depths of less than 5 m are in
deep blue, between 510 m in light blue and the
rest of the sea section is white.
The scale of the chart is expressed in ratio or
fractions (e.g. 1: 100 000 or 1/100 000). Beside
the numerical scale the linear scale may also
be shown.
The outer border of the chart contains the numerical
coordinates of latitude and longitude. Latitude
is used in measuring distances (1 M = 1 minute).
The length of minutes on the latitude scale of
the chart increases as the latitude increases
and thus in calculations account must be taken
of the position of the vessel. This is because
of Mercator's projection of the chart. Distance
cannot be calculated by minutes of longitude.
The magnetic roses, usually found in several places
on the chart can be used to plot course and azimuth
with aid of parallel rulers or setsquare. Inside
the rose numbers of the magnetic declinations
(variations) are drawn-in which should be corrected
according to year.
The relief of the land sections of the chart is
shown in contour lines (horizontals; usually 40
or 20 m apart), by crosshatching or a combination
of both, some charts are colour-shaded
All details important for plotting the course
but too small to be convincingly shown on the
chart have special identification marks. The exact
position of details so marked is taken from the
middle of the base of the topographic sign or
the centre of a circular mark (for cliffs, buoys
etc.). With marks for symmetrical objects (churches,
floating docks etc.) the exact position is the
centre of the mark. The State Hydrographic Institute
in Split has published a summary of all marks
and shortenings entitled Symbols and Abbreviations
on Maritime Charts (Znakovi i kratice na pomorskim
kartama).
The largest scale and numerically detailed charts
recently published and corrected are the best
to use. Authorized sellers of nautical charts
are bound to sell charts corrected to the day
of sale; mariners must further correct them themselves.
Classification of charts
Charts of the State Hydrographic Institute in
Split are divided in three classes: informative,
navigational and supplementary.
Informative charts give information important
for navigation such as currents, meteorological
and hydrological details etc.
Navigation charts are designed for practical navigation,
i.e. the plotting of courses, the plotting of
a vessel's position. According to scale they may
be: general, course, coastal charts and plans.
General charts present larger area, of whole seas
with their adjacent shores and they are usually
small scale. General charts no. 100, 101, 102
show the Adriatic as a whole or in part (scale
of 1: 1 000 000 or 1: 750 000. Chart no. 103 shows
the Ionian Sea and no. 108 and 109 the Mediterranean
Sea (scale 1: 2 500 000) etc.
General charts can be used for navigation outside
Croatian territorial sea if the boat's safety
allows it. But their main purpose is to give a
more comprehensive view of cruising areas for
planning routes and calculating the total distances
and duration on the voyage to be covered.
Course charts show smaller areas of sea and include
all important details needed for navigation. They
are drawn to a scale of 1: 300 000. The course
charts of the Adriatic bear the numbers 30031
to 30037.
Coastal charts show in detail smaller stretches
of the coast and the basic aids to navigation.
Their use is obligatory in the immediate vicinity
of the coast, and they contain most of the important
details to facilitate the navigation. The newest
editions (published by the State Hydrographic
Institute in Split) have the number 100 plus an
additional number, which denotes the area covered,
by the chart (e.g. 10021:SibenikSplit), drawn
to a scale of 1: 100 000. They often include in
larger scale the plans of certain harbours, anchorages
and dangerous or important areas, straits, channels
etc.
The State Hydrographic Institute in Split publishes
special charts for small craft.
Plans cover small areas, usually ports, harbours
and anchorages. They are drawn in great detail
and to a larger scale (1: 50 000). They bear separate
scales of measurement for longitude and distance,
as they do not indicate latitudes and longitudes
at border.
Supplementary charts are drawn for certain special
purposes and are not needed for normal navigation.
Charts cannot be used properly without the necessary
navigation equipment. The most important items
are navigational triangles (protractor) or parallel
(slide) rulers for drawing in the vessel's course
and azimuth, compasses for plotting distances
and coordinates, a magnifying glass, a soft pencil
and soft eraser.
Navigational publications
Even charts cannot supply all the information
needed for safety navigation. For this reason
the State Hydrographic Institute in Split publishes
various navigational handbooks with all the detailed
information that cannot for technical reasons
be shown on a chart.
The Adriatic Sea Pilot (Polar Jadranskog mora),
I E coast, II W coast, provides mariners with
various details and information about the Adriatic
region, i.e. general hydrographic and hydrologic
conditions, general navigation directions, especially
for navigating in channels and dangerous areas,
details of anchorages and sheltered places, various
marks, details of water, fuel and provisions and
other important information. The pilot book starts
with information on legal regulations concerning
navigation, instruction on the use of mariner's
handbook, charts etc.
The Pilot to the Ionian Sea and Maltese Islands
(Peljar Jonskog mora i Malteskih otoka) is similar
in content.
The List of Lights in the Adriatic Sea, Ionian
Sea and Maltese Islands (Popis svjetionika Jadranskog
mora, Jonskog mora, Malteskih otoka) contains
all necessary details concerning lighthouses,
lights and other important navigation signals.
The Radio-Navigation Service (Radio-navigacijska
sluzba) contains all necessary details concerning
radio beacons and coastal radio-stations as well
as other information, which refer to safety at
sea. It is similar to foreign handbooks of the
same kind. It has nine parts: A Introduction,
B Radio-beacons, C Radio goniometric stations,
D Coastal radio-stations, E Radio information
for mariners, F Radio health service, G VHF-service,
H Exact time (time signals) and I Weather forecast
for mariners. All parts include the Adriatic Sea,
the Ionian Sea and the Islands of Malta. Parts
F and I include the Mediterranean also and part
H the whole world.
Adriatic Distance Handbook (Daljinar Jadranskog
mora) gives the distances in nautical miles between
the important coastal ports and harbours on the
Adriatic coast. The first part gives the distances
between main ports and harbours, anchorages, and
places of particular navigational interest. The
second part gives distances between smaller harbours
and coves arranged in zones.
The Catalogue of Navigation Charts and Publications
(Katalog pomorskih karata i navigacijskih publikacija)
provides mariners with all information on charts
and publications issued by the State Hydrographic
Institute in Split. It has an index and a map
for selecting the charts needed. The entire Adriatic
is divided into quadrangles, which shows the zones
covered by the charts. The number in each quadrangle
is the chart number.
Notice to Mariners (Oglas za pomorce) is a monthly
publication. It gives various kinds of information
concerning safety at sea in the Adriatic and in
part in the Ionian Sea. Its main aim is to give
up-to-date information on any changes that should
be incorporated into handbooks or navigation charts
published by the State Hydrographic Institute
in Split.
Before setting on a cruise masters of vessels
should study the handbooks, Pilot and charts carefully
and in particular take care that they are up-to-date.
All maritime charts and handbooks can be ordered
from the Organization for Maintaining Waterways
PLOVPUT in Split or their branch offices in all
larger Croatian harbours.
Information service at sea
Croatian maritime radiotelephone service is organized
by the PLOVPUT Company in Split. It can be used
by vessels with VHF radio-stations (passenger
or cargo boats over 300 BRET) and also by yachts,
sport and pleasure boats regardless of size if
they have a VHF station. The coastal radio-stations
at Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik man a continuous
service on the international frequencies 2182
kHz and 156 800 MHz (channel 16). Coastal radio
stations transmit weather forecasts and reports
and provide medical advice. Such services are
free. Only commercial and private services are
paying.
RIJEKARADIO, 16, 20, 24, 04, 24, 05 35, 14 35,
19 35
SPLITRADIO, 16, 21, 23,28, 04, 07, 21, 23, 28,04,
07, 05 45, 12 45, 19 45
DUBROVNIKRADIO, 16, 07, 07, 06 25, 13 20, 21 20
Harbour master's offices also operate VHF radio-stations
and organize sea search and rescue. Contact is
made on channel 16. In addition to channel 16
harbour master's offices man a continuous service
on channel 10 and a continuous daytime service
on the same frequency is manned by their branch
offices. Marinas have their VHF radio-service
on channel 17.
If vessels observe some important event they must
immediately notify the coastal radio-station.
Messages by radiotelephone
Coastal radio-stations identify themselves by
their geographical name (i.e. SPLITRADIO). The
ship's radio-stations identify themselves by the
name of vessel or by the authorized call-signal
of the radio-station.
The ship's radiotelephone service can maintain
contact only with vessels, which have their own
radio operator.
Vessels in principle transmit and receive open
messages concerning safety at sea and maritime
traffic in general. They may however send and
receive personal messages and communicate with
per sons on shore or on other vessels.
The maritime movable service operates on the frequencies
1605...4000 kHz and 156...162 MHz. For vessels
(boats) sailing in the Adriatic a VHF radiotelephone
station is sufficient (frequency 156162 MHz).
Croatian vessels and coastal radio-stations use
the national language and English. Exceptionally
in cases where understanding causes difficulties
the message may be coded in International Signal
Code (ISC) and International Regulations Concerning
the Exchange of Messages at Sea should be adhered
to.
For details see Radio-Navigation Service and other
manuals published by the State Hydrographic Institute
in Split.
To simplify the transmission and reception of
messages by radio telephone The Standard Maritime
Vocabulary IMO (Standardni pomorsko-navigacijski
rjecnik, published by [Skolska knjiga in Zagreb)
is recommended.
Passage from open messages to coded text is denoted
by the words; Please use the international code
of signals+ or the signal group YU (Yankee Uniform),
from ISC.
The procedure for radio messages depends on the
type of message concerned: general messages or
those where safety at sea or urgency is involved.
Special attention must be given to the following
signals:
MAYDAY indicates that sender is in danger and
requires immediate help;
PAN PAN the sender wishes to send an urgent message;
SECURITY the sender is about to transmit a message
concerning safety at sea or important weather
information;
MEDICO medical advice needed;
Other messages concern: radio-position of vessels,
radio navigation information, weather report,
movements and needs of vessels, official messages,
etc.
At sea constant monitoring (watch service) of
international frequency 2182 kHz must be maintained.
VHF-stations call on frequency 156 800 MHz (channel
16).
Transmission. Coastal radiotelephone stations
call vessels of their own nationality on any of
the authorized radio frequencies. If they call
a vessel of foreign registration or a particular
vessel of their own nationality they use the international
radio frequency 2182 kHz; VHF radio-stations call
on frequency 156 800 (channel 16). The same rules
hold for calls from vessels to coastal stations
Vessels call other vessels on radio frequency
2182 kHz or 156 800 MHz (channel 16)
Replying. If the transmitting radiotelephone station
did not provide the frequency for reply then the
reply is given on the transmission frequency.
The receiving station may suggest another frequency.
In the cases of misunderstanding the coastal station
is the deciding factor. If there is misunderstanding
between vessels it is the station that originally
transmitted that sets the frequency for replies
also.
Sending messages. After radio contact has been
established the message is sent on one of the
authorized frequencies. Frequencies exclusively
intended for calling (especially frequency 2182
kHz and 156 800 MHz) should only be used for sending
messages concerned with danger at sea.
Radio-navigational information
These are transmitted by coastal radio-stations
and concern safety at sea (e.g. alterations of
lights or navigational signs, floating wreck,
danger zones etc.). Navigational lights are divided
into 16 zones identified by numbers. The Mediterranean
(including the Adriatic) is coordinated from Spain
(AREA III: MADRID NAVAL RADIO, short. EBA)
Messages are preceded by NAVAREA followed by the
number of the zone and the number of the message
in the current calendar year.
Open messages are sent (in the language of the
coastal station and then in English) on designated
frequencies, at designated times and at a vessel's
request. They are repeated in regular radio-transmissions
until cancelled, loss of relevance or publication
in Notice to Mariners. In cases of imminent maritime
danger radio messages are transmitted urgently
on the international frequencies 2182 kHz and
156 800 MHz (channel 16) and repeated after the
next silent period (2182 kHz). They are preceded
by SECURITY. Vessels that observe anything dangerous
notify all vessels on the same frequencies and
the coastal stations with which they are in contact
and notify their frequency (channel).
In recent years the NAVTEX system is increasingly
used. This operates on frequency 518 kHz and reception
is possible up to 400 M. NAVTEX is particularly
suitable for small vessels. Information in English
is given in descriptive form (similar to telefax).
Besides navigational warnings important for safety
at sea messages may be received important for
hyperbolic and satellite navigation systems. SPLITRADIO
transmits NAVTEX messages at 0250, 0650, 1050,
1850 and 2250 UTC.
Radio-notices relevant for the Adriatic and Ionian
Seas are given in Notice to Mariners (Oglas za
pomorce).
For more details consult manual of the Radio-Navigation
Service published by the State Hydrographic Institute
in Split.
Radio-medical assistance
The international radio-medical centre in Rome
(CIRM) organizes this service for vessels at sea.
Medical advice is given and the organization of
reception of invalids and their transfer to hospital
for medical assistance irrespective of nationality
and sailing area. Medical messages may be sent
in the CIRM code or open.
Medical advice may also be received from some
coastal stations (in Croatia and Italy from all).
In urgent cases messages must include the signal
RADIOMEDICAL and the place (i.e. RADIOMEDICAL
SPLITRADIO). In other cases MEDICO may be used.
The message should contain a short account of
the accident or symptoms. It may be in open text
or coded according to the international signal
code (medical section) and is signed by the shipmaster.
Such messages are free.
For further details see Radio-Navigation Service
manual published by the State Hydrographic Institute
in Split.
Exchange of spoken messages (by megaphone)
Megaphones (simple horn or solid-state) may be
used for exchange of messages when vessels are
within hailing distance. The principles of sending
such messages are the same as radiotelephone messages.
Morse signalling with lights
This can be done with a hand torch or a light
from the mast. The standard speed is about 40
letters a minute. Care must be taken of the pauses
between dots and dashes of the letter (very short),
between letters (slightly longer) and between
words (slightly longer again). Messages may be
in open text or in code according to International
Signals Convention. Instead of a period the word
STOP may be sent.
Sound signalling
Sound signalling is slow and today is seldom practised.
Sound signals in Morse Code are allowed only in
accordance with the Regulations for Prevention
of Collisions at Sea.
Vessel (yacht) driven by mechanical propulsion
which change course show their intention by:
one short blast meaning ;I am turning to starboard+
(right);
2 short blasts ;I am turning to port (left)+;
3 short blasts ;I am going astern+.
If two vessels are near each other and not sure
of each other's movements either must show uncertainty
by 5 short quick blasts.
A vessel (yacht) sailing in a narrow channel and
wishing to overtake the vessel in front of it
may signal her intention by:
two long and one short blasts if intending to
overtake on the starboard side;
two long and two short blasts if intending to
overtake on the port side.
The vessel to be overtaken signals agreement by
giving a long followed by a short blast twice
repeated.
If a vessel (yacht) is approaching a bend in a
channel or river, not easy to survey, it signals
its presence by one long blast. Any approaching
vessel will answer in the same way.
When sailing in limited visibility (fog, mist,
strong rain) a vessel longer than 12 m sends the
following sound signals:
a vessel (yacht) with mechanical propulsion, one
long signal with intervals shorter than 2 minutes
(while moving), i.e. 2 long signals in the intervals
of 2 seconds (the engine is stopped and the vessel
is not moving);
a vessel with limited manoeuvring capability,
a sailing boat, a fishing-craft, a tug boat, 1
long and 2 short signals in intervals shorter
of 2 minutes;
an anchored ship, quick bell-ringing (above 5
seconds) in intervals shorter than 1 minute (warning
signal short long short);
a wrecked vessel, 3 separate bell ringing and
a sound signal like an anchored vessel;
a tug-boat, as any other, can give 4 short signals.
A vessel (yacht) shorter of 12 m is not bound
to follow the given regulations, but must give
efficacious sound signals in intervals shorter
than 2 minutes.
Flag signalling
Flag signalling is done according to International
Signalling Code (ISC). The messages are regularly
coded. A signal can be a letter or a figure or
a combination of both. More significant of the
general (ISC) are: Danger-Urgency. Trouble-Damage.
Navigation-Hydrography. Manoeuvring. Various.
Meteorology Weather. Connection. International
Health Regulations. A section on medicine is separate.
One-letter signals
LETTER = A (Alpha)
MEANING OF LETTER = I have divers below water;
keep wide berth or go dead-slow
LETTER = B (Bravo)
MEANING OF LETTER = I am loading, unloading, transporting
dangerous cargo
LETTER = C (Charlie)
MEANING OF LETTER = Yes (affirmative answering
signal)
LETTER = D (Delta)
MEANING OF LETTER = Give me wide berth, I have
difficulty in manoeuvring
LETTER = E (Echo)
MEANING OF LETTER = I am changing course to starboard
(turning to the right)
LETTER = F (Foxtrot)
MEANING OF LETTER = I am disabled, retain contact
with me
LETTER = G (Golf)
MEANING OF LETTER = I need a pilot (for fishing
vessels: I am raising my nets)
LETTER = H (Hotel)
MEANING OF LETTER = I have a pilot aboard
LETTER = I (India)
MEANING OF LETTER = I am changing course to port
(turning on the left)
LETTER = J (Juliette)
MEANING OF LETTER = I am on fire and have dangerous
cargo; keep wide berth
LETTER = K (Kilo)
MEANING OF LETTER = I am trying to make contact
with you (signal for need to pass message)
LETTER = L (Lima)
MEANING OF LETTER = Stop immediately
LETTER = M (Mike)
MEANING OF LETTER = I have stopped and am making
no way
LETTER = N (November)
MEANING OF LETTER = No (negative reply)
LETTER = O (Oscar)
MEANING OF LETTER = Man overboard
LETTER = P (Papa)
MEANING OF LETTER = At sea: my nets have snagged
(for fishing-boat). On shore: all men aboard,
we are about to sail
LETTER = Q (Quebec)
MEANING OF LETTER = Health on board OK. I am asking
free passage
LETTER = R (Romeo)
MEANING OF LETTER = Passage beside me free, can
you pass
LETTER = S (Sierra)
MEANING OF LETTER = My stern engines are working
LETTER = T (Tango)
MEANING OF LETTER = Keep your distance, I am towing/trawling
LETTER = U (Uniform)
MEANING OF LETTER = You are sailing into danger
LETTER = V (Victor)
MEANING OF LETTER = I need help
LETTER = W (Whiskey)
MEANING OF LETTER = I need a doctor
LETTER = X (X-ray)
MEANING OF LETTER = Stop what you are undertaking
and watch for my signals
LETTER = Y (Yankee)
MEANING OF LETTER = I am dragging anchor (for
Croatian naval vessels: I am leaving/entering
port)
LETTER = Z (Zulu)
MEANING OF LETTER = I need a tug (for fishing-boats:
I am letting down my nets)
Important two-letter signals
denoting danger or accidents
LETTERS = AE I am abandoning ship
LETTERS = AL I have a doctor aboard
LETTERS = AN I need a doctor
LETTERS = CB I need help urgently
LETTERS = CC I am in danger (then give position)
LETTERS = CP I am coming to help you
LETTERS = CS What is the name of your boat
LETTERS = CV I cannot help you
LETTERS = DX I am sinking (then give position)
LETTERS = IT Fire aboard
LETTERS = JG I have run aground and am in danger
LETTERS = JM I have run aground but am not in
danger
LETTERS = KF I need a tug
LETTERS = KG Do you need a tug
LETTERS = KM Can I tow you
LETTERS = KN I cannot tow you
LETTERS = VC Where is the nearest fuel
LETTERS = VD You can get fuel at...
LETTERS = VK Storm imminent from...
LETTERS = XW Happy journey
The rules of avoiding collision
at sea
The following regulations apply to vessels sailing
on the high seas and in internal seaways.
Power-driven vessels (boats) are all those which
are moved by mechanical propulsion.
Sailing vessels (yacht) are all those which can
move by use of sail.
A vessel is considered to be under way if it is
not anchored, moored or beached. When sailing
at night vessels must show port, starboard, mast
and stern lights.
Vessels are considered to have limited manoeuvrability
when they are: engaged in work on underwater cables
or pipes or with navigation buoys (marks); engaged
in dredging or underwater work; loading or unloading
persons, cargo or fuel; mine layers at work; tugs
or boats towing and unable to manoeuvre to avoid
collision.
Ship lights
Navigation lights must be alight from sunset to
sunrise, and by day in conditions of poor visibility.
Marks need only be shown by day.
White mast light must be visible in sector 112.5°
port and starboard of the bows. In vessels 20
m and more the light must be 6 m above the hull.
If the vessel is more than 6 m wide, her height
is greater than her width but not more than 12
m. In vessels 1220 m in length their height above
the bulwarks must not be less than 2.5 m. In vessels
less than 12 m the mast light must be at least
1 m above the sidelights.
Port and starboard lights must be visible from
the bows in the same way as the mast light: green
to starboard (right) and red to port (left). On
vessels 20 m and more the sidelights must not
be forward of the front mast light. Combined green-red
lights on vessels shorter than 20 m must be at
least 1 m below the mast light.
White stern light must be visible at stern sector
135° (67.5° on each side).
Vessel towing another vessel shows a yellow light
with the same characteristics as the stern light.
The yellow light is positioned vertically above
the stern light.
ZPODMANJI = Light visibility
Vessels 50 m and more: white mast 6 M; side lights,
stern light and towing light 3 M.
Vessel 1250 m: mast 5 M (vessels less than 20
m 3 M), side lights, stern light and towing light
2M.
Vessel (boat) less than 12 m: mast light, stern
light and towing lights 2 M, side lights 1 M.
Coloured lights (red, green, yellow) that give
light to the whole horizon 2 M.
Boats less than 7 m do not need to have navigation
lights but must be prepared to show their position
at night at least temporarily by showing a white
light.
Rules for avoiding collision
of power-driven vessels
When two power-driven vessels approach each other
from opposite directions and a collision seems
possible each should veer to starboard (right).
When the courses of two power-driven vessels cross
and collision seems possible the vessel that can
see the other to starboard (right) must change
the course, but must not cross the bows of the
other vessel.
When a power-driven vessel seems on collision
course with a sailing boat the power-driven vessel
must give way.
A vessel about to overtake from astern must pass
the vessel on the most suitable side.
ZPODMANJI = Rules for avoiding collision of sailing-vessels
When two sail-driven vessels seem on collision
course:
the vessel with wind from port (left) must change
course;
if both vessels are running before the wind then
the vessel on the leeward side must give way;
if the vessel to windward cannot judge the situation
with certainty then she must give way to the vessel
on the leeward side;
In some navigation situations vessels must give
sound signals (see Sound signalling).
Avoiding Collision in Ports and in Internal Sea
Waters
Small vessels (boats) give way to larger vessels.
Vessels (boats) entering port, river or narrow
channel must not hinder vessels coming out.
The vessel that has advantage in manoeuvring must
warn with 5 short and quick signals the other
craft that are not following the rules.
Fishing boats are not allowed to fish in ports
by means of lights and in places difficult for
sailing, they may use only shaded lights. If they
are not following the rules they have to switch
off the lights when warned by other vessels.
Signalling for help at sea
SHOTS at one minute intervals given from fire-arms
or any other explosive device.
CONSTANT SOUND given in any way.
ROCKETS or FLARES which throw up red lights ignited
at short intervals.
ROCKETS WITH PARACHUTE DEVICE or red HAND FLARES.
FLAMES from lighted pitch or oil barrels.
Orange SMOKE SIGNALS.
SOS signal (...) transmitted by radio-telegraph
or in any other way.
MAYDAY signal in open text over radio-telephone.
Signal-flags NC (International Signals Code) flown
on the mast or in some other conspicuous position.
RECTANGULAR FLAG with some circular object like
a bell either above or below it flown on the mast
or other most conspicuous position.
OUTSTRETCHED ARMS moved slowly downwards from
above.
Radio-telegraph or radio-telephone ALARM SIGNAL.
Flying of flags and exhibition
of signs by vessels of the Croatian merchant navy
The flag of the Croatian merchant navy is identical
with that of the Republic of Croatia. It is flown
from the stern flagstaff or the gaff, i.e. on
the mast (the right yard arm). It is normally
flown from sunrise to sunset when clearly identifiable:
while entering or leaving port, while staying
in a port or an anchorage, in sight of naval vessels,
fortifications or signal (observing) stations,
while exchanging messages (signalling), while
navigating through channels or narrow straits,
in foreign territorial seas and internal waters
as well as on demand by another vessel (station).
When entering port between sunset and sunrise
the flag has to be lowered after having received
permission to establish contact with the shore.
Vessels (yachts) booked in the registers of the
Republic of Croatia may fly the flag of their
city, port of register, region or "zupanija"
(district) on their bow mast or flagstaff. When
entering the territorial sea of a foreign country
they replace it with the flag of that country
as a sign of respect.
A naval vessel of the Republic of Croatia is paid
respect to by lowering the flag to one-third of
the mast. The flag is raised again after the naval
vessel has replied in the same manner (by lowering
and raising the flag).
On festive occasions, state holidays or if so
demanded by a harbour master's office, vessels
(yachts) are solemnly dressed (gala).
A small ornamentation (gala) consists of the flag
of the Republic of Croatia flown on the stern
flag-staff, a flag on the bow (the flag of the
city or port of register or that of the region
or "zupanija" /district of domicile/,
and a flag on the mast (either the flag of the
Republic of Croatia or of a club).
A large ornamentation (gala) dressing consists
of the flags used for small ornamentation plus
strings of International Signals Code flags suspended
from the bow flagstaff over the masthead to the
stern flagstaff.
State flag is flown at half flagstaff as a sign
of mourning.
Vessels of foreign register act in a similar way
except that they fly the flag of the country of
register instead of the Croatian flag.
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