Captain's notes |
|
 |
Laws and regulations |
|
Charter activities in Croatian waters may only be carried out by vessels flying a Croatian flag. Penalties shall be charged and any vessel may be taken away for those who engage in cabotage (transport of goods and passengers between Croatian ports) without a license from MSTI.
Laws have been introduced to prevent unregulated and illegal charters in Croatia. Their focus is on limiting the amount of crew and passengers that any foreign-flagged vessel can carry in one year. The passenger limit has been set at 2.3 times the safe maximum number of passengers that can be carried aboard at one time. This legislation affected a number of areas outside of its direct target, however. Because the Croatian government is keen to attract mega yachts, it offers the following concessions:
1. Crew and children under 12 are not included in the limit calculations, as well as persons staying onboard a vessel while in harbor or at anchorage
2. Mega yacht owners can apply directly to the relevant minister for exemption
3. Passengers embarking or disembarking outside Croatian waters will not be included in the calculations.
Because of the above concessions, some mega yachts start or end their cruises in either Montenegro or Italy.
1.1. Formalities upon arriving / leaving Croatia
Even though by Croatian law yachts coming to Croatia are not obliged to use a ship/yacht agent when entering and leaving the country, rules and regulations introduced a few years ago render it preferable to use an agent if your yacht is registered under a foreign flag.
The captain of the vessel is obliged to take the shortest possible route when sailing in and out of waters of the Republic of Croatia. All vessels must report to the nearest international port immediately upon entering Croatian waters for inspection and to acquire a navigation license (vignette).
- Permanent ports of entry: Umag, Porec, Rovinj, Pula, Rasa-Brsica, Rijeka, Mali Losinj, Senj, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Korcula, Vela Luka, Ubli (island Lastovo), Ploce, Metkovic, Dubrovnik
- Seasonal ports of entry (1 April – 31 October): ACI Marina Umag, Novigrad (Istra), Sali and Bozava (island Dugi otok), Primosten (Marina Kremik), Stari Grad (island Hvar), Hvar (harbour), Komiza (island Vis), Vis (harbor), Cavtat
If, for some reason, the captain is unable to reach one of these ports of entry he must report to the nearest harbor master’s office.
A Vignette is an identification mark proving:
- the registration of arrival
- fulfillment of requirements for navigation in Croatia
- payment of: navigational safety fee, light dues fee, informational chart fee, government administration fee
The Harbor Master’s office or its branch office will issue a vignette based on the following documentation:
1. List of crew and passengers
2. List of persons
3. Certificate of seaworthiness
4. Document certifying that the person in command of the vessel is qualified to operate the vessel
5. Certificate of insurance for vessels with an engine power over 15kW
6. Certificate of ownership for the vessel or owner’s authorization for the use of vessel
A vignette is valid for one year from the date of issue. It is also obligatory for vessels of 3m in length and over as well as for vessels of less than 3m in length if their engine power is 5kW or more.
A vignette is not obligatory for rowing vessels regardless of their length.
Registration charges are subject to a 10% discount for every consecutive vignette purchased.
Before departure from Croatia, the captain of the vessel must:
- pass the border control in one of the ports of entry
- certify the List of Crew and Passengers
For more information on foreign yachts coming to and staying in Croatia, view the official document from the Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, or visit their web site at www.mmtpr.hr.
 |
Bunkering |
|
Duty-free fuel is not yet available in Croatia, but there are a number of Croatian fuel stations that are suitable for larger yachts. If you wish to buy fuel we will be glad to assist you with all necessary arrangements. You can also look on our list of fuel stations along the coast and their working hours.
Many captains buy fuel in Montenegro or Italy. In Montenegro bunkering requires the use of an agent. There are also vignette fees in that country.
Please, look at our network of professional yacht agents in the Med or contact us directly for assistance.
 |
Mooring fees |
|
In most ports, marinas, and bays with buoys, mooring fees are assessed according to the length of the vessel. Fees vary from place to place, as the local authorities enjoy autonomy in this respect. On the whole, fees are set according to the range of services provided by the marina or harbor.
Fees range anywhere from 15-35Kn / m (2-5euro/m), while mooring to buoys costs between 5-10Kn / m (0.70- 1.5 euro/ m).
This price includes electricity, water, and waste disposal. In some places, such as Hvar or Vela Luka (island Korcula), the mooring fee and amenities fee are separate. You can ask for a price list, which should have been verified by the harbor master or other state institution.
Also, be aware that while in some ports and marinas it is possible to make a berth reservation ahead of a time, there are still places that follow a “first come, first serve” policy. Among the ones that allow advanced booking, some have a cancelation policy that you should be aware of.
This is where our local knowledge and connections become very important. MYS does not receive any commission from marinas or ports for booking a berth. Therefore, we offer our service based on “pay by results” and charge our clients only for secured berths according to our official Berth reservation price list.
Annual Berth Fees
Even though they have risen recently, annual berth fees in Croatia are still very reasonable compared to other similar locations in Europe. Many foreign yacht owners have had problems finding berths though. It can be very time consuming, and who you know can make all the difference. Again, this is where MYS can be of great service.
The benefits of making Croatia your home base are many. Croatia offers the same amenities and services in a beautiful European location at the fraction of the cost of most other permanent yacht berth destinations. We recommend looking at this option now before the opportunity passes.
 |
Provisioning (for chefs and stewardesses) |
|
Eating and drinking plays a very important role in Croatian society and in its tourism. International cuisine in its widest sense has yet to take off though. However, for the guests who prefer food and wine that they know, most brands can now be found if you know where to look or, in the very least, there is usually a good substitute.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are rarely a problem as almost every town along the coast has an open air market with local, seasonal offers.
Less expensive fish are usually available at these markets as well, but for first class fish – the catch of the day – you will need to know where to look.
So, if you are in Croatia for the first time and you don’t know where to look, or if you simply don’t have the time to do provisioning yourself, let us take care of your shopping list.
All your problems will be resolved with a fresh delivery to your doors. Quality of our products and prompt service are our number one priority.
To save yourself from unnecessary stress, contact us before you start sailing to Croatia and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about what to expect and what to stock up on.
 |
Marinas |
|
The marinas are evenly spread out along the coast, sometimes only a few hours sailing away from each other. Many marinas are situated close to historic towns which are true treasures of history and cultural heritage.
Croatia has more than 50 marinas. 21 of them are owned through the Adriatic Croatia International Club (ACI) by the government. More and more independent marinas are responding to demands from mega yachts and now offer berths and five star facilities for VIP guests.
Premiere marinas include: Marina Novigrad (Istra), Tribunj (Vodice), Frapa (Rogoznica) and Lav (Split).
Croatia’s newest marina Preko (island Ugljan) offers up to 5 berths for yachts up to 60m in length and is leading the pack ecologically by being the first Croatian marina to install full pump-out facilities. Some marinas will arrange for a tanker on request.
Other independent marinas that can host mega yachts are: Marian Vrsar (Istra), Olive Island (island Ugljan), Zadar, Hramina (Murter), and Mandalina (Sibenik).
Of the ACI marinas, Rovinj, Umag, Pula, Opatija, Skradin, Split, and Dubrovnik.
All can accommodate mega yachts and their guests in some shape or form.
* In some marinas three-phase power is still not readily available.
 |
Ports and anchorages |
|
Town ports such as Cavtat, Dubrovnik, Vis, Korcula, Hvar, Trogir, Skradin, and Sibenik are mega yacht favorites as much for their location as for the facilities they offer.
Those preferring anchorages are spoilt for choice, both around the main towns and amongst the islands.
Anchoring is regulated in certain areas, particularly in the national parks. Still, for the time being, most of the Croatian Adriatic is at the mega yacht owner’s disposal.
Don’t forget the regular custom of announcing your arrival on VHF 17 before you sail in, and also to be sure that there will be someone waiting for you on the jetty.
 |
Recreational fishing |
|
In Croatia you may only fish if you have a permit, which you can get from tourist offices or the harbor master. All the information can be found at harbor, or you may contact us.
Fishing permits are issued for: one, three, seven or thirty days, or a full year.
Special permits are needed for angling and for underwater harpooning.
You may have:
- two different types of rods
- two lines for tuna
- two harpoons
Recreational fishing is allowed all along the Adriatic, except in the national park areas of:
Brijuni, Kornati, Krka, Mljet and some other small locations.
 |
Diving |
|
Scuba diving in Croatia is only allowed to Croatian and foreign holders of the Croatian Diving Association (HRS) diver’s card.
The card is issued to divers with valid certificates from diving schools : CMAS, PADI, SSI, NAUI, NASDS, YMCA, MDEA, NASE, IDEA, IANDT, NSS-CDS, ANDI, TDI, NACI, PSA, PDIC, SDI, FIAS, ACUC, BSAC, VDST, BARACUDA, IDD, UDI and similar certification.
The permit is valid for a year and it costs 100Kn (15euro). It can be purchased in most diving centers and at HRS sale points. The permit for unsupervised diving costs 2400Kn (340euro) and is also valid for a year.
Those diving as part of a group within a registered diving center are not obliged to obtain such a license.
A registered diving center can be a professional diving center or an amateur diving center (association or club) licensed to train divers and organize diving expeditions within Croatian waters.
Organized diving activities must be supervised by a divemaster , divecon or any such equivalent, who is required to keep a log and have it verified by port authorities. They must also possess a first aid kit that includes O2 tanks at every dive location.
For free diving, a dive permit is not required. It is possible to free dive throughout Croatian waters barring some exceptions (national parks, etc.)
Diving areas must be properly marked with buoys or flags. In Croatia, the maximum depth allowed for recreational diving is 40m.
Diving is forbidden in ports, port entrances, anchorage areas, and areas frequented by heavy traffic.
You should not dive within 100m of naval ships at anchor or any military coastal installation.
Diving is not allowed in special marine reserves and the parks: Maloston Bay, Lim channel, Telascica and the national parks Brijuni and Krka. On Brijuni one may dive only in organized groups.
Areas requiring a special permit are NP Kornati, NP Mljet, NP Telascica, where permits are issued by park authorities.
In case of diving accidents, contact the following hyperbaric chambers:
- Pula: Polyclinic OXY tel/fax 052/ 217 877; mob 098/ 255 945, 098/ 219 225
- Split: IPM HRM tel. 021/ 381 702 ; 381 753; 354 511, Doctor GOSOVIC tel./fax 021/ 361 355; 343 980; mob 091/ 5461 313
 |
Jet ski permits |
|
To legally drive a jet ski in Croatia one needs to have a boat driving permit. If the person doesn’t have this, it is possible to obtain while in Croatia.
In order to obtain a jet ski permit one needs to take an oral exam in one of our harbor master offices along the coast.
Most stores with nautical equipment sell a booklet that can help you to prepare for the exam.
To take the exam one needs:
- 2 photos
- passport
- exam fee of around 900Kn (130euros)
It is reasonable to show up in the office an hour before the exam to handle paper formalities.
From the 1st of May 2009. in Split’s harbor office, this exam can be taken every Monday at 3 p.m (15h).
The permit is issued permanently. It’s of category B and for unlimited power. With a request to the Croatian Ministry of the Sea it can be issued as an international permit.
 |
Harbor and beach etiquette |
|
For safety reasons sailing is not allowed in harbor entrances, in narrow channels, closer than 50m to the shore, within the floats marking bathing areas, or closer than 200m to natural beaches.
Speedboats, jet skis and hovercraft are allowed only in designated areas and may not come closer than 300m to the shoreline.
We recommend that you don’t sail in or out at a speed which creates a wake, as you might damage other vessels or equipment in the harbor. Keep in mind that fines are pretty hefty.
 |
Weather in the Adriatic |
|
In summer months average air temperatures vary from 23°C in the north to 25°C in the south. As the Adriatic is a rather closed sea, sea waves rarely reach extreme heights or lengths.
The main direction of waves is from NW (mistral), with an average height between 0.5 to 1.5m.
For safe sailing it is of great importance to recognize the influence of the coastal relief on weather changes at sea as these are mostly abrupt, especially in the late summer months, and can bring sudden gales and cold air from the north.
11.1. Typical Adriatic winds:
- BURA (bora) –from the I.guadrant (burin comes from the same direction, but as a local early morning wind which mostly depends upon a difference in temperatures of the sea and landmass). It can be anti-cyclonal, fair, or cyclonal dark with clouded skies.
- FAIR BURA – occurs when high pressure areas over North-East Europe combine with low pressures in the Med. It is characterized by a fall in air temperature and the clearing of the sky, and usually lasts for a couple of days, weakening around noon while gaining strength in the late afternoon and evening hours.
- DARK BURA – brings cloudy weather, mostly with rain and snow. Its duration depends upon the speed of the cyclone crossing the Adriatic. Bura is a wind of very unstable intensity with variable direction, from N to ENE.
If the bura is forecast, these are the areas to avoid or to sail with utmost caution:
- Kvarner and Kvarneric bay
- Rijeka bay
- Velebit channel
- Senj and Senj’s door
- Kastela bay between Trogir and Split
- Vrulja cove between Omis and Makarska
- Zuljana bay on Peljesac peninsula
- Zupska bay between Cavtat and Kupar
- JUGO – warm and moist wind from the II quadrant. Depending upon the origin it can be: 1) Cyclonal jugo- which can reach storm-force, bringing clouds and rain, mostly spreading from the north to south. 2) Anti-cyclonal jugo- mostly of moderate strength, brings a small quantity of clouds and rain and also brings unfavorable bio-meteorological conditions.
- OSTRO – blows mostly from the S, more frequently at open sea, especially with cyclones from NW or W in progress. It is solely governed by the movement of cyclones.
- LEBIC – is a SW wind that is very dangerous in most Adriatic ports that offer little or no protection against this wind. If the anti-cyclone moves slow, it can last for several days, making very rough seas.
- MAESTRAL – it is a typical summer wind. It starts just before noon, gets stronger in the mid-day hours and loses force after the sunset.
- TRAMONTANA – comes from the IV. quadrant as a wind typical for a weather front progressing from NW.
- LEVANT – blows from E, “leaning” on bura or jugo – therefore people call it “a Levant bura” and “a Levant jugo”
 |
Cruising itinerary |
|
Having worked on mega yachts during busy charter seasons all around the world, we understand the need for that crucial country-specific information that can add that little something extra to any trip.
Our clients have frequently asked where to go and what to do while in Croatia. So this year we decided to make a “Top 10 destinations” list, and also offer suggestions for two charter itineraries.
The itineraries are made based upon the assumption that you will start and finish your cruising in Croatia. As mentioned, these are just our suggestions that could easily be adjusted to your desires and needs.
We hope these will help all of you interested owners and crew members to make your stay in Croatia as memorable as possible.
* Please find our “Top 10 destinations” and cruising itineraries in our Destinations section.
|
|
