This season, Croatia introduces new navigation rules, with special emphasis on anchoring and anchorage rules — essential information for all sailors exploring our beautiful coastline.
As of March 29, 2025, a new “Regulation on the Safety of Maritime Navigation in Inland Waters and the Territorial Sea of the Republic of Croatia” has come into force in Croatia, establishing precise and rather strict rules regarding distances from the coast, anchoring, and the use of tenders and personal watercraft. These rules must be known and, most importantly, respected by those heading to these shores to avoid penalties.
Distance from the Coast, Anchoring, and Speed Limits
The first legislative changes concern the minimum distance from the coast: boats between 15 and 30 meters in length must stay at least 150 meters from the shoreline, while those under 15 meters cannot approach closer than 50 meters. Vessels over 30 meters must remain no less than 300 meters from the coast. These distances may only be reduced when entering or exiting a port, when anchoring, or in the case of specific configurations of navigable channels, river deltas, and narrow passages.
Speed limits have also been revised: within 300 meters of the coast, in narrow channels, and near ports and anchorages, the maximum permitted speed is 8 knots. Jet skis and planing boats may only operate beyond 300 meters from the shore. Anchoring regulations have also been tightened, with specific bans in areas designated by local port authorities, within 150 meters of natural beaches, and near underwater cables, pipelines, and discharges.
Anchoring and Mooring Near the Shore – Key Updates
The most important updates concern anchoring in bays and coves where a boat or yacht is anchored and simultaneously moored to the shore. Under the new regulations, this is permitted only if no part of the vessel or its equipment (including the boat itself, mooring lines, or anchor chains above the sea surface) is more than 50 meters away from the shore.
At the same time, it is strictly prohibited to moor in a way that damages coastal vegetation — meaning it is no longer allowed to tie mooring lines to pine trees, bushes, or other vegetation along the shore.
Additionally, the competent harbor master’s office may prohibit or restrict anchoring and mooring near the shore in specific areas, either for all vessels, for certain types or sizes of vessels, or for limited periods of time.
Restrictions on Tenders and Personal Watercraft
Significant changes also concern the service boats of yachts, which may now only navigate freely within a 500-meter radius of the “mother ship,” with exceptions allowed for transporting people or goods to the nearest mooring or between an anchorage and the home port.
Tenders longer than 2.5 meters and with engines over 5 kW must be separately registered and have a valid permit if used beyond the 500-meter limit. For tenders with engines over 15 kW, specific insurance is also required.
Finally, for personal watercraft and certain types of vessels, such as SUPs, kayaks, Jetsurfs, and jet skis, three new restrictions have been introduced: they may only be used from sunrise to sunset, must stay within 300 meters of the coast, and are strictly prohibited from entering designated swimming areas. These watercraft may only exceed the 300-meter limit if escorted by a motorized vessel.
