The long Croatian coast with all its peninsula’s bays, islands and archipelago’s make it a perfect destination for a sailing holiday. You can book an organized trip with one of the many travel agencies that specialize in sailing trips, from a day to weeks and from a small boat to larger boats, you will find the perfect match for you. Besides organized sailing trips you can also visit Croatia with your own sailing vessel!

photo ©EMRE d.o.o.

Listed below are some of the regulations applying to sailing in Croatian waters to keep in mind.

You have to take the shortest route to the nearest port open to international traffic, when entering the territorial waters of the Republic of Croatia

• to carry out border control formalities
• to obtain the relevant official vignette
• to verify crew and passenger lists

If the vessel has arrived in Croatia by road, or is moored in a port or other approved location in the territory of Croatia, you are obliged to obtain an official vignette and to verify the crew and passenger lists, in the Harbours Master’s Office, or a branch office before setting out to sea.

The official vignette is obliged for a vessel of more than 3 m in length, or less than 3 m in length with a total propulsion power of 5kW or more, this also includes water-crafts like jet-skis.
The official vignette is not needed for a vessel using only paddles or oars, regardless of its length, like a kayak, beach canoe, or pedal-boat.
The official vignette is not needed for a vessel in storage in a port or other approved place in Croatia.

The official vignette, which is valid one year from the date of issue, must be displayed on a clearly visible location on the vessel.
The counterfoil of the vignette must be adhered to the vessel’s list of persons.

The following documents must be carried by a vessel sailing in Croatia territorial waters:
– official vignette
– verified list of crew and passengers, except for vessel that have no facilities for extended stay, like bunks
– verified list of persons who can stay aboard the vessel, e.g when changing crew
– proof of seaworthiness of the vessel
– proof that the skipper of the vessel is able and qualified to command the vessel
– proof of third party insurance
– proof of ownership, or the owner’s authorization to use the vessel

the list of persons does not include persons that stay on the vessel while the vessel is in harbour or at anchor, or children below 12 years of age.

photo ©EMRE d.o.o.