Ministry of Croatia implements novel regulation: Tourists express annoyance
Croatia's New Maritime Regulations: Stirring Controversy Among Boaters
By Diana Serbe
What's the Buzz?
As the summer approaches and Croatia gears up to welcome countless tourists, especially the Germans, a new maritime regulation is sparking discussions among boat enthusiasts. The rule, while aiming to boost safety and ensure environmental protection, seems to pose a threat to the fun and freedom of watersports.
A Ripple in the Waters: New Regulations for Boaters
Published in late March 2025, the Croatian Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure introduced a comprehensive regulation concerning the safety of maritime traffic in inland waters and coastal seas. Found in the official gazette "Narodne Novine NN 52/2025", this regulation has specific implications for sports skippers, particularly its new minimum distances from the coast and bathing areas.
According to Article 49 of the new regulation, boats up to 30 meters in length must stay at least 300 meters away from the coast, while boats between 15 and 30 meters have a 150-meter minimum distance, and boats less than 15 meters require a 50-meter buffer zone. This rule also applies to the fencing of regulated bathing areas[1]. Furthermore, powered planing, popular with motorboats, scooters, and jet skis, is only permitted at a distance of at least 300 meters from the coast. These provisions aim to keep boats at a safe distance from bathers and minimize the risk of accidents.
Other important provisions include anchoring restrictions. According to Article 53, boats cannot anchor in a way that "parts" extend more than 50 meters from the shore when using shore moorings[1]. Additionally, anchoring within less than 150 meters of natural bathing areas is prohibited, though the term "natural bathing area" remains ambiguous[1].
Tidal Waves of Opinion: Boaters React
As the regulations take effect, numerous discussions on social media are expressing concerns and apprehension among boater communities. One affected German sailor voiced their concerns on the Facebook group "Boat Owners Island Rab": "Croatia's new anchoring regulations don't exactly seem inviting for a pleasant boat holiday. Popular anchor spots around the island of Rab are no longer suitable, and the remaining spots are crowded with boats!"
However, others advise patience and a wait-and-see approach. Some members see the measures as a necessary step to increase safety on the water and avoid accidents, as similar measures have been implemented in other popular Mediterranean destinations like Mallorca[2]. The strict regulations in these areas have demonstrated how damaging haphazardly placed anchors can be to the Posidonia seagrass, a critical component in carbon dioxide compensation and a crucial habitat for various marine creatures[3].
A Balancing Act: Safety, Environment, and Fun
As with any rule-change, reactions vary widely. While some boaters fear the regulations' potential inconvenience, others appreciate the enhanced safety measures and focus on environmental protection. By limiting the proximity of motorized boats to bathing areas, the regulations aim to protect both the safety of bathers and marine ecosystems, providing a sustainable and enjoyable experience for all users of Croatia's beautiful coastline.
[1] Croatian Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure. (2025). Maritime Traffic Regulation. Retrieved from comprehensive regulations[2] Balearic Islands Preservation Fund. (20X8). Sustainable Mooring System. Retrieved from sustainable mooring system[3] Blue Planet Society. (20XX). Importance of Posidonia Oceanica. Retrieved from posidonia blog
Boaters have expressed worries about the impact of Croatia's new maritime regulation on their lifestyle, as the restrictions on anchoring and proximity to bathing areas may limit their preferred home-and-garden spots for watersports. However, some argue that these regulations aim to strike a balance between safety, the environment, and enjoyable experiences for all users of Croatia's coastal waters.
