Weekly maritime regulatory digest
The weekly briefing.
Week ending 11 May 2026 · Archived edition
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Med East
Ten unique Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices this week: one cancellation (556/2026 lifted), lights unlit at Crete Island, Paxoi Island (North Ionian), and a white flashing lightbuoy off Folegandros Island. Active operational notices include live firing and non-firing exercises off Skyros and Chios Islands (Central Aegean), subsea operations between Sifnos and Folegandros Islands, a further extension of the Nisides Karavia firing area in the Myrtoo Sea, an underwater cable inspection operation in the South Aegean and North Cretan Sea, mine-hunting exercises in the Saronikos Gulf, a navigation and anchorage prohibition in the Maliakos Gulf, and new lights established off the Sithonia Peninsula (Northwest Aegean). Nav warnings
Med NW
Nine French Maritime Prefecture orders this week: film production navigation restrictions off Ramatuelle (Var) on 8–9 and 19–21 May; explosive ordnance disposal restrictions off Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer (Var) on 11 May; 300-metre coastal strip rules for Pianottoli-Caldarello (Corsica); kite, wing, and wind sports event restrictions off Gruissan and Port-la-Nouvelle (Aude) 8–17 May (two orders covering overlapping areas); a diving derogation off Èze and Cap d'Ail (Alpes-Maritimes) 11–22 May; Toulon Provence Regatta 2026 restrictions off Toulon 7–10 May; Cannes Film Festival speed restrictions and coastal derogations 12–23 May; and Ocean Fifty Series Act 2 race restrictions off Ajaccio (Corsica) 6–9 May. Local
Italy
Seven Italian Coast Guard ordinances this week: in the Tyrrhenian, a sailing regatta off Fiumicino (Rome), a traditional small-boat race and a religious sea procession off Porto Santo Stefano (Argentario), and an extension of an existing Livorno order (47/2026). In the Adriatic: a 420 and 470 class sailing regatta off Ancona, an offshore project vessel operational stop and anchor tensioning off Giulianova (Ortona), and an infrastructure works restriction at Ortona harbour. Local
Med NE
The Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure has published an updated list of approved cabotage authorisations for vessels of third-country nationality chartered in Croatia for 2026, with status current to 29 April 2026. Operators with non-European Union flagged vessels planning to undertake coastal charter work in Croatian waters should review the list to confirm their vessel's authorisation status before commencing operations. Regulatory
Flag
Transport Malta cancels Notice to Mariners 07/2026 — the Mellieha Bay reef isolated danger light is now reliable. Bahamas Maritime Authority issues guidance on hatches, lifting appliances, and anchor handling winches. Flag / Safety
Class
Lloyd's Register publishes Class News 09/2026 covering the withdrawal of United Kingdom Monitoring, Reporting and Verification regulations following the United Kingdom's alignment with the European Union Emissions Trading System. DNV publishes two notices: guidance on documenting that fire-extinguishing foam on board is free of perfluorooctane sulfonate compounds (required at the first safety equipment survey after 1 January 2026), and a summary of the 84th session of the International Maritime Organization Marine Environment Protection Committee covering the Net-Zero Framework and Ballast Water Management Convention amendments. Safety / Regulatory
For any navigation warning or local ordinance, confirm positions, time windows, and chart updates with the issuing authority before operations.
31 notices
Eastern Mediterranean
Greece
Note: the same notices appear under two source labels in the data feed (Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service and Greece HNHS NAVWARNs). Each entry below represents a single unique notice. One cancellation is included — this is operationally relevant as it confirms a previously active restriction is now lifted.
620/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Crete Island
A navigation light on Crete Island has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating in the approaches to Crete should update chart annotations and exercise heightened caution on night approaches until the light is confirmed restored.
617/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Paxoi Island (AEF-0340), North Ionian Sea
The AEF-0340 navigation light on Paxoi Island in the North Ionian Sea has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating in the North Ionian and planning to call at or pass Paxoi should update chart annotations and exercise caution on night approaches until the light is confirmed restored.
616/2026 — Firing and non-firing exercises, Skyros Island and Chios Island area, Central Aegean Sea
Naval exercises including both live firing and non-firing activities are being conducted in the Central Aegean Sea in the areas of Skyros Island and Chios Island. Vessels transiting or anchoring in this region should confirm active time windows and zone boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before planning passage.
615/2026 — Subsea operations, Sifnos Island and Folegandros Island area, South Aegean Sea
Subsea operations are being carried out in the South Aegean Sea in the area between Sifnos Island and Folegandros Island. Vessels navigating or anchoring in the vicinity should maintain clear of the operations area and confirm precise location, extent, and duration with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before approaching.
613/2026 — Extension of firing practice area activation, Nisides Karavia, Myrtoo Sea (live firing)
The activation of the Nisides Karavia live firing practice area in the Myrtoo Sea has been extended again this week. Vessels planning to transit or anchor in the Myrtoo Sea should confirm the current active time window and zone boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before departure.
612/2026 — Underwater cable inspection operation, South Aegean Sea and North Cretan Sea
An underwater cable inspection operation is being conducted across the South Aegean Sea and the North Cretan Sea. Vessels navigating or anchoring in these areas should be aware of the supporting vessel and diving operations and confirm the precise zone and schedule with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before passage.
609/2026 — Mine-hunting exercises, Saronikos Gulf
Mine-hunting exercises are being conducted in the Saronikos Gulf. Vessels navigating or anchoring in the gulf — including approaches to Piraeus and the Saronic Islands — should be aware of naval activity and confirm the exercise area and duration with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before operating in the vicinity.
608/2026 — Prohibition of navigation and anchorage, Maliakos Gulf
Navigation and anchorage for boats has been prohibited in a designated area of the Maliakos Gulf on the central Greek mainland coast. Vessels intending to navigate or anchor in the Maliakos Gulf should review this notice for the exact restricted area and duration before approaching.
606/2026 — White flashing lightbuoy unlit, Folegandros Island, Central Aegean Sea
The white flashing lightbuoy off Folegandros Island in the Central Aegean Sea has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating in the Cyclades and approaching Folegandros should update chart annotations and exercise caution on night approaches until the buoy is confirmed back in service.
604/2026 — Cancellation of Navigation Warning 556/2026
Navigation Warning 556/2026 has been formally cancelled by the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service. Vessels that had noted restrictions associated with that notice may now treat the area as clear — confirm with the Hydrographic Service if any uncertainty remains.
603/2026 — New lights established, Sithonia Peninsula, Agios Ioannis area, Northwest Aegean Sea
New navigation lights have been established in the Agios Ioannis area of the Sithonia Peninsula in the Northwest Aegean Sea. Vessels navigating in this area should update charts and sailing directions to reflect the new light characteristics and positions.
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 2026-116 — Navigation, anchoring, and diving restrictions during film production, Ramatuelle (Var) — 8–9 May and 19–21 May 2026
Navigation, anchoring, and diving restrictions have been established off the commune of Ramatuelle on the Var coast to facilitate filming of the series "The Secret Garden" on 8–9 May and 19–21 May 2026. Vessels and tenders operating along this stretch of the Riviera between Saint-Tropez and Cavalaire should review the order for the precise restricted zone and timings.
Order 2026-122 — Navigation, anchoring, diving, and bathing restrictions during explosive ordnance disposal, Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer (Var) — 11 May 2026
Navigation, anchoring, diving, and bathing restrictions apply off the commune of Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer on 11 May 2026 to facilitate explosive ordnance disposal operations. Vessels in the Toulon Roads area and approaching Saint-Mandrier Peninsula on this date should maintain clear of the designated area and confirm the active time window with the Maritime Prefecture before approaching.
Order 2026-121 — Coastal strip regulations (300-metre band), Pianottoli-Caldarello (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 Pianottoli-Caldarello on the southern coast of Corsica have been established. Vessels and tenders operating along this stretch of the Corsican coast should review the order for the full conditions applicable to their operations.
Orders 2026-120 and 2026-123 — Navigation, anchoring, and diving restrictions during kite, wing, and wind sports events, Gruissan and Port-la-Nouvelle (Aude) — 8–17 May 2026
Two overlapping prefectural orders regulate navigation, anchoring, and diving off the communes of Gruissan and Port-la-Nouvelle on the Languedoc coast during the "Défi Kite", "Défi Wing", and "Défi Wind" water sports events from 8 to 17 May 2026. Vessels navigating or anchoring along this stretch of the western Mediterranean coastline during this period should review both orders for the precise restricted zones.
Order 2026-118 — Derogation for diving survey prospections, Èze and Cap d'Ail (Alpes-Maritimes) — 11–22 May 2026
A temporary derogation has been granted to existing coastal orders 97/2020 and 78/2026 to permit diving survey and prospection work off the communes of Èze and Cap d'Ail from 11 to 22 May 2026. Vessels operating in the coastal strip between Monaco and Villefranche-sur-Mer during this period should be aware of survey diving activity and review the order for the applicable zones.
Order 2026-117 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions during Toulon Provence Regatta 2026, Toulon (Var) — 7–10 May 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions apply off the commune of Toulon during the Toulon Provence Regatta from 7 to 10 May 2026. Vessels navigating in the Toulon Roads area or planning to transit the outer approaches to Toulon harbour during the regatta period should review the order for race course zones and timing.
Order 2026-119 — Temporary speed restrictions and coastal derogation, Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes) — 79th International Film Festival, 12–23 May 2026
Temporary speed restrictions apply in the coastal waters off Cannes and a derogation has been granted to existing order 167/2024 for the duration of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival from 12 to 23 May 2026. Vessels and tenders operating off Cannes Bay and the Lerins Islands during the festival period should review the order for speed limits and access restrictions in the affected zones.
Order 2026-115 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions during Ocean Fifty Series Act 2, Ajaccio (Corse-du-Sud, Corsica) — 6–9 May 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions applied off the commune of Ajaccio on the west coast of Corsica during the Ocean Fifty Series Act 2 offshore race from 6 to 9 May 2026. Vessels that were in the Ajaccio area during this period should note the order for situational awareness — the restrictions have now lapsed.
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.
Fiumicino 53/2026 — Trofeo Città di Fiumicino Memorial De Musis sailing regatta, 12th edition
A sailing regatta has been authorised in the waters off Fiumicino on the Lazio coast south of Rome. Navigation, fishing, and diving restrictions apply within the designated race area — vessels approaching or transiting this stretch of the central Tyrrhenian coast should maintain clear of racing traffic and course marking buoys for the duration of the event.
Livorno 57/2026 — Extension of Ordinance 47/2026
The Italian Coast Guard harbour office at Livorno has extended the validity of Ordinance 47/2026. Vessels operating in the Livorno port area or along the northern Tyrrhenian coast near Livorno should confirm the current operational conditions and duration of the extended order with the Livorno harbour master's office.
Porto Santo Stefano 34/2026 — Traditional small-boat race (Corsa dei Barchini), Porto Santo Stefano (Argentario)
A traditional small-boat race has been authorised in the waters off Porto Santo Stefano on the Monte Argentario promontory. Navigation restrictions apply within the race area — vessels anchored or transiting close to Porto Santo Stefano should allow clear sea room for the racing course and confirm timing with the harbour master's office.
Porto Santo Stefano 33/2026 — Religious sea procession for San Biagio, Porto Santo Stefano (Argentario)
A religious sea procession in honour of San Biagio has been authorised in the waters off Porto Santo Stefano. Navigation restrictions apply in the designated area during the procession — vessels operating close inshore at Porto Santo Stefano should maintain a safe distance from the procession route and confirm timing with the harbour master's office.
Adriatic Sea
Italy · Adriatic
Ancona 28/2026 — 420 and 470 class sailing regatta, first zonal selection race, Ancona
The first zonal selection race for the 420 and 470 dinghy classes has been authorised in the waters off Ancona on the central Adriatic coast. Navigation restrictions apply within the race course area — vessels navigating close to Ancona harbour approaches should maintain clear of racing traffic for the duration of the event.
Ortona 26/2026 — Operational stop, anchorage, and anchor tensioning for offshore project vessel Micoperi Trenta (IMO 8757831), Giulianova
An operational stop, anchorage area, and anchor tensioning zone have been established for the offshore construction vessel Micoperi Trenta (IMO 8757831) in connection with an offshore project off Giulianova on the Abruzzo coast. Vessels navigating or anchoring in the area off Giulianova should maintain clear of the operational zone and confirm current boundaries with the Ortona harbour master's office before approaching.
Northeastern Adriatic
Croatia
Cabotage authorisation list for third-country vessels — 2026, status to 29 April 2026
The Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure has published an updated list of approved cabotage authorisations for vessels of third-country (non-European Union) nationality chartered for coastal work in Croatian waters, with the list current to 29 April 2026. Operators with non-European Union flagged superyachts undertaking or planning charter voyages within Croatian coastal waters should review the list to confirm their vessel holds a valid authorisation before commencing operations.
Flag State
Malta
Cancellation of Notice to Mariners 07/2026 — Mellieha Bay reef isolated danger light now reliable
Transport Malta has cancelled Notice to Mariners 07/2026, which had advised that the isolated danger light marking the reef in Mellieha Bay was unreliable. The light is now functioning reliably — vessels navigating in northern Malta and approaching Mellieha Bay may update their records accordingly.
Flag State
Bahamas
Marine Notice MN108 — Hatches, lifting appliances, and anchor handling winches
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has published Marine Notice MN108 covering the inspection, maintenance, and certification requirements for hatches, lifting appliances, and anchor handling winches on Bahamas-registered vessels. Vessel managers and chief officers on Bahamas-flagged vessels should review the notice for any updated requirements applicable to their onboard equipment and survey schedule.
Classification Society
Lloyd’s Register
Class News 09/2026 — Withdrawal of United Kingdom Monitoring, Reporting and Verification regulations
Lloyd's Register has published Class News 09/2026 covering the withdrawal of the United Kingdom's standalone Monitoring, Reporting and Verification regulations, following the United Kingdom's decision to align its shipping emissions framework with the European Union Emissions Trading System. Vessels trading to United Kingdom ports or operating under Lloyd's Register class should review the notice with their technical manager for any changes to current reporting obligations and timelines.
Classification Society
DNV
Documenting perfluorooctane sulfonate-free fire-extinguishing foam on board — guidance for first safety equipment survey after 1 January 2026
At the first safety equipment survey conducted after 1 January 2026, all fire-extinguishing foam on board must be free of perfluorooctane sulfonate compounds and this must be verified by the attending surveyor — failure to comply may result in a part-held survey or a Condition of Authority. DNV has published guidance on the accepted methods for documenting compliance, as a follow-up to its November 2025 notice on the same subject.
International Maritime Organization Marine Environment Protection Committee — Session 84 summary: Net-Zero Framework and Ballast Water Management Convention amendments
The 84th session of the International Maritime Organization Marine Environment Protection Committee held extensive discussions on the Net-Zero Framework, the first opportunity to do so since the extraordinary session adjourned in October 2025 — despite divergent positions on key elements including a proposed fund, agreement was reached to continue discussions on a revised framework. The session also approved amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention strengthening survey and other mandatory requirements, which vessel managers and designated persons ashore should monitor for emerging compliance timelines.
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