Weekly maritime regulatory digest
The weekly briefing.
Week ending 1 September 2026 · Archived edition
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Med East
Ten Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices: the "Koskina" firing practice area activated east of Evvoia Island, submarine cable installation operations in the North Ionian Sea, and seven lights and lightbuoys reported unlit across the Argolikos Gulf, Ikaria, Lefkada (three aids), Kerkyra, the Myrtoo Sea and Limnos. Nav warnings
Med NW
Eight French Maritime Prefecture Mediterranean orders: derogations at Cannes and Théoule-sur-Mer, a Nice swim event, two triathlons on the Var coast, a Porquerolles triathlon, updated Le Lavandou coastal strip regulations, and a nautical event at Agde. Local
Italy Tyrr.
Four Italian Coast Guard ordinances: an annual deep-water navigation research programme and military exercises at La Spezia, a further military exercise at Marina di Carrara, and routine buoy field inspections off Savona. Local
Italy South
Two Italian Coast Guard ordinances: film production restrictions at Santa Maria La Scala, Catania, and an unexploded ordnance exclusion zone off Siracusa. Local
Adriatic
Four Italian Coast Guard ordinances: sediment relocation works in the port of Bari, a fishing competition at Manfredonia, a sailing race at Porto San Giorgio, and a positioning test of the MOSE flood barrier at Venice. Local
Med SW
Five Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute notices: a new data buoy off Ferrol, a navigation light removed at Sagunto, a new recreational anchorage established at Ceuta, and two wreck notices in French Mediterranean waters near Cap d'Agde and the Gulf of Aigues-Mortes. Nav / Hydrographic
Atlantic NW
Two French Maritime Prefecture Atlantic orders: a temporary activity suspension at Brest and navigation regulations for the "Défi Azimut 2026" event at Lorient. Local
UK MCA
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has updated the list of countries whose seafarer medical certificates are accepted for use on UK ships, and reissued its ships' medical stores requirements. Safety
Lloyd's
Lloyd's Register has published new guidance notes on retrofitting alternative fuels and energy saving devices. Safety
For any navigation warning or local ordinance, confirm positions, time windows, and chart updates with the issuing authority before operations.
38 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.
1021/2026 — Central Aegean Sea, east of Evvoia Island — firing practice area "Koskina" activated
The "Koskina" firing practice area east of Evvoia Island in the Central Aegean has been activated for live firing exercises. Vessels transiting this stretch of the Aegean should route around the area and confirm the active dates and boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service.
1022/2026 — North Ionian Sea — submarine cable installation operations
Submarine cable installation operations are underway in the North Ionian Sea. Vessels transiting the area should keep well clear of cable-laying vessels and any support craft, and monitor VHF for further instructions.
1031/2026 — Argolikos Gulf, Ypsili Islet (southwest point) — light unlit
A navigation light at the southwest point of Ypsili islet in the Argolikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Vessels approaching this stretch of the Peloponnese coast should exercise extra caution at night and confirm the light's status before relying on it.
1028/2026 — Ikaria Island — light "Armenistis" unlit
The "Armenistis" light on Ikaria Island in the eastern Aegean has been reported unlit. Vessels approaching Ikaria overnight should not rely on this light until it is confirmed restored.
1027/2026 — North Ionian Sea, Lefkada Island — automatic green lightbuoy unlit
An automatic green lightbuoy off Lefkada Island in the North Ionian Sea has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating the approaches to Lefkada should take extra care and confirm the buoy's status with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service.
1026/2026 — North Ionian Sea, Lefkada Island — automatic red lightbuoy unlit
An automatic red lightbuoy off Lefkada Island has also been reported unlit. Vessels approaching Lefkada should expect reduced buoyage visibility at night until both aids are restored.
1025/2026 — North Ionian Sea, Lefkada Island — automatic yellow light unlit
A third aid to navigation off Lefkada, an automatic yellow light, has also been reported unlit in the same area. Masters navigating this stretch of coast should treat all three Lefkada aids as unreliable until confirmed restored.
1020/2026 — North Ionian Sea, Kerkyra Island, Sidero Point — light unlit
The light at Sidero Point on Kerkyra (Corfu) Island has been reported unlit. Vessels approaching Corfu from the north should exercise extra caution at night until the light is restored.
1018/2026 — Myrtoo Sea, Hydra Gulf — light unlit
A navigation light in the Hydra Gulf in the Myrtoo Sea has been reported unlit. Vessels approaching this popular Saronic cruising area at night should not rely on the light until it is confirmed restored.
1015/2026 — Limnos Island, Moudros harbour — light unlit
A light at Moudros harbour on Limnos Island has been reported unlit. Vessels calling at Moudros should exercise extra caution during night approaches until the light is restored.
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 2026-364 — Derogation for a seagrass restoration project — Théoule-sur-Mer (Alpes-Maritimes), 15 September to 9 October 2026
A derogation to the standing coastal order at Théoule-sur-Mer will allow an experimental posidonia seagrass restoration project to proceed from 15 September to 9 October 2026. Vessels anchoring off Théoule-sur-Mer during this period should avoid the marked restoration zone and confirm boundaries with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
Order 2026-363 — Derogation to navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restrictions between the Lérins Islands — Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes), 3–4 September 2026
A temporary derogation to the standing restriction on the waters between the Lérins Islands off Cannes will apply on 3 and 4 September 2026. Vessels planning to anchor in this popular area on those dates should confirm the revised conditions with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
Order 2026-362 — Navigation, anchoring and diving restriction for the "Prom'Swim" event — Nice (Alpes-Maritimes), 19–20 September 2026
Navigation, anchoring and diving will be restricted off Nice for the "Prom'Swim" swimming event on 19 and 20 September 2026. Vessels anchoring or transiting close inshore off Nice on those dates should maintain clear of the swim course.
Order 2026-361 — 300-metre coastal strip regulations — Le Lavandou (Var)
Updated regulations govern navigation, anchoring, diving and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off Le Lavandou. Vessels and tenders operating close inshore off Le Lavandou should review this order for the current conditions before approaching the beach areas.
Order 2026-360 — Navigation, anchoring and diving restriction for the "Triathlon Original de Porquerolles" — Porquerolles Island (Hyères-les-Palmiers, Var), 26 September 2026
Navigation, anchoring and diving will be restricted off Porquerolles Island for a triathlon event on 26 September 2026. Vessels anchoring near Porquerolles that day should confirm the affected areas with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
Order 2026-359 — Navigation, anchoring and diving restriction for the "T100 Esterel Côte d'Azur" triathlon — Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël (Var), 17–19 September 2026
Navigation, anchoring and diving will be restricted off Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël for the "T100 Esterel Côte d'Azur" triathlon from 17 to 19 September 2026. Vessels in this stretch of the Var coast during the event should confirm the affected zones with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
Order 2026-358 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction for "Les Evadés du Brescou" — Agde (Hérault), 13 September 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving will be restricted off Agde for the "Les Evadés du Brescou" nautical event on 13 September 2026. Vessels near Agde that day should confirm the affected zones with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
Order 2026-357 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction for the "Triathlon de Saint-Raphaël by Roxim" — Saint-Raphaël (Var), 20 September 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving will be restricted off Saint-Raphaël for a triathlon event on 20 September 2026. Vessels in the area that day should confirm the swim and cycle course boundaries with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
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.
La Spezia 235/2026 — Annual scientific activities for the DANTE deep-water navigation research project — navigation restriction
A navigation restriction is in force off La Spezia to support the annual scientific programme of the DANTE deep-water autonomous navigation research project, run by the National Research Council's Institute of Marine Sciences. Vessels navigating the approaches to La Spezia should expect research vessels and equipment in the water and confirm the affected area with the harbour office.
La Spezia 233/2026 — Military exercises, 7 to 11 September 2026 — navigation, bathing, diving and fishing restriction
Navigation, bathing, diving and fishing will be restricted off La Spezia for military exercises running from 7 to 11 September 2026. Vessels approaching La Spezia during this period should confirm the affected area with the harbour office before transiting.
Marina di Carrara 74/2026 — Military exercise, Area T-801, 16 and 17 September 2026 — fishing, diving, bathing, navigation and road restriction
Fishing, diving, bathing, navigation and road access will be restricted for a military exercise in Area T-801 off Marina di Carrara on 16 and 17 September 2026. Vessels navigating this stretch of the Tuscan coast on those dates should keep clear of the designated exercise area.
Savona 99/2026 — Monthly inspection of the SARPOM buoy field, September 2026 — port, diving, bathing and navigation restriction
Port movements, diving, bathing and navigation will be restricted around the SARPOM buoy field off Savona during routine monthly inspections throughout September 2026. Vessels approaching Savona should confirm the affected area with the harbour office before navigating close to the buoy field.
Southern Italy / Sicily / Ionian
Italy · South
⚠ 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.
Catania 86/2026 — Film production at the port of Santa Maria La Scala — port, bathing, navigation and road restriction
Port access, bathing, navigation and road access will be restricted at the port of Santa Maria La Scala, in the comune of Catania, for a film production. Vessels calling at this small harbour during filming should confirm access arrangements with the Catania harbour office.
Siracusa 157/2026 — Discovery of unexploded ordnance — fishing, diving, bathing and navigation restriction
Fishing, diving, bathing and navigation are restricted off Siracusa following the discovery of unexploded ordnance. Vessels in the vicinity should keep well clear of the marked exclusion area and confirm the boundaries with the harbour office before approaching.
Adriatic Sea
Italy · Adriatic
⚠ 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.
Bari 87/2026 — Sediment relocation works within the port basin — navigation, diving and port restriction
A temporary prohibition on navigation, diving and other public uses of the sea is in force within the port basin at Bari while sediment relocation works take place. Vessels calling at Bari should confirm current port access arrangements with the harbour office before entering.
Manfredonia 51/2026 — "12° Trofeo il Galleggiante" fishing competition, 6 September 2026 — navigation, port and fishing restriction
Navigation, port movements and fishing will be restricted off Manfredonia for a fishing competition organised by the Italian Sport Fishing Federation on 6 September 2026. Vessels navigating the Gulf of Manfredonia that day should expect competing fishing boats and confirm the affected area with the harbour office.
Porto San Giorgio 52/2026 — "Regata Sociale Liberi nel Vento" sailing race — navigation restriction
A navigation restriction is in force off Porto San Giorgio for the "Liberi nel Vento" sailing race, held in the 2.4mR and Hansa 303 dinghy classes. Vessels navigating this stretch of the Adriatic coast should keep clear of the racing area and confirm timings with the harbour office.
Venezia 78/2026 — Positioning test of the MOSE flood barrier at San Nicolò inlet — navigation restriction
A navigation restriction is in force at the San Nicolò inlet in Venice while a positioning test of the MOSE flood barrier system takes place. Vessels transiting this inlet should confirm the barrier's operational status with the harbour office before approaching.
Western Mediterranean
Spain · Mediterranean
These notices are from the Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute weekly bulletin (Grupo 35/2026, 29 August 2026). The Cap d'Agde and Gulf of Aigues-Mortes notices concern French Mediterranean waters, published within the Institute's regular coverage area — consistent with the handling of neighbouring-water notices in previous editions.
35/205 — Ría de Ferrol, Galicia — automated data buoy with light established
A new automated weather and data buoy carrying a light has been established in the approaches to the Ría de Ferrol in Galicia. Vessels navigating this stretch of the northwest Spanish coast should update their chart annotations to reflect the new buoy.
35/208 — Puerto de Sagunto, Costa E — navigation light removed
A yellow navigation light at the port of Sagunto on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast has been removed. Vessels approaching Sagunto should not expect to see this light and should update their chart annotations accordingly.
35/209 — Cap d'Agde, France — wreck marked
A wreck has been charted to the east of Cap d'Agde on the French Mediterranean coast. Vessels navigating this stretch of water should give the marked position a wide berth and update their chart annotations.
35/210 — Gulf of Aigues-Mortes, France — charted wreck removed
A previously charted wreck in the Gulf of Aigues-Mortes on the French Mediterranean coast has been removed from the chart. Vessels navigating this area should update their chart annotations to reflect that the hazard marking no longer applies.
35/211–212 — Ensenada de la Almadraba, Ceuta — new anchorage area established, restricted to recreational craft
A new anchorage area has been established at the Ensenada de la Almadraba in Ceuta, restricted to recreational craft. Vessels planning to anchor at Ceuta should note the new charted boundaries and confirm the restriction with the Ceuta Port Authority before use.
Northwest Atlantic
France · Atlantic
⚠ These orders are issued by the French Maritime Prefecture for the Atlantic. Links are to the official signed documents (PDF). Verify expiry dates with the issuing authority.
Order 2026-149 — Navigation regulations for the "Défi Azimut 2026" nautical event — Lorient (Morbihan), 16 to 20 September 2026
Navigation will be regulated off Lorient for the "Défi Azimut 2026" offshore racing event from 16 to 20 September 2026. Vessels in the area during this period should confirm the affected zones with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Atlantic.
Order 2026-148 — Temporary suspension of maritime activities — Brest (Finistère), 2 September 2026
Maritime activities will be temporarily suspended in the sheltered anchorage and South Pass of the port of Brest on Wednesday 2 September 2026. Vessels planning to be in or near Brest that day should confirm the affected area with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Atlantic.
Flag State
UK MCA
Merchant Shipping Notice 1815 (M+F) Amendment 7 — countries whose seafarer medical certificates are accepted for use on UK ships
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has updated the list of countries whose national seafarer medical certificates are accepted as equivalent to a UK seafarer medical fitness certificate. Amendment 7 adds Switzerland to the list, moves Bermuda into the "rest of the world" category, and confirms the notice now applies to both seafarers and fishermen.
Merchant Shipping Notice 1905 (M+F) Amendment 5 — ships' medical stores
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has replaced Merchant Shipping Notice 1905 Amendment 4 with Amendment 5, updating the requirements for medical stores and equipment carried aboard UK vessels. The amendment reflects updated treatment guidance from the December 2024 edition of the Ship Captain's Medical Guide.
Classification Society
Lloyd’s Register
Guidance Notes for Retrofit of Alternative Fuels and Energy Saving Devices
Lloyd's Register has published new guidance notes covering the retrofit of alternative fuels and energy saving devices on existing vessels. Owners considering fuel conversions or efficiency upgrades should review the guidance for the current classification requirements.
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