Any cruisers planning on sailing in Croatian waters during 2025 need to be aware that from April this year, authorities have implemented new regulations for anchoring and mooring along the coastline as well as for the use of dinghies, tenders and other personal water craft.

Published 4 days ago

Source:  Mandinus Yacht Agency

Boating in Croatia 2025

Croatian Yacht Agency Mandinus have provided a summary of new maritime safety regulations for boating in Croatia in 2025.  The official name of the legislation is the “Regulation on the Safety of Maritime Navigation in the Internal Waters and Territorial Sea of the Republic of Croatia.” (All information is in Croatian).

This new framework introduces several changes that affect boaters, skippers and water sports enthusiasts. It defines clear rules about distances from shore, anchoring and mooring, use of tenders/dinghies and limitations on personal watercraft.

If you’re planning to sail the Adriatic in 2025, here are some of the key things you need to know about to stay within the law.

Distance from Shore

One of the strictest and most impactful elements of the new regulation is the mandatory distance from the coastline.  Vessels are now explicitly prohibited from approaching the shore closer than allowed by their size.

Vessels between 15–30 meters in length must stay at least 150 meters from the coastline while vessels under 15 meters are allowed no closer than 50 meters.

Anchoring and Mooring

There are specific new requirements for anchoring and mooring along the coastline including:

• Local harbor authorities (Kapetaneries) may impose time- or location-specific bans or limits.
• Anchoring and mooring must be done in a way that does not pose a risk to people, property, the environment, or other vessels.
• Anchor chains and mooring lines must be clearly marked and visible, and must not obstruct the navigation of other vessels.
• Mooring is not allowed if the vessel and its anchoring system (including the anchor, chain, or line) extend more than 50 meters from the coastline.
• Vessels are prohibited from mooring in a way that damages coastal vegetation.
• Anchoring is also no longer allowed in several specific areas including in areas restricted by harbour authorities and within 150 metres of natural beaches.

If you are unsure about where to anchor, check your nautical charts and consult with local authorities if necessary.

Tenders and Dinghies

To enhance maritime safety and regulate the use of support vessels, a new regulation introduces a 500-meter navigation radius for tenders/dinghies:

A vessel belonging to another maritime object and registered or marked as part of the main vessel’s equipment may navigate within a 500-meter radius from the mother vessel, except when transporting people or cargo to the nearest mooring or between an anchorage and the port to which it belongs.

New Rules and Regulations for Tenders/Dinghies

Personal Watercraft – Use and Limitations

Stand-up paddleboards, jetboards and other personal watercraft (PWC) will have clear rules:

• Allowed only between sunrise and sunset
• Maximum distance of 300 meters from shore
• Not permitted in swimming zones

More information including details on prohibited anchoring zones and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the Mandinus website:

• Boating in Croatia in 2025

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Related Links:

• Mandinus Yacht Agency

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