Weekly maritime regulatory digest
The weekly briefing.
Week ending 6 April 2026 · Archived edition
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Med East
Ten unique Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices this week: two earlier notices cancelled (406/2026 and 346/2026), lights unlit at Leros Island, Paros Island, South Evoikos Gulf (Makronisos), and a Lefkada Channel swing bridge operational amendment. Active exercise notices include French Navy live firing both west and east of Crete, a Myrtoo Sea firing area extension (Nisides Karavia), Hellenic and French combined training exercises west of Crete without firing, and excavation works off Lefkada Island. Nav warnings
Med NW
Five French Maritime Prefecture orders this week: cable survey works off Marseille with a derogation to existing restrictions, revocation of an anchoring and diving restriction off the Gard coast (Espiguette Point), a bird nesting navigation prohibition on the Thau lagoon off Marseillan until 31 August, updated coastal strip regulations at Cap d'Ail (Alpes-Maritimes), and revised anchoring and diving rules off Cannes valid April–May 2026 and October 2026–May 2027. Local
Italy
Ten Italian Coast Guard ordinances across the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic: an Optimist sailing regatta off Santa Margherita Ligure, Cape 31 and Cape 44 class regattas off Puntaldia (Olbia, Sardinia), and cancellation of military exercises at Arbatax (PISQ range). In the Adriatic: four Jesolo waterway ordinances covering marina mooring maintenance on the Fiume Sile and sediment sampling at the Fiume Piave mouth, a film production restriction at Polignano a Mare (Puglia), and a coastal firing salute at Polignano a Mare for the feast of San Vito. Local
Med SW
The European Union Council has issued a further amendment to the Operation EUNAVFOR Aspides decision, continuing to develop the legal framework governing this maritime security operation in the Red Sea. Security
Flag
Transport Malta: live firing at Pembroke Ranges on 6 April with extended hours (carried over from 30 March publication). Bahamas Maritime Authority: officer candidate assessment dates published for 2026. Marshall Islands Registry: enclosed space entry safety bulletin reissued (updated this week). Malaysia Marine Department: underwater pipeline survey works within Kerteh Port limits notified. Flag / Safety
Class
Lloyd's Register publishes Class News 07/2026 covering new fire safety requirements for ro-ro passenger ships under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. DNV publishes summaries of two International Maritime Organization sessions: the Facilitation Committee's 50th session (maritime digitalisation, cyber code, and convention amendments) and confirmation that the 2012 Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety enters into force in February 2027. Safety learning
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. Two cancellations are included — these are operationally relevant as they confirm that previously active restrictions are now lifted.
455/2026 — Cancellation of Navigation Warning 406/2026
Navigation Warning 406/2026 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.
454/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Leros Island, Glaronisia Islets, 'Glaros' light
The 'Glaros' navigation light on the Glaronisia Islets off Leros Island has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating in the approaches to Leros should update chart annotations and exercise heightened caution on night approaches until the light is restored and confirmed operational.
453/2026 — Cancellation of Navigation Warning 346/2026
Navigation Warning 346/2026 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.
451/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Paros Island
A navigation light on Paros Island has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating in the Cyclades and planning to call at or pass Paros should update chart annotations and exercise caution on night approaches until the light is confirmed restored.
450/2026 — Combined Hellenic and French forces training exercises without firing, west of Crete
Hellenic and French naval forces are conducting combined training exercises west of Crete Island. No live firing is involved, but vessels transiting west of Crete should be aware of increased warship and aircraft activity in the area and confirm the exercise schedule with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before planning passage.
449/2026 — Extension of firing practice area activation, Nisides Karavia, Myrtoo Sea
The activation of the Nisides Karavia firing practice area in the Myrtoo Sea has been extended. 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.
447/2026 — Amendment to operation of floating swing bridge, Lefkada Channel, North Ionian Sea
The operating schedule or conditions of the floating swing bridge in the Lefkada Channel have been amended. Vessels intending to transit the Lefkada Channel should review this notice for the updated opening times or procedures before approaching the bridge.
446/2026 — French Navy live firing exercises, west and east of Crete Island
The French Navy is conducting live firing exercises in areas both west and east of Crete Island. Vessels transiting around Crete should confirm the active time windows and restricted zone boundaries for both areas with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before planning passage around the island.
445/2026 — Excavation works, Lefkada Island, North Ionian Sea
Excavation works are being carried out in the waters off Lefkada Island in the North Ionian Sea. Vessels navigating or anchoring in the immediate vicinity should maintain clear of the works area and exercise caution — confirm the precise location and duration with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before approaching.
442/2026 — Navigation light unlit, South Evoikos Gulf, Makronisos Island
A navigation light on Makronisos Island in the South Evoikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating in the South Evoikos Gulf and approaching Makronisos should update chart annotations and exercise caution on night passages until the light is confirmed 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 2026-080 — Preliminary cable survey works, internal waters off Marseille, with derogation to existing order 229/2025
Preliminary survey and preparatory works for the laying of an underwater cable have been authorised in the internal waters off Marseille, with a formal derogation granted to the existing coastal restriction order 229/2025 of July 2025. Vessels navigating or anchoring in the designated area off Marseille should review the order for the precise zone boundaries and duration of the works.
Order 2026-081 — Revocation of anchoring, diving, and fishing restrictions, Espiguette Point, Gard coast
Prefectural order 418/2025 of December 2025, which regulated anchoring, diving, and fishing gear immersion off the Espiguette Point in the Gard department, has been formally revoked. Vessels and operators that had previously noted these restrictions for this stretch of coastline should update their records accordingly.
Order 2026-076 — Navigation prohibition, Thau lagoon, Marseillan (Hérault) — seabird nesting protection, until 31 August 2026
Navigation on the Thau lagoon in the vicinity of seabird nesting sites off the commune of Marseillan in the Hérault is prohibited until 31 August 2026. Vessels and tenders operating on the Thau lagoon should review the order for the exact restricted zone boundaries and maintain clear for the full duration of the nesting season.
Order 2026-077 — Navigation, anchoring, and diving regulations, Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes) — 1 April to 31 May 2026, and 1 October 2026 to 31 May 2027
Updated regulations governing navigation, anchoring, and diving in the coastal waters off Cannes have been published, with a derogation to the existing order 167/2024 of May 2024. The new order applies from 1 April to 31 May 2026, and again from 1 October 2026 to 31 May 2027 — vessels and superyacht tenders operating off Cannes during these periods should review the order for the revised access conditions.
Order 2026-078 — Coastal strip regulations (300-metre band), Cap d'Ail (Alpes-Maritimes)
New regulations governing navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off the commune of Cap d'Ail in the Alpes-Maritimes have been established. Vessels and tenders operating along this stretch of the Riviera coastline near Monaco should review the order for the full conditions applicable to their operations.
Tyrrhenian Sea / Sardinia
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.
Santa Margherita Ligure 29/2026 — Optimist class sailing regatta, zone off Santa Margherita Ligure
A zonal Optimist class sailing regatta has been authorised in the waters off Santa Margherita Ligure on the Ligurian coast. Navigation, fishing, and diving restrictions apply within the designated race area — vessels navigating along this stretch of the northern Tyrrhenian coast should maintain clear of racing traffic and any course marking buoys for the duration of the event.
Olbia 18/2026 — Cape 31 class sailing regatta, Puntaldia (Sardinia), 14–17 May 2026
A Cape 31 class sailing regatta has been authorised off the Puntaldia peninsula near Olbia on the northeast coast of Sardinia from 14 to 17 May 2026. Navigation, bathing, and fishing restrictions apply within the race course area — vessels approaching or anchoring off Puntaldia on those dates should allow adequate sea room for racing activity.
Olbia 17/2026 — Cape 44 class sailing regatta, Puntaldia (Sardinia), 22–26 April 2026
A Cape 44 class sailing regatta has been authorised off the Puntaldia peninsula near Olbia from 22 to 26 April 2026. Navigation, bathing, and fishing restrictions apply within the race course area — vessels planning to operate off Puntaldia during this period should review the ordinance and allow clear sea room for racing traffic.
Arbatax 17/2026 — Cancellation of military exercises at PISQ range, 3 and 7 April 2026
Military exercises previously scheduled for 3 and 7 April 2026 at the Perdasdefogu range (PISQ) off Arbatax on the east coast of Sardinia have been cancelled. Vessels that had noted active exercise restrictions in this area on those dates should treat the area as clear — confirm with the Arbatax harbour master's office if certainty is required.
Adriatic / Puglia
Italy · Adriatic
Jesolo 16/2026 — Sediment core sampling, mouth of the Fiume Piave
Core sampling works to characterise sandy sediments are being carried out at the mouth of the Fiume Piave near Jesolo in the northern Adriatic. Navigation and access restrictions apply within the works area — vessels approaching the river mouth should check with the Jesolo harbour master's office for the precise zone and duration before manoeuvring in the vicinity.
Jesolo 15/2026 — Exceptional maritime transport of a steel structure along the Fiume Sile
An exceptional maritime transport movement for an oversized steel structure has been authorised along the course of the Fiume Sile waterway in the Jesolo area. Vessels and smaller craft using this inland waterway should be aware of the abnormal load transit and confirm the operational time window with the Jesolo harbour master's office before navigating the affected stretch.
Jesolo 14/2026 — Marina access restriction during mooring pile maintenance, Marina del Cavallino, Fiume Sile
A temporary exclusion of a water area has been authorised to allow mooring pile maintenance and installation works at Marina del Cavallino on the Fiume Sile. Vessels berthed at or intending to visit this marina should confirm current access conditions with the Jesolo harbour master's office before approaching the works area.
Jesolo 13/2026 — Marina access restriction during mooring pile maintenance, Marina del Faro, Fiume Sile
A temporary exclusion of a water area has been authorised to allow routine mooring pile maintenance at Marina del Faro on the Fiume Sile. Vessels at or approaching Marina del Faro should confirm current access conditions with the Jesolo harbour master's office before manoeuvring in the affected area.
Monopoli 06/2026 — Navigation, fishing, diving, and bathing restrictions, Polignano a Mare — film production, April 2026
Navigation, fishing, diving, and bathing restrictions have been established in the coastal waters off Polignano a Mare (Puglia) at the locations of Lama Monachile, Largo Gelso, and San Vito to facilitate film production for the television series 'Felicità' during April 2026. Vessels and tenders approaching the Polignano a Mare coastline during this period should review the ordinance for the precise restricted zones and timing.
Monopoli 05/2026 — Coastal firing salutes, Polignano a Mare — feast of San Vito Martire, 6 and 26 April 2026
Coastal firing salutes ('colpi di diana') have been authorised off Polignano a Mare in honour of the patron saint San Vito Martire on 6 and 26 April 2026. Navigation, fishing, diving, and bathing restrictions apply in the designated area during the salutes — vessels operating close inshore at Polignano a Mare on these dates should maintain a safe distance from the firing zone and confirm timing with the Monopoli harbour master's office.
Western Mediterranean / EU Policy
Spain · Mediterranean
Council Decision (PESC) 2026/778 — Amendment to Operation EUNAVFOR Aspides legal framework, Red Sea
The European Union Council has issued a further amendment to the legal decision governing Operation EUNAVFOR Aspides, the maritime security operation safeguarding freedom of navigation in the context of the Red Sea crisis. Operators with vessels trading in or transiting the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and adjacent waters should continue to follow the latest security advisories from their flag state and relevant industry bodies, and monitor developments as the mandate continues to evolve.
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.
Flag State
Bahamas
Information Notice IN001 — Dates for Bahamas officer candidate assessments, 2026
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has published the schedule of dates for 2026 officer candidate assessments under the Bahamas certification framework. Vessel managers and masters with crew members seeking Bahamas flag state officer certification should review the notice for the assessment dates and registration process.
Flag State
Marshall Islands
Yacht Safety Advisory 2026-01 — Enclosed space entry incidents (reissued 6 April 2026)
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
Malaysia
Circular 07/2026 — Underwater pipeline site survey works within Kerteh Port limits
The Malaysia Marine Department has notified that underwater pipeline site survey works are being conducted within the limits of Kerteh Port on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. Vessels operating in or approaching Kerteh Port should be aware of the survey operations, maintain clear of the works area, and confirm current access conditions with the port authority before manoeuvring in the vicinity.
Classification Society
Lloyd’s Register
Class News 07/2026 — International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea amendments: fire safety requirements for ro-ro passenger ships
Lloyd's Register has published its class news covering the forthcoming amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea introducing new fire safety requirements for roll-on/roll-off passenger ships. While these requirements are primarily directed at passenger ferry operators, vessel managers and class surveyors should review the notice for any implications affecting vessels with ro-ro or car deck configurations operating under Lloyd's Register class.
Classification Society
DNV
International Maritime Organization Facilitation Committee — Session 50 summary (maritime digitalisation, cyber code, and convention amendments)
DNV has published its summary of the 50th session of the International Maritime Organization Facilitation Committee, held in London in late March 2026. The session progressed work on a maritime digitalisation strategy, agreed amendments to the Facilitation Convention, and advanced the development of a new Maritime Cyber Code within the Facilitation Committee framework — vessel managers and designated persons ashore should monitor these developments for emerging compliance requirements.
2012 Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety confirmed to enter into force 24 February 2027
The International Maritime Organization has confirmed that the 2012 Cape Town Agreement, the international safety framework for fishing vessels of 24 metres and over operating at sea, will enter into force on 24 February 2027. While this framework applies to fishing vessels rather than yachts, operators and management companies with mixed fleets or vessels engaged in fishing-related charter operations should review the requirements and timeline with their flag state and class society.
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