Weekly maritime regulatory digest
The weekly briefing.
Week ending 27 April 2026 · Archived edition
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Med East
Ten Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices: two cancellations (warnings 525/2026 and 537/2026 lifted), light unlit at Marina Zea in Piraeus Harbour, underwater weapons firing in the Saronikos and Megara Gulfs, parachute jumping exercises in the Saronikos and Eleysina Gulfs, an extension of Italian Navy and French Air Force live firing in the Myrtoo Sea (Nisides Karavia), activation of sector A2 of the Kriti firing practice area in the North Cretan Sea, an amendment to Lefkada Channel swing bridge operations, research operations in the Samos Sea around Samos and Ikaria, and seawater sampling across the Aegean. Nav warnings
Med NW
Six French Maritime Prefecture orders: a sailing event off La Palme and the Bages-Sigean lagoon (27 April to 6 May), an Ocean Fifty Series Act 1 race off Sainte-Maxime (29 April to 2 May), a speed limitation off Cap Croisette (Marseille), a derogation to existing coastal orders for a clean-up operation in the Calanque de la Maronaise off Marseille on 25 April, a swimming and gulf crossing event between Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez on 25 April, and a diving and anchoring prohibition in the fisheries reserve off Cap d'Ail. Local
Italy
Five Italian Coast Guard ordinances: a fireworks display at Marina Grande di Scilla (Reggio Calabria) in the southern Tyrrhenian, an extension of the existing maintenance restriction at the Rocca del Castellaro bathing establishment in Camogli (Genova), a sailing event water exclusion off Trieste, film production restrictions at the Solfatara quay in the Port of Monopoli (Puglia) for the TV series 'GIG', and a water exclusion off Massa Lubrense on the Sorrento peninsula from 28 to 30 April. Local
Flag
Transport Malta: cancellation of the earlier Notice to Mariners 06/2026 covering the destroyed East Cardinal Buoy at Merkanti Reef, plus a new chart correction notifying a foul area from a lost anchor and chain. Flag
Class
Lloyd's Register publishes Class News 08/2026 on revised speed trial requirements for new construction ships. DNV flags a new requirement for selective catalytic reduction systems entering into force on 1 May 2026, replacing the previous fixed accuracy threshold for nitrogen oxide measurement with a less prescriptive 'sufficient accuracy' concept and shifting more justification responsibility onto applicants. Safety learning
For any navigation warning or local ordinance, confirm positions, time windows, and chart updates with the issuing authority before operations.
25 notices
Eastern Mediterranean
Greece
Note: the same notices appear under two source labels in the data feed (Greece Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service and Greece Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service NAVWARNs). 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.
549/2026 — Cancellation of Navigation Warning 525/2026
Navigation Warning 525/2026 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.
548/2026 — Underwater weapons firing, Saronikos Gulf and Megara Gulf
Underwater weapons firing exercises are being conducted in the Saronikos Gulf and the Megara Gulf. Vessels transiting these waters or planning to call at Piraeus, Aegina, Salamina, or Megara should confirm the active time windows and zone boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before passage.
547/2026 — Cancellation of Navigation Warning 537/2026
Navigation Warning 537/2026 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.
546/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Saronikos Gulf, Piraeus Harbour, Marina Zea
A navigation light at Marina Zea in Piraeus Harbour has been reported unlit. Vessels manoeuvring in or out of Marina Zea — a busy superyacht and charter base — should update chart annotations and exercise additional caution on night approaches until the light is confirmed restored.
545/2026 — Seawater, plankton, and sediment sampling across the Aegean
A wide-area scientific sampling campaign covering the North, Northwest, Central, and South Aegean Seas, the Samos Sea, the Rhodes Sea, and the Kastellorizo Sea has been notified. Vessels operating across the Aegean should be aware of research vessel activity and possible deployed gear, and confirm specific operating areas with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service if planning passage close to known sampling stations.
543/2026 — 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 once again. Vessels intending to transit the Lefkada Channel should review this notice for the latest opening times and procedures before approaching the bridge.
542/2026 — Parachute jumping exercises, Saronikos Gulf and Eleysina Gulf
Parachute jumping exercises are being conducted in the Saronikos Gulf and the Eleysina Gulf. Vessels transiting these waters or operating in the approaches to Piraeus and Eleusis should confirm the active time windows and zone boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before passage.
541/2026 — Extension of firing practice area activation, Nisides Karavia, Myrtoo Sea — Italian Navy and French Air Force live firing
The activation of the Nisides Karavia firing practice area in the Myrtoo Sea has been extended, with Italian Navy and French Air Force live firing activities now planned in the zone. 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.
539/2026 — Activation of Kriti firing practice area, Sector A2, North Cretan Sea
Sector A2 of the Kriti firing practice area in the North Cretan Sea has been activated. Vessels transiting north of Crete should confirm the active time window and the precise sector boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before passage and maintain clear of the activated zone for its full duration.
538/2026 — Research operations, Samos Sea, Samos Island and Ikaria Island
Research operations are being conducted in the Samos Sea around Samos and Ikaria. Vessels navigating in the eastern Aegean and approaching either island should be aware of research vessel activity and possible deployed equipment, and confirm the operating area with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before approaching.
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 2026-106 — Navigation, anchoring, swimming, and diving regulations, La Palme (Aude) and Bages-Sigean lagoon — 'The Prince of the Speed' event, 27 April to 6 May 2026
Navigation, anchoring, swimming, and diving restrictions have been established off the commune of La Palme on the Aude coast and on the Bages-Sigean lagoon to facilitate the 'The Prince of the Speed' nautical event from 27 April to 6 May 2026. Vessels and tenders operating in this stretch of the Languedoc coast or on the lagoon during the event should review the order for the precise restricted zones and timing.
Order 2026-105 — Navigation, anchoring, swimming, and diving regulations, Sainte-Maxime (Var) — 'Ocean Fifty Series / Act 1', 29 April to 2 May 2026
Navigation, anchoring, swimming, and diving restrictions have been established off Sainte-Maxime on the Var coast for the 'Ocean Fifty Series / Act 1' offshore multihull race from 29 April to 2 May 2026. Vessels and superyacht tenders operating off Sainte-Maxime and across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez during this period should review the order for the race course area and applicable timing.
Order 2026-104 — Navigation, anchoring, swimming, and diving regulations, Sainte-Maxime to Saint-Tropez — 'Traversée du golfe' swim, 25 April 2026
Navigation, anchoring, swimming, and diving restrictions have been established between Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez to facilitate the 'Traversée du golfe de Sainte-Maxime — Saint-Tropez' open water swim event on 25 April 2026. Vessels and tenders crossing the Gulf of Saint-Tropez on that date should plan their movements around the event window and stay clear of the swim corridor.
Order 2026-103 — Derogation to coastal orders for clean-up operation, Calanque de la Maronaise, Marseille — 25 April 2026
A formal derogation has been granted to the existing coastal restriction orders 109/2024 of April 2024 and 229/2025 of July 2025 to allow a clean-up operation in the Calanque de la Maronaise off Marseille on 25 April 2026. Vessels and tenders operating in the Calanques on that date should be aware of authorised support vessel activity in the area for the duration of the operation.
Order 2026-102 — Speed limitation for motorised registered vessels, Cap Croisette (Marseille)
A speed limitation has been imposed on motorised registered vessels and craft operating off Cap Croisette near Marseille. Superyacht tenders and other powered craft operating in this part of the Marseille coastline should review the order for the applicable speed limit and zone boundaries before transiting.
Order 2026-101 — Diving and anchoring prohibition in fisheries reserve, Cap d'Ail (Alpes-Maritimes)
Diving and anchoring have been prohibited within the fisheries reserve off Cap d'Ail in the Alpes-Maritimes, on the Riviera coast adjacent to Monaco. Vessels and tenders operating along this stretch of coastline should review the order for the precise reserve boundaries before planning anchorage or any underwater activity.
Tyrrhenian Sea / Liguria
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.
Genova 64/2026 — Extension of access restriction, Rocca del Castellaro bathing establishment, Camogli (extends ordinance 44/2026)
The temporary water exclusion previously established under ordinance 44/2026 to allow ordinary maintenance works at the Rocca del Castellaro bathing establishment concession in Camogli has been extended. Vessels approaching this stretch of the Ligurian coast on the Portofino peninsula should confirm current restricted zone limits and duration with the Genova harbour master's office before manoeuvring close inshore.
Castellammare di Stabia 18/2026 — Water exclusion off 'Silenzio del Cantatore', Massa Lubrense, 28–30 April 2026
A temporary water exclusion has been established in front of the 'Silenzio del Cantatore' coastline in the commune of Massa Lubrense from 28 to 30 April 2026. Vessels and tenders operating around the Sorrento peninsula and the Punta Campanella area on those dates should review the ordinance for the precise restricted zone before approaching the affected stretch of coast.
Southern Italy / Calabria
Italy · South
Reggio Calabria 23/2026 — Fireworks display, Marina Grande di Scilla
Navigation, fishing, diving, and bathing restrictions have been established off Marina Grande di Scilla on the Calabrian side of the Strait of Messina to allow a coastal fireworks display. Vessels transiting the Strait of Messina or anchored off Scilla should confirm the active time window with the Reggio Calabria harbour master's office and maintain clear of the firing area for the duration of the event.
Adriatic / Puglia / Friuli
Italy · Adriatic
Trieste 33/2026 — Water exclusion for sailing event
A temporary water exclusion has been established in the waters off Trieste in the northern Adriatic to allow a sailing event to take place safely. Vessels approaching or departing Trieste during the event should confirm the time window and restricted zone with the Trieste harbour master's office before manoeuvring in the affected area.
Monopoli 18/2026 — Film production restrictions, Solfatara quay, Port of Monopoli — TV series 'GIG'
Navigation, fishing, diving, bathing, and port traffic restrictions have been established at the Solfatara quay within the Port of Monopoli (Puglia) to facilitate filming for the television series 'GIG'. Vessels using or approaching the Monopoli port area during the production should review the ordinance for the precise restricted zones and operating windows.
Flag State
Malta
Cancellation of Notice to Mariners 06/2026 — Merkanti Reef East Cardinal Buoy destroyed
Transport Malta has issued the formal cancellation of the earlier Notice to Mariners 06/2026, which had reported the East Cardinal Buoy at Merkanti Reef as destroyed. Vessels operating in Maltese waters should update their charts and publications to reflect the cancellation and confirm the current buoyage situation at the reef before passage.
Chart correction — Foul area from lost anchor and chain
Transport Malta has issued a chart correction notifying mariners of a foul area resulting from a lost anchor and chain. Vessels intending to anchor in Maltese waters should review the correction for the precise position and update onboard charts and electronic chart displays before selecting an anchorage in the affected area.
Classification Society
Lloyd’s Register
Class News 08/2026 — Revised speed trial requirements for new construction ships
Lloyd's Register has published its Class News 08/2026 setting out revised speed trial requirements applicable to new construction ships. Owners, builders, and project managers with newbuild projects under Lloyd's Register class should review the notice for the updated procedures and acceptance criteria and consider any implications for sea trial planning.
Classification Society
DNV
New requirement for selective catalytic reduction systems entering into force on 1 May 2026
DNV has flagged that a revised requirement governing selective catalytic reduction systems used to control nitrogen oxide emissions enters into force on 1 May 2026. The previous fixed plus or minus five percent measurement accuracy threshold has been replaced by a more flexible but less prescriptive 'sufficient accuracy' concept, placing greater responsibility on applicants to justify catalyst performance and lifetime monitoring — vessel managers and engineering superintendents with affected installations should review the change with their flag state and class surveyor.
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