Weekly maritime regulatory digest
The weekly briefing.
Week ending 30 March 2026 · Archived edition
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Med East
Eleven Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices this week: underwater firing exercises in the Myrtoo Sea (two separate activations of the 'Ydra' area), submarine cable installation between Kefalonia and Zakynthos, aeronautical exercises southeast of Astypalaia, firing at Fleves Island in the Saronikos Gulf and in the Kritiko Sea ('Kriti' area), and four lights unlit or unreliable at Akra Trypiti, North Evvoikos Gulf, Thrakiko Sea (Alexandroupoli port), and Ikaria Island. Nav warnings
Med NW
Nine French Maritime Prefecture orders covering the Var coast, Alpes-Maritimes, Corsica, and the Hérault: temporary navigation and anchoring restrictions at Pointe du Cannier (Var) 30 March–3 April, Cap d'Ail on 28 March, a Defence Ministry buoy installation zone, a derogation for underwater survey at Cannes (May), new coastal strip regulations at Saint-Cyprien and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, a nautical festival at Sète (31 March and 5–6 April), a water sports event at Saint-Raphaël (4–6 April), and an exercise off the eastern coast of Haute-Corse (31 March–3 April). Local
Italy
Nine Italian Coast Guard ordinances: three sailing events off Civitavecchia (including a coast guard demonstration and two racing regattas), a Flying Dutchman regatta off Marina di Carrara, sailing races off Naples, seabed core sampling at Ravenna (Yara Sud terminal), live firing and pyrotechnic hazard zones off Taranto (zones T833 and T833B, 30 March–3 April), and a canoe and kayak race off Naples. Local
Med SW
The European Union Council has formally accepted a third-state contribution to Operation EUNAVFOR Aspides, the maritime security operation safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and adjacent waters. Security
Flag
Transport Malta: live firing at Pembroke Ranges on 6 April (extended hours) and an ongoing oceanographic survey between Malta and Sicily. Bahamas Maritime Authority: five maritime notices covering tonnage regulations, load line regulations, port state control detentions, security training, and reporting requirements; plus Technical Alert 26-05 advising that the Revised Merchant Shipping Act enters into force on 1 April 2026. Marshall Islands Registry: enclosed space entry safety bulletin reissued. UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency: two Marine Guidance Notices and two Merchant Shipping Notices covering Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon/Personal Locator Beacon registration and ballast water regulations. Safety / Flag
Class
Lloyd's Register publishes its summary report from the International Maritime Organization Facilitation Committee session 50 and a class news item covering the implications of the United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme extending to the domestic maritime sector. RINA announces a partnership with Space4Good to use satellite-based data for verifying environmental and infrastructure conditions. Safety learning
For any navigation warning or local ordinance, confirm positions, time windows, and chart updates with the issuing authority before operations.
47 notices
Eastern Mediterranean
Greece
Note: the same notices appear under two source labels in the data feed. Each entry below represents a single unique notice.
426/2026 — Underwater firing exercises, southwest Aegean Sea, Myrtoo Sea
Underwater firing exercises are taking place in the Myrtoo Sea in the southwest Aegean Sea. Vessels planning to transit or anchor in this area should confirm the current status and boundaries of the exercise zone with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before departure.
425/2026 — Underwater cable installation, North Ionian Sea, Kefalonia and Zakynthos
Underwater cable installation operations are under way in the North Ionian Sea in the vicinity of Kefalonia and Zakynthos Islands. Vessels transiting this area should maintain clear of the cable-laying vessel and its operational zone, and exercise particular caution with anchoring to avoid interference with the cable route.
424/2026 — Live firing, activation of 'Ydra' firing practice area, Myrtoo Sea
The 'Ydra' firing practice area in the Myrtoo Sea has been activated for live firing exercises. Vessels planning to transit or anchor in the Myrtoo Sea should confirm the current status of this restricted area with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before departure.
423/2026 — Navigation light unlit, South Ionian Sea, west coast of Peloponnese, Akra Trypiti
The navigation light at Akra Trypiti on the west coast of the Peloponnese in the South Ionian Sea has been reported unlit. Update chart annotations and exercise heightened caution on night approaches to this headland until the light is restored.
420/2026 — Navigation light unreliable, Ikaria Island, Pappas Point
The navigation light at Pappas Point on Ikaria Island has been reported as unreliable. Mariners navigating around Ikaria should not rely on this light and should exercise caution on approaches until its reliability is confirmed.
419/2026 — Navigation light unlit, North Evvoikos Gulf, Larmes Bay
A navigation light in Larmes Bay in the North Evvoikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Update chart annotations for this area and exercise heightened caution on night approaches until the light is restored.
418/2026 — Activation of 'Kriti' firing practice area, Region A1, Kritiko Sea
Region A1 of the 'Kriti' firing practice area in the Kritiko Sea has been activated. Vessels planning to transit or operate in this area should confirm the active time window and restricted zone boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before planning passage.
417/2026 — Aeronautical exercises without firing, Karpathio Sea, southeast of Astypalaia Island
Aeronautical exercises without live firing are taking place southeast of Astypalaia Island in the Karpathio Sea. Vessels transiting this area should be aware of increased aircraft activity and confirm the exercise schedule with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service if operating nearby.
416/2026 — Firing exercises, Saronikos Gulf, Fleves Island
Firing exercises are taking place in the Saronikos Gulf in the vicinity of Fleves Island. Vessels operating in the Saronikos Gulf should confirm the active time window and the extent of the restricted zone with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before transiting or anchoring in this area.
414/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Thrakiko Sea, Alexandroupoli port
A navigation light at the port of Alexandroupoli in the Thrakiko Sea has been reported unlit. Update chart annotations for this approach and exercise heightened caution on night approaches to Alexandroupoli until the light is restored.
Underwater firing exercises, Myrtoo Sea — second activation this week (see 426/2026 above)
Note: two separate underwater firing exercise notices have been issued for the Myrtoo Sea this week — 424/2026 and 426/2026. Both are included above. Confirm all active zones with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before transit.
Northwestern Mediterranean
France · Mediterranean
⚠ These orders are issued by the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean. Links are to the official signed documents (PDF). Verify expiry dates with the issuing authority.
Order 2026-072 — Navigation, anchoring, diving, and bathing restrictions, Pointe du Cannier (Var), 30 March–3 April 2026
Navigation, anchoring, diving, and bathing are restricted in the coastal waters off the Pointe du Cannier in the Var department from 30 March to 3 April 2026. Vessels and tenders approaching this stretch of the Var coastline should review the order for the designated restricted zone and maintain clear of it for the duration.
Order 2026-071 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions, Cap d'Ail (Alpes-Maritimes), 28 March 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving are restricted in the coastal waters off the commune of Cap d'Ail in the Alpes-Maritimes on 28 March 2026. Vessels operating along this stretch of the Riviera coastline on that date should review the order for the restricted zone boundaries before approaching.
Order 2026-073 — Defence Ministry buoy installation zone, continental shelf, navigation and anchoring prohibited
A temporary exclusion zone covering navigation, anchoring, diving, bathing, fishing, and dredging has been established on the continental shelf to permit the installation and operation of two buoys for the French Directorate General of Armaments. Vessels operating in this area should review the order for the exact position and duration before transiting or anchoring.
Order 2026-063 — Derogation for underwater museum survey, Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes), 25–30 May 2026
A derogation to the existing prefectural order governing the Cannes coastal strip has been granted to allow visual and photographic surveys of the underwater eco-museum off the commune of Cannes between 25 and 30 May 2026. Vessels planning to operate in the Cannes coastal zone during that period should review the order for the permitted activities and any revised access conditions.
Order 2026-064 — Coastal strip regulations, Saint-Cyprien (Pyrénées-Orientales)
New regulations governing navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off Saint-Cyprien in the Pyrénées-Orientales have been established. Vessels and tenders operating in this coastal band should review the order for the permitted activities and any restrictions that apply to their operations.
Order 2026-066 — Navigation, anchoring, and diving restrictions, Sète (Hérault) — 'Escale à Sète 2026' nautical festival, 31 March and 5–6 April 2026
Navigation, anchoring, and diving restrictions are in force off the commune of Sète in the Hérault during the 'Escale à Sète 2026' nautical festival on 31 March and 5–6 April 2026. Vessels planning to call at or transit Sète during these dates should review the order for the restricted zone and coordinate with the local harbour master.
Order 2026-067 — Coastal strip regulations, Belvédère-Campomoro (Corse-du-Sud, Corsica)
New regulations governing navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off the commune of Belvédère-Campomoro in southern Corsica have been established. Vessels and tenders operating in this area should review the order for the conditions applicable to their activities.
Order 2026-068 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions, Saint-Raphaël (Var) — 'Ride Séries 2026', 4–6 April 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving in the bay of Saint-Raphaël are restricted during the 'Ride Séries 2026' water sports event from 4 to 6 April 2026. Vessels planning to anchor or operate in the bay of Saint-Raphaël during these dates should review the order for the designated restricted zone.
Order 2026-065 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions, eastern coast of Haute-Corse, 31 March–3 April 2026 (reserve dates 2–3 April)
Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving are restricted along the eastern coast of Haute-Corse on 31 March and 1 April 2026, with reserve dates of 2 and 3 April. Vessels planning to operate along this stretch of the eastern Corsican coastline should review the order for the precise zone and confirm conditions with the issuing authority.
Order 2026-069 — Coastal strip regulations, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (Alpes-Maritimes)
New regulations governing navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off the commune of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin in the Alpes-Maritimes have been established. Vessels and tenders operating in this coastal band near the Franco-Italian border should review the order for applicable restrictions.
Tyrrhenian Sea
Italy · Tyrrhenian
⚠ Italian Coast Guard ordinance links may become inactive once a temporary order expires. If a link is broken the notice has likely lapsed — confirm with the issuing harbour master's office if operational certainty is required.
Civitavecchia 28/2026 — Coast Guard vessel and rescue dog demonstration, 27 March 2026
A public demonstration involving Italian Coast Guard vessels and rescue dogs has been authorised in the waters off Civitavecchia on 27 March 2026. Navigation, fishing, diving, and bathing restrictions apply within the demonstration area — vessels approaching Civitavecchia should note any residual temporary restrictions that may be in force.
Civitavecchia 27/2026 — Sailing regatta 'Roma per Due / Roma per Tutti / Riva per Due / Riva per Tutti', 26 March 2026
A sailing regatta series covering several race formats has been authorised off Civitavecchia on 26 March 2026. Navigation, fishing, diving, and bathing restrictions apply within the race course area — vessels approaching or departing Civitavecchia during the event should exercise caution and maintain clear of racing traffic.
Civitavecchia 26/2026 — Sailing regatta 'Prologo Roma per Due', 9 April 2026
A sailing race designated 'Prologo Roma per Due' has been authorised off Civitavecchia on 9 April 2026. Navigation, fishing, diving, and bathing restrictions apply within the designated race area — vessels planning to operate in this area on 9 April should review the ordinance and coordinate with the Civitavecchia harbour master if required.
Marina di Carrara 16/2026 — Flying Dutchman sailing regatta, 3–4 April 2026
A Flying Dutchman class sailing regatta has been authorised off Marina di Carrara on 3 and 4 April 2026. Navigation, bathing, and access restrictions apply within the race course area — vessels approaching the Carrara coastline on those dates should allow adequate sea room for racing activity.
Napoli 30/2026 — Sailing races, 28–29 March 2026
Sailing races have been authorised in the waters off Naples on 28 and 29 March 2026. Vessels navigating or anchoring in the Naples coastal area during these dates should exercise caution and maintain clear of racing vessels and any course marking buoys.
Napoli 29/2026 — Canoe and kayak race
A canoe and kayak race has been authorised in the waters off Naples. Navigation restrictions apply within the designated course area — vessels and tenders operating close inshore in the Naples area should maintain a safe distance from racing participants and any course markings for the duration of the event.
Southern Italy / Sicily / Ionian
Italy · South
Taranto 74/2026 — Exclusion zone T833B, 30 March–1 April 2026
A navigation and access exclusion zone designated T833B is in force off Taranto from 30 March to 1 April 2026. Vessels must stay clear of this zone for the full duration — confirm the exact coordinates and active hours with the Taranto harbour master's office before transiting the area.
Taranto 73/2026 — Pyrotechnic hazard zone T833, 30 March–3 April 2026
A pyrotechnic and luminous device hazard zone designated T833 is in force off Taranto from 30 March to 3 April 2026. Vessels operating in the vicinity of the Taranto exercise areas must maintain clear of zone T833 and confirm current boundaries with the Taranto harbour master before transiting.
Adriatic / North Italy
Italy · Adriatic
Ravenna 22/2026 — Seabed core sampling works, Yara Sud terminal
Core sampling works to characterise seabed sediments have been authorised at the Yara Sud terminal in the port of Ravenna. Navigation and port access restrictions apply within the works area — vessels approaching Ravenna port should check with the harbour master's office for current access conditions before manoeuvring in the vicinity of the Yara Sud berth.
Western Mediterranean / EU Policy
Spain · Mediterranean
EU Council Decision (PESC) 2026/745 — Third-state contribution accepted to Operation EUNAVFOR Aspides, Red Sea
The European Union Political and Security Committee has formally accepted the contribution of a third state to Operation EUNAVFOR Aspides, the European Union maritime security operation established to safeguard freedom of navigation in the context of the Red Sea crisis. This decision reinforces the multinational naval presence in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and adjacent waters — operators with vessels trading in or transiting these waters should continue to follow the latest security advisories from their flag state and relevant industry bodies.
Flag State
Malta
Live firing at Pembroke Ranges — extended hours, 6 April 2026
Live firing at the Pembroke Ranges in Malta has been authorised with extended hours on 6 April 2026. Vessels navigating in the coastal waters adjacent to the Pembroke Ranges on this date should maintain clear of the designated danger area and confirm the active firing times with Transport Malta before approaching.
PAGES oceanographic investigative survey — Malta to Sicily channel (ongoing)
An oceanographic investigative survey designated PAGES continues in the channel between Malta and Sicily. Vessels transiting or anchoring in this area should maintain clear of the survey vessel and its operational zone for the duration of the operation.
Flag State
Bahamas
Maritime Notice 101 — The Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 2026
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has published Maritime Notice 101 setting out the new Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 2026 for Bahamas-flagged vessels. Vessel managers and operators should review the updated tonnage measurement requirements to ensure continued compliance with Bahamas flag state obligations.
Maritime Notice 100 — The Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Regulations 2026
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has published Maritime Notice 100 setting out the new Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Regulations 2026. Vessel managers operating Bahamas-flagged yachts should review the updated load line requirements and confirm that current statutory certificates and markings remain valid under the revised regulations.
Maritime Notice 094 — Port State Control detentions
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has published Maritime Notice 094 covering recent port state control detentions of Bahamas-flagged vessels. Designated persons ashore and vessel managers should review the notice to understand the deficiency categories and trends arising from recent inspections and take corrective action where applicable.
Maritime Notice 027 — Security training, instruction, and certification
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has reissued Maritime Notice 027 covering the security training, instruction, and certification requirements for crew serving on Bahamas-flagged vessels. Vessel managers and masters should confirm that all crew security certifications remain current and meet the standards set out in the updated notice.
Maritime Notice 004 — Reporting requirements
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has reissued Maritime Notice 004 consolidating the reporting requirements applicable to Bahamas-flagged vessels. Masters and operators should review the notice to confirm they are meeting all current notification and incident reporting obligations to the flag state.
Technical Alert 26-05 — Revised Merchant Shipping Act enters into force 1 April 2026
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has issued Technical Alert 26-05 advising that the Revised Merchant Shipping Act enters into force on 1 April 2026. Vessel managers and operators of Bahamas-flagged yachts should review the Act to understand the updated legislative framework now governing vessel registration, safety certification, and flag state obligations under Bahamian law.
Flag State
Marshall Islands
Yacht Safety Advisory 2026-01 — Enclosed space entry incidents (reissued)
The Marshall Islands Registry has reissued its incident learning bulletin reinforcing the controls required for safe entry into enclosed spaces on board yachts, including atmosphere testing, rescue standby arrangements, and permit procedures. This is recommended crew briefing material for all vessels regardless of flag state.
Flag State
UK MCA
MGN 665 (M+F) Amendment 1 — Mandatory registration of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and Personal Locator Beacons
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published Amendment 1 to Marine Guidance Notice 665, updating the mandatory registration requirements for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and Personal Locator Beacons used on United Kingdom-registered ships, hovercraft, and watercraft. Operators of United Kingdom-flagged vessels should review the amendment to confirm that all beacons on board are registered in compliance with the current requirements.
MGN 675 (M+F) Amendment 2 — Ballast Water and Sediments Regulations 2022
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published Amendment 2 to Marine Guidance Notice 675, updating guidance on the Merchant Shipping (Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments) Regulations 2022. Vessel managers operating United Kingdom-flagged vessels should review the amended guidance to confirm that ballast water management plans and reporting procedures remain compliant.
MSN 1924 (M+F) — Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon and Personal Locator Beacon registration requirements
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published Merchant Shipping Notice 1924, setting out the statutory registration requirements for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and Personal Locator Beacons on United Kingdom-registered vessels. This notice should be read alongside Marine Guidance Notice 665 Amendment 1 — operators should confirm that all beacons on board are correctly registered and that records are up to date.
MSN 1908 (M+F) Amendment 3 — Ballast Water and Sediments Regulations 2022
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published Amendment 3 to Merchant Shipping Notice 1908, updating the statutory requirements under the Merchant Shipping (Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments) Regulations 2022. Vessel managers should review the amendment alongside Marine Guidance Notice 675 Amendment 2 to ensure full compliance with the current ballast water management framework.
Classification Society
Lloyd’s Register
Class News 06/2026 — United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme extends to domestic maritime sector
Lloyd's Register has published its class news covering the extension of the United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme to the domestic maritime sector, which will require affected operators to account for greenhouse gas emissions from their vessels under the scheme. Operators with vessels trading in United Kingdom waters or flagged under the United Kingdom should review the notice to understand the scope of the new requirements and the timeline for compliance.
International Maritime Organization Facilitation Committee — Session 50 summary report
Lloyd's Register has published its summary of the International Maritime Organization Facilitation Committee's 50th session, covering decisions and developments on matters including electronic certificates, maritime single windows, and crew welfare documentation requirements. Vessel managers and operators should review the summary for outcomes relevant to port arrival procedures and flag state certification.
Classification Society
RINA
RINA and Space4Good — satellite-based verification partnership for infrastructure and environment
RINA has announced a partnership with Space4Good to apply satellite-based data analysis for the verification of infrastructure integrity and environmental conditions, with potential applications across maritime and offshore asset monitoring. Operators interested in emerging remote sensing verification tools may wish to follow developments from this collaboration as the technology matures.
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