Weekly maritime regulatory digest
The weekly briefing.
Week ending 10 March 2026 · Archived edition
Read the fast-scan summary · jump to a region
Med East
Ten new Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices: firing exercises off Lesvos and Ikaria islands, non-firing exercises in the Saronikos Gulf, four lights reported unlit, underwater research operations in the Saronikos Gulf, and cancellations of two earlier warnings. Nav warnings
Med NW
Three French Maritime Prefecture orders covering anchoring and navigation restrictions off Sainte-Maxime, speed and diving limits off Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, and a movement restriction on the tall ship Shtandart in French waters. Local
Italy
Ten new Italian Coast Guard ordinances across Tyrrhenian, Southern Italy, and Adriatic waters: cliff and slope stabilisation works at Ischia, a subsea cable survey off Piombino, military exercises with live firing off Taranto, a port buoy hazard at Catania, removal of flood-barrier construction buoys at Venice, diving operations at Venice, and an extension of experimental fishing at Monfalcone. Local
Flag
Transport Malta: live firing at Pembroke ranges and a reminder that the Bengħisa East Cardinal Buoy remains destroyed. Bahamas Maritime Authority: updated port state control guidance and a security advisory for the Persian Gulf. Marshall Islands Registry: enclosed space entry incident bulletin. UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency: two new Marine Guidance Notices on safe operations in shared spaces and updated crew welfare guidance. Safety / Flag
Class
DNV publishes its summary of the International Maritime Organization Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping sub-committee session 12, and announces an alternative certification process for control and monitoring systems. Safety learning
Insurance
Shipowners Club war risks cancellation notice remains active for certain non-mutual covers — operators should confirm their position with their broker. War risks
For any navigation warning or local ordinance, confirm positions, time windows, and chart updates with the issuing authority before operations.
33 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.
346/2026 — Underwater research operations, Saronikos Gulf
Underwater research operations are under way in the South Aegean Sea within the Saronikos Gulf. Vessels transiting or anchoring in the area should review the designated boundaries and maintain clear of the operational zone.
345/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Vespasianos 2, Thermaikos Gulf
The Vespasianos 2 navigation light in the Thermaikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Update chart annotations for this area and exercise increased caution on night approaches.
344/2026 — Cancellation of Navigation Warning 319/2026
Navigation Warning 319/2026 has been formally cancelled. Remove the restriction from passage planning records — the previously notified light unlit at Thermaikos Gulf is no longer in force under a separate notice.
342/2026 — Non-firing exercises, Saronikos Gulf
Naval exercises without live firing are taking place in the Saronikos Gulf. Confirm the active time window with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before transiting or anchoring in the area.
339/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Makronisos Island, South Evvoikos Gulf
A navigation light off Makronisos Island in the South Evvoikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Note the position in chart records and plan approaches to this part of the gulf with added caution after dark.
338/2026 — Cancellation of Navigation Warning 270/2026
Navigation Warning 270/2026 has been formally cancelled. Update passage planning records to remove the restriction previously in force under that notice.
337/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Lesvos Island, Northeastern Aegean Sea
A navigation light off Lesvos Island in the Northeastern Aegean Sea has been reported unlit. Update chart annotations and exercise caution when navigating around the island at night.
335/2026 — Firing exercises, Mersinia, Lesvos Island, North Aegean Sea
Naval firing exercises are taking place at Mersinia off Lesvos Island in the North Aegean Sea. Confirm the active time window with the issuing authority before planning passage through this area.
332/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Kea Island, South Aegean Sea
A navigation light off Kea Island in the South Aegean Sea has been reported unlit. Mark the position in chart annotations and take extra care on night approaches to this island in the Cyclades.
331/2026 — Firing exercises, Ikaria Island, Samos Sea
Naval firing exercises are taking place off Ikaria Island in the Samos Sea. Review the designated exclusion zone and confirm the active time window before passage planning through this part of the Eastern Aegean.
North-West Mediterranean — French Riviera (Var)
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 2026-046 — Anchoring and navigation restrictions off Sainte-Maxime (Île des Sardinaux) until 15 September 2026
Navigation and anchoring by all registered craft is regulated around the Île des Sardinaux off the coastal commune of Sainte-Maxime in the Var, until 15 September 2026. Review the order for the exact designated boundaries before anchoring or approaching this area.
Order 2026-047 — Navigation, anchoring, diving and speed limits within 300 metres of Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer shoreline
The 300-metre coastal strip off Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer in the Var is subject to controls on navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports. Review the order for permitted activities and restricted zones before approaching this coastline.
Order 2026-048 — Movement restriction on tall ship Shtandart in French territorial waters
This order regulates the navigation of the sailing vessel Shtandart within French territorial seas and internal waters. Operators in the area should be aware of the vessel's permitted routes and any associated port access conditions.
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.
Ischia 13/2026 — Extension of slope stabilisation works, Park Hotel Baia delle Sirene, Forio
Works to consolidate the cliff face at Park Hotel Baia delle Sirene, Cava dell'Isola, in the commune of Forio on Ischia have been extended. Navigation, access, and bathing restrictions remain in force in the near-shore area off the works site — check the updated boundaries before approaching this part of the Ischia coastline.
Ischia 12/2026 — Extension of rockbreaker works, Loc. Chiaia, Forio
Works to reposition and reinforce sections of rocky shoreline at Loc. Chiaia in the commune of Forio on Ischia have been extended for a third time. Navigation restrictions in the near-shore operational area remain in force — verify current boundaries before approaching or anchoring close inshore at this location.
Piombino 16/2026 — Subsea cable survey, Elba–mainland connection project
A subsea cable survey operation for the Elba–mainland connection project is under way off Piombino. Navigation, diving, fishing, and bathing restrictions apply within the survey corridor — check boundaries before anchoring or approaching the operational area.
Southern Italy / Sicily / Ionian
Italy · South
Marsala 03/2026 — Seabed mapping survey, Project Posidonia (Sicily Channel)
A national seabed mapping survey using bathymetric and geophysical methods is under way off Marsala in the Sicily Channel as part of a programme to chart Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa seagrass meadows. Fishing, diving, navigation, and access restrictions apply within the survey corridor — maintain clear of the survey vessel and respect the designated working zone.
Catania 30/2026 — Hazard notice: shallow patch and buoy at Catania port entrance
A hazard notice has been issued for the port of Catania concerning a shallow area near the red light beacon and a buoy at the port entrance. Vessels approaching or departing Catania should exercise increased caution at the entrance channel and check current port guidance before manoeuvring in this area.
Taranto 52/2026 — Military exercises with inflatable craft, 11–12 March 2026
Military exercises using inflatable craft are authorised off Taranto on 11 and 12 March 2026. Navigation restrictions apply in the designated exercise area — maintain safe clearance from military vessels and confirm the exact operational boundaries before transiting this part of the Ionian coast.
Taranto 51/2026 — Live firing exercises, 11 March 2026
Military live firing exercises are authorised off Taranto on 11 March 2026. Vessels should keep well clear of the designated exclusion zone for the duration of the exercise — confirm the exact boundaries and time window with the Taranto harbour master's office before planning passage through the area.
Adriatic Sea
Italy · Adriatic
Venezia 481/EME — Hazard notice: removal of flood-barrier construction buoys at Venice port entrances
Construction buoys used during installation of the Venice flood-barrier system are being removed at the Lido (San Nicolò–Treporti) and Malamocco port entrances. Vessels transiting these entrances should exercise caution and be aware of temporary obstructions and support craft in the area during the removal works.
Venezia 480/EME — Diving operations alongside MV Grit Cement II, Venice industrial canal
Underwater diving operations are authorised alongside the motor vessel Grit Cement II at berth CIA (accosto 3) in the northern arm of the western industrial canal at the port of Venice. Other vessels should be aware of diver activity and take appropriate precautions when manoeuvring in this part of the port.
Monfalcone 9/2026 — Extension of experimental fishing, Canale Valentinis
The authorisation for experimental fishing operations in the Canale Valentinis at the port of Monfalcone has been extended. Vessels navigating or fishing in this channel should be aware of the ongoing regulated fishing activity and the associated access conditions.
Flag State
Malta
Live firing practice at Pembroke Ranges — 19 to 21 March 2026 (extended hours)
Live firing exercises at Pembroke Ranges, Malta, are scheduled for 19 to 21 March 2026 with extended hours in force. Vessels navigating in the adjacent coastal waters should review the designated safety area and avoid the restricted zone during the exercise periods.
Bengħisa East Cardinal Buoy — destroyed, remove from charts
The Bengħisa East Cardinal Buoy has been destroyed and is no longer in position. Update charts and pilotage notes for Maltese waters immediately — do not rely on this mark for navigation.
Flag State
Bahamas
Technical Advisory 004 — International Maritime Organization Port State Control procedures updated for 2025
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has issued guidance on the updated International Maritime Organization procedures for port state control inspections, reflecting the 2025 revision. Operators should review the document to understand the latest inspection criteria and deficiency categories applied by port state control officers worldwide.
Technical Advisory 003 — Military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has issued an advisory on ongoing military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Vessels transiting or operating in these waters should review the advisory and assess the implications for their passage planning and insurance cover.
Flag State
Marshall Islands
Yacht Safety Advisory 2026-01 — Enclosed Space Entry Incidents
The Marshall Islands Registry has issued an incident learning bulletin reinforcing the controls required for safe entry into enclosed spaces on board yachts, including atmosphere testing, rescue readiness, and permit procedures. This is recommended crew briefing material for all vessels.
Flag State
UK MCA
Marine Guidance Notice 715 (M+F) — Recommended best practice for respectful and safe operation in shared spaces
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published Marine Guidance Notice 715 setting out recommended best practice for the respectful and safe use of shared spaces on board vessels, covering both merchant and fishing fleets. Designated persons ashore and vessel managers should review the guidance and consider how it applies to crew welfare arrangements.
Marine Guidance Notice 708 — Added to the MGN collection
Marine Guidance Notice 708 has been added to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Marine Guidance Notices collection. Operators should review the notice directly for the specific guidance it contains, as it forms part of the updated suite of operational and safety guidance for UK-flagged vessels.
Classification Society
DNV
Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping Sub-Committee session 12 — DNV summary
DNV has published its report on the International Maritime Organization Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping Sub-Committee session 12, held in late February 2026. The session agreed draft interim training guidelines for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol and ammonia as fuel, and advanced the comprehensive review of the international seafarer training and certification convention — relevant for operators considering alternative fuel vessels.
Alternative certification process for control and monitoring systems
DNV has announced an alternative certification scheme for shipboard control and monitoring systems that do not meet the criteria of the conventional certification process. Operators and designers with DNV-classed vessels whose systems may fall outside standard certification routes should review the scheme to understand the available pathway to compliance.
Marine Insurance
Shipowners Club
Notice of cancellation — war risks cover for certain non-mutual covers
The Shipowners Club has issued a notice of cancellation in respect of war risks cover for certain non-mutual policy covers. Operators holding affected cover should review the notice immediately and confirm their current war risks position with their broker to avoid gaps in cover.
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