Minimum Distance Between Boats in Croatia (2025): Safe Sailing Rules Near Shores & Beaches

What is the minimum distance that should be maintained between yachts and the coast in Croatia?

Safe Sailing Near the Shores of Croatia:

Are yachts allowed to sail along the coast? How close can boats come to shore? What is the minimum distance for boats? What is the minimum distance you should keep between vessels? Here are the rules that apply to all sailboats, yachts, and dinghies:

Minimum Distance Regulations for Vessels Near Shorelines and Beaches

During the summer (swimming) season, we can often see boats passing near the shore where others swim in the summer, especially if the beach or the particular coastline is close to a mooring bay or an anchorage. These are swimming locations in front of which boats often pass. Some beaches do not have a protective fence, so many yachts or dinghies pass very close to the shore, sometimes even between swimmers. Let us tell you the rules and do swimmers have an advantage in this situation.

Croatia's NEW (2025) Maritime Safety Rules: Distance Regulations for Vessels

During the busy summer season, vessels often navigate near beaches where swimmers are present, sometimes too close for comfort. While floating fences protect some swimming areas, others are open and vulnerable. To prevent accidents, Croatia enforces strict minimum distance rules between vessels and from the shoreline.

Swimming Zones & Distance Regulations

According to the Rulebook on Maintaining Order in Ports and Internal Waters of the Republic of Croatia, these are the rules for swimmers:

In theory, and according to all regulations, swimmers and sailing vessels should never be in the same area. The Rulebook on the conditions and manner of maintaining order in ports and other parts of internal sea waters and the territorial sea of ​​the Republic of Croatia defines what they can and cannot do.

RULES FOR SWIMMERS

Swimming is prohibited in ports, port approaches, narrow waterways, and canals where navigation is carried out. Furthermore, swimming outside the floating protective fence on organized beaches and in natural swimming pools more than 100 meters from the shore is forbidden.

In natural bathing areas, where the configuration is such that navigation is impossible, such as shoals, reefs or rocks, you can swim more than 100 meters from the shore. Likewise, they can swim 100 meters away from the shore if they participate in an organized sports activity, but they must get permission from the harbour master. Swimmers from boats are allowed to swim near the boat; when it is anchored, its propeller is out of order, and by swimming, they do not endanger their safety or the safety of other boats. The same regulation prohibits sailing, docking, anchoring and tying up within ​​the regulated bathing/swimming area.

PRESCRIBED DISTANCE

Restrictions for vessels are specified in the Ordinance on the safety of maritime navigation in internal sea waters of the territorial sea of ​​the Republic of Croatia. It is clearly stated that yachts and boats in navigation near an arranged swimming/bathing area must be at least 50 meters away from the floating protective fence and at a natural bathing area of more than 150 meters.

Otherwise, for sailing outside natural or organized bathing areas, ships and seaplanes may not approach the shore less than 300 meters, yachts 150 meters, and motor boats and sailboats 50 meters from the shore. They can sail shorter distances than those mentioned only to enter the port, the anchorage, or to dock along the coast. Still, they must reduce their speed to easily and quickly perform the turning and stopping manoeuvre. Boats without mechanical propulsion may sail indefinitely in an area up to 50 meters from the coast.

SPEED LIMIT

The Rulebook further states that vessels up to 150 meters from the coast must sail with special attention and at speed not exceeding 5 knots and in the area from 150 to 300 meters from the shore not exceeding 8 knots.

Planing (speed boats and motor yachts) can only be done more than 300 meters from the coast if it is not prohibited in that area. Such areas are determined by the competent port authority and published in official nautical charts and publications. Once the boat begins planing, resistance decreases. Since less of the yacht is submerged, it results in less drag, allowing the boaters to attain high velocities while consuming less fuel.

When exercising legal powers, these regulations do not apply to public ships and small boats (police boats or safety vessels).

What is the minimum distance you should keep between yachts in Croatia?

To ensure maximum safety during maritime activities, it is crucial always to maintain a safe distance between sailing boats.

Typically, a minimum distance of around 50 meters (approximately 164 feet) is recommended to avoid collisions and allow for manoeuvring. However, specific regulations and guidelines may vary depending on the area, type of vessels, local conditions, and designated sailing lanes or restricted zones.

Responsibility for the safety of an anchored yacht or boat falls on the person operating it. They should follow the instructions of the concessionaire or Harbourmaster's Office concerning safety. When anchoring a vessel, the operator must ensure that the vessel is sufficiently distanced from nearby vessels in all directions and in all weather conditions.

NEW (2025) Maritime Safety Rules: Anchoring & Mooring Rules (Article 53, 2025 Update)

From the latest 2025 Croatian maritime safety regulations (Official Source):

Key Mooring Rules

• Anchoring/mooring must not endanger life, the environment, or other vessels.
• Anchoring is prohibited:
  • In areas designated as no-anchor zones
  • Near underwater cables, pipelines, or outlets
  • Within 50 meters of designated swimming zones
  • Within 150 meters of natural swimming areas
• Mooring is prohibited:
  • Inside designated or natural swimming areas
  • Where coastal vegetation could be damaged
  • If the vessel extends 50 meters or more from the shore

All anchoring/mooring zones are published in official nautical charts and Ministry websites.

Minimum Safe Distance Between Vessels

To prevent collisions and allow for safe manoeuvring:

• Maintain at least 50 meters between vessels at all times, especially in crowded or narrow areas.
• Adjust spacing based on:
  • Wind and current
  • Vessel size and speed
  • Local traffic conditions

While this is a general guideline, always follow official designated sailing lanes and Harbourmaster directives.

📌 Final Tips for Safe Boating in Croatia

• Use updated nautical charts for no-anchor zones
• Follow Harbourmaster Office guidance when mooring
• Ensure your anchor chains and mooring lines do not block navigation
• Avoid damaging coastal vegetation
• Reduce speed well before approaching shore or anchor zones

Minimum Distance Between Boats, Swimmers & Shores COMPARISON TABLE (Croatia 2025):

Conclusion: Stay safe, sail smart, and always respect the coastline. Whether you're captaining a yacht or cruising on a dinghy, knowing the minimum safe distances will ensure your journey is smooth, legal, and respectful of Croatia's treasured shores.

FAQs for Minimum Distance Between Boats and Shore/Beach Areas