Weekly maritime regulatory digest
The weekly briefing.
Week ending 26 May 2026 · Archived edition
Read the fast-scan summary · jump to a region
Med East
Ten unique Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices this week: two lightbuoys unlit in the Megara Channel (Saronikos Gulf), lights unlit at South Evvoikos Gulf, North Evvoikos Gulf western coast, two lights on Chios Island (Northeast Aegean), and Syros Island (South Aegean). Operational notices include activation of the Petrota firing practice area (Thrakiko Sea), anchoring prohibited off Spetsai Island (Myrtoo Sea), and scientific water and sediment sampling in the Saronikos Gulf and South Evvoikos Gulf. Nav warnings
Med NW
Ten French Maritime Prefecture orders this week: revocation of the Porquerolles Island east-side prohibition (Order 142/2026 formally abrogated); two explosive ordnance disposal closures at Pointe de Campomoro (Corsica) — one for 25–26 May and one for 25 May–1 June; two explosive ordnance disposal closures at Rocher de la Vacca near Porto-Vecchio (Corsica) — same split time windows; a temporary derogation for environmental monitoring off Sainte-Anne cove near Cannes (26 May–2 June); authorisation for a marine scientific research campaign in the exclusive economic zone; new 300-metre coastal strip regulations for Calvi (Haute-Corse) and Théoule-sur-Mer (Alpes-Maritimes). Local
Italy Tyrr.
Four Italian Coast Guard ordinances in the Tyrrhenian this week: underwater inspection of the Costa Crociere quays 6–10 at Savona; a freediving and bathing restriction for the Spazzapnea event at Bosa (northwest Sardinia); harbour seabed cleaning at the Porto Vecchio of Sanremo; and an integration of Ordinance 065/2026 at La Maddalena Archipelago. Also a navigation and bathing restriction at Salicerchie beach, Maiori (Salerno) and completion of dredging works at San Felice Circeo (Terracina). Local
Italy South
One Italian Coast Guard ordinance from Licata: geophysical survey restrictions in the waters between Licata and Scoglitti off the southern coast of Sicily. Local
Italy Adria.
One Italian Coast Guard ordinance from Barletta: wartime munitions survey and clearance reconnaissance at Quay 3 in the Port of Barletta. Local
Flag
Bahamas Maritime Authority publishes Technical Advisory 001 on the United States Coast Guard QUALSHIP 21 and E-Zero programme — relevant to flag compliance and port state control performance for Bahamas-registered vessels calling at United States ports. Flag / Safety
Class
Lloyd's Register publishes its summary report on the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee, covering adoption of the new goal-based code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and revisions to safe return to port requirements for passenger vessels. DNV publishes the same session summary with additional coverage of revised gas carrier code amendments. Class / Policy
Insurance
The Shipowners Club has updated its global health risks advisory — noting that pandemics and public health emergencies can affect crew safety and impose operational restrictions at short notice. Masters should review the advisory and ensure crew health protocols are current before calling at affected ports. Health / Ops
For any navigation warning or local ordinance, confirm positions, time windows, and chart updates with the issuing authority before operations.
32 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.
698/2026 — Lightbuoy unlit, Megara Channel, Saronikos Gulf
A lightbuoy in the Megara Channel in the Saronikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating the Megara Channel or approaching the Saronikos Gulf from the west should note this defect and exercise caution on night approaches until the buoy is confirmed restored.
697/2026 — Lightbuoy unlit, Megara Channel, Saronikos Gulf
A second lightbuoy in the Megara Channel, Saronikos Gulf, has been reported unlit this week. Vessels navigating through the Megara Channel should treat both buoys as missing until confirmed restored, and exercise additional caution on night transits of this approach.
696/2026 — Navigation light unlit, South Evvoikos Gulf
A navigation light in the South Evvoikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating the South Evvoikos Gulf should update chart annotations and exercise heightened caution on night approaches until the light is confirmed restored.
695/2026 — Navigation light unlit, North Evvoikos Gulf, western coast
A navigation light on the western coast of the North Evvoikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating the North Evvoikos Gulf should update chart annotations and exercise caution on night transits of this coastline until the light is confirmed restored.
694/2026 — Scientific sampling operations, Saronikos Gulf and South Evvoikos Gulf
Scientific measurement operations are underway in the Saronikos Gulf and South Evvoikos Gulf, involving the collection of seawater, plankton, and sediment samples. Vessels navigating or anchoring in these areas should be aware of research vessel activity and confirm current operating positions before approaching.
693/2026 — Anchoring prohibited off Spetsai Island, Myrtoo Sea
Anchoring has been prohibited in the waters off Spetsai Island in the Myrtoo Sea. Vessels planning to anchor in the vicinity of Spetsai should review the notice for the precise prohibited zone and duration before approaching, and identify alternative anchorage positions in advance.
689/2026 — Activation of Petrota firing practice area, Thrakiko Sea
The Petrota firing practice area in the Thrakiko Sea in the northern Aegean has been activated this week. Vessels transiting or operating in the Thrakiko Sea should confirm the current active time window and zone boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before proceeding.
688/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Chios Island, Northeast Aegean Sea
A navigation light on Chios Island in the Northeast Aegean Sea has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating the eastern Aegean and approaching Chios should update chart annotations and exercise caution on night approaches until this light is confirmed restored.
687/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Chios Island, Northeast Aegean Sea
A second navigation light on Chios Island in the Northeast Aegean Sea has been reported unlit this week. Vessels navigating the Chios Strait and the eastern Aegean approaches to Chios should treat both lights as absent until confirmed restored and exercise additional caution on night approaches.
683/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Syros Island, South Aegean Sea
A navigation light on Syros Island in the South Aegean Sea has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating the central Cyclades and approaching Syros should update chart annotations and exercise caution on night approaches 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 2026-143 — Revocation of Order 142/2026 — Porquerolles Island east-side prohibition lifted (Var)
Order 142/2026, which had prohibited navigation, anchoring, diving, bathing, and fishing east of Porquerolles Island off the Var coast, has been formally revoked. Vessels that had noted this restriction may now treat the area as clear — confirm with the Maritime Prefecture if any uncertainty remains about current conditions.
Order 2026-148 — Explosive ordnance disposal restrictions, Pointe de Campomoro, Corsica — 25 to 26 May 2026
Navigation, anchoring, diving, fishing, and bathing have been prohibited at Pointe de Campomoro on the southwest coast of Corsica on 25 and 26 May 2026 in connection with explosive ordnance disposal operations. Vessels approaching or transiting this section of the Corsican coastline on those dates must maintain clear of the designated exclusion zone — review the order for the precise boundaries before approaching.
Order 2026-151 — Explosive ordnance disposal restrictions, Pointe de Campomoro, Corsica — 25 May to 1 June 2026
A further and longer-duration explosive ordnance disposal restriction has been established at Pointe de Campomoro, Corsica, running from 25 May to 1 June 2026. Vessels navigating the southwest coast of Corsica during this period should review both Orders 148 and 151 to understand the full scope and phasing of the restrictions at this location before approaching.
Order 2026-149 — Explosive ordnance disposal restrictions, Rocher de la Vacca, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica — 25 to 26 May 2026
Navigation, anchoring, diving, fishing, and bathing have been prohibited at the Rocher de la Vacca off the commune of Porto-Vecchio on the south coast of Corsica on 25 and 26 May 2026, in connection with explosive ordnance disposal operations. Vessels approaching or anchoring in the outer Porto-Vecchio Gulf on those dates should review the order for the precise restricted zone before approaching.
Order 2026-150 — Explosive ordnance disposal restrictions, Rocher de la Vacca, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica — 25 May to 1 June 2026
A further and longer-duration explosive ordnance disposal restriction has been established at the Rocher de la Vacca off Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, running from 25 May to 1 June 2026. Vessels navigating the south coast of Corsica during this period should review both Orders 149 and 150 to understand the full phasing of restrictions at this location before approaching.
Order 2026-144 — Temporary derogation for environmental monitoring, Sainte-Anne cove, Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes) — 26 May to 2 June 2026
A temporary derogation has been granted to existing inter-prefectoral Order 238/2025 to permit environmental monitoring operations in the marine leisure equipment zone (ZMEL) of the Sainte-Anne cove, located north of Île Sainte-Marguerite off Cannes, from 26 May to 2 June 2026. Vessels operating in the coastal waters off Cannes during this period should be aware of survey activity in this area and review the order for the applicable zones.
Order 2026-145 — Authorisation for marine scientific research campaign and temporary installation on the continental shelf, exclusive economic zone
The French Maritime Prefecture has issued an authorisation for a marine scientific research campaign to operate within the French Mediterranean exclusive economic zone, including temporary installation of equipment on the continental shelf. Vessels navigating offshore areas of the western Mediterranean should be aware of the potential presence of research vessels and associated equipment — review the order for the operational area and duration.
Order 2026-146 — 300-metre coastal strip regulations, Calvi (Haute-Corse, Corsica)
New regulations governing navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off the commune of Calvi on the northwest coast of Corsica have been established. Vessels and tenders operating close inshore in the Calvi Bay area should review the order for the full conditions applicable to their operations in this area.
Order 2026-147 — 300-metre coastal strip regulations, Théoule-sur-Mer (Alpes-Maritimes)
New regulations governing navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off Théoule-sur-Mer on the Côte d'Azur between Cannes and Mandelieu have been established. Vessels and tenders operating close inshore along this stretch of the Estérel coast should review the order for the full conditions applicable to their operations.
Order 2026-152 — Explosive ordnance disposal restrictions, Pointe de Campomoro, Corsica — 25 to 26 May 2026 (research and treatment)
A further explosive ordnance disposal order covers Pointe de Campomoro on 25 and 26 May 2026, this one explicitly covering both the search for and treatment of explosive devices in the area. Vessels operating in the vicinity of Pointe de Campomoro on those dates should treat the full area covered by Orders 148, 151, and 152 as restricted and maintain clear until the disposal operations are confirmed complete.
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.
Savona 57/2026 — Underwater inspection of Costa Crociere quays 6–10, Port of Savona
Navigation, diving, fishing, and port movement restrictions apply in the waters alongside the Costa Crociere berths 6 to 10 in the Port of Savona during an underwater structural inspection of the quay faces. Vessels navigating the approaches to Savona harbour should be aware of diving operations alongside the cruise terminal quays and review the ordinance for the applicable dates and exclusion zone.
Bosa 05/2026 — Navigation, diving, and bathing restriction, Spazzapnea Bosa 2026 litter-collection event, Locality Turas — 7 June 2026
A navigation, anchoring, diving, fishing, and bathing prohibition applies in the waters off Locality Turas, Bosa (OR) on the northwest coast of Sardinia on Sunday 7 June 2026 from 08:00 to 15:00 during the Spazzapnea Bosa 2026 underwater litter-collection freediving event. The restricted zone is bounded by coordinates 40°16.317'N/008°28.907'E, 40°16.764'N/008°29.002'E, 40°16.279'N/008°29.002'E, and 40°16.751'N/008°28.899'E (marked with yellow corner buoys). Vessels navigating the Bosa coastal area on that date should maintain clear of the designated zone. The organiser is required to notify the Bosa Harbour Master's office of event start and conclusion via VHF Ch 12.
Sanremo 41/2026 — Seabed cleaning operations, Porto Vecchio di Sanremo
Navigation, diving, fishing, port movement, and bathing restrictions apply in the waters of the Porto Vecchio (old port) at Sanremo on the Ligurian Riviera during seabed cleaning operations. Vessels navigating in the approaches to Sanremo and the old port entrance should review the ordinance for the designated restricted area and timing before approaching.
Salerno 47/2026 — Navigation and bathing restriction, Salicerchie beach, Maiori
A navigation and bathing restriction has been established off the Salicerchie locality of the commune of Maiori on the Amalfi Coast within the jurisdiction of the Salerno harbour master's office. Vessels and tenders operating close inshore along this stretch of the Amalfi Coast should review the ordinance for the applicable zone and conditions before approaching.
Terracina 44/2026 — Completion of dredging works at the maritime channel, San Felice Circeo
Navigation, bathing, diving, and port movement restrictions apply at the maritime access channel at San Felice Circeo on the southern Lazio coast during the final phase of dredging works being carried out by the contractor S.A.C. Srl. Vessels and small craft navigating or berthing in the San Felice Circeo area should review the ordinance for the applicable exclusion zone and timing before approaching.
La Maddalena 066/2026 — Integration of Ordinance 065/2026, La Maddalena Archipelago
The Italian Coast Guard harbour office at La Maddalena has issued Ordinance 066/2026, which amends and integrates the conditions of Ordinance 065/2026 governing the La Maddalena Archipelago area off northern Sardinia. Vessels operating in the waters around the La Maddalena Archipelago should confirm the current combined operational conditions with the La Maddalena harbour master's office, taking both ordinances into account.
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.
Licata 11/2026 — Geophysical survey restrictions, Licata to Scoglitti (southern Sicily)
Navigation restrictions have been established in the offshore waters along the southern coast of Sicily between Licata and Scoglitti during geophysical survey operations. Vessels navigating or anchoring offshore along this stretch of the Sicilian south coast should review the ordinance for the designated restricted corridor and duration before transiting or deploying ground tackle in the area.
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.
Barletta 25/2026 — Wartime munitions survey and clearance reconnaissance, Quay 3, Port of Barletta
Navigation, diving, and port movement restrictions apply alongside Quay 3 in the Port of Barletta on the northern Apulian coast during an underwater reconnaissance survey for possible wartime explosive remnants. Vessels navigating or berthing in the Port of Barletta should review the ordinance for the precise restricted zone and timing before approaching Quay 3.
Flag State
Bahamas
Technical Advisory TA001 — United States Coast Guard QUALSHIP 21 and E-Zero programme
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has published Technical Advisory 001 setting out the requirements and significance of the United States Coast Guard QUALSHIP 21 and E-Zero programmes for Bahamas-registered vessels. Compliance with these programmes affects port state control risk profiles and berthing eligibility at United States ports — masters and operators of Bahamas-flagged vessels should review the advisory to ensure their port state control record supports continued eligibility.
Classification Society
Lloyd’s Register
Maritime Safety Committee Session 111 — Summary Report
Lloyd's Register has published its summary of the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee, held from 13 to 22 May 2026. Key outcomes include the adoption of a new goal-based code governing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, approved revised explanatory notes for the Safe Return to Port concept for passenger vessels, and draft amendments to the gas carrier code incorporating a decade of operational interpretations. Operators of passenger vessels and gas carriers should review the summary for near-term compliance and survey implications.
Classification Society
DNV
Maritime Safety Committee Session 111 — New Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Code adopted
DNV has published its summary of the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee, covering the adoption of the new goal-based code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships as a key regulatory milestone, along with approved revised explanatory notes for Safe Return to Port on passenger ships and draft amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases incorporating Unified Interpretations from the past decade. Fleet managers with passenger vessels or gas carriers in class should review the summary for the timeline and survey implications of the approved changes.
Marine Insurance
Shipowners Club
Global health risks — latest information and updates for seafarers (22 May 2026)
The Shipowners Club has updated its global health risks advisory, noting that pandemics and public health emergencies can affect the safety of crew and present significant operational challenges, including restrictions imposed at short notice. Masters and operators should review the current advisory before calling at ports in affected regions and ensure crew health protocols and contingency plans are up to date.
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