Weekly maritime regulatory digest
The weekly briefing.
Week ending 28 July 2026 · Archived edition
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Med East
Six Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices: subsea operations in the Central Aegean off Evvoia and Chios; light unlit at Karystos Harbour (South Evoikos Gulf); light unlit off Amorgos Island; unreliable light at Georgioupoli (Crete); lightbuoy establishment works in the Thrakiko Sea; and a further light unlit in the South Evvoikos Gulf. Nav warnings
Med NW
Eleven French Maritime Prefecture Mediterranean orders: two Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer restrictions (explosive device treatment and an exercise); a 300-metre coastal strip order at Villeneuve-les-Maguelone; a SENSEA GROUPE research campaign authorisation; 300-metre coastal strip orders at Saint-Tropez and Sérignan; a one-day derogation at Saint-Cyprien for a Catalan boats arrival; open-water swim events at Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, Ajaccio and Bastia; and the lifting of the Olmeno (Corsica) explosive-device restriction, reopening the beach to navigation, anchoring, diving, fishing and bathing. Local
Atlantic NW
Five French Maritime Prefecture Atlantique orders: temporary no-navigation zones in the Bassin d'Arcachon; offshore wind farm maintenance restrictions at the Banc de Guérande and off Yeu-Noirmoutier running to 30 September; a helicopter winching exercise off Portsall; and a nautical rescue demonstration event at Anglet. Local
Med NE
Croatian Maritime Authority has published the updated list of approved cabotage authorisations for third-country chartered vessels for 2026, current to 30 June 2026. Local
Italy Tyrr.
Five Italian Coast Guard ordinances in the Tyrrhenian: fireworks display off Vico Equense (Castellammare di Stabia); a traditional lateen-sail regatta off Calasetta, Sardinia; an extension of works on a mooring hydrocoupler at the Sarpom oil terminal buoy field off Savona; urgent works at the Molo Angioino in Naples; and a fireworks display at La Fratta, Terracina. Local
Italy South
Four Italian Coast Guard ordinances: two religious sea processions off Messina (Alì Terme and Santa Teresa di Riva); an open-water swim crossing of the Strait of Messina; and a bathymetric survey of the port and coastline at Roccella Ionica. Local
Italy Adria.
A beginners' sailing regatta has been authorised off Porto San Giorgio on the Marche coast, with navigation restrictions in force within the race area. Local
Med SW
Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute reports an abandoned aquaculture installation south-west of Isla de Tabarca, marked by a single buoy in poor condition — a navigation hazard requiring a wide berth. Nav / Hydrographic
Atl West
Three Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute light-characteristic updates on the Galician and Cantabrian coast: Ría de Santoña (three lights amended); Ensenada de Baiona, Cabezo de San Juan; and Seno de Corcubión, Puerto de Portocubelo. Nav / Hydrographic
Atl SW
Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute reports a light-characteristic change at Puerto de Barbate, in the Strait of Gibraltar. Nav / Hydrographic
Flag
UK MCA publishes draft MGN 711 on the Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2026, setting out risk-based inspection of foreign-flagged commercial vessels at UK ports; pleasure vessels remain exempt, but charter operators should confirm their classification. Flag / Safety
Class
Lloyd's Register publishes its summary report on IMO Sub-Committee session III 12, covering forthcoming implementation and legislation items relevant to vessel operators. Class
Insurance
The EU Council has amended its restrictive measures against Iran over military support to Russia's war in Ukraine and actions undermining freedom of navigation in the Middle East and Red Sea — owners and managers should check sanctions screening lists reflect the updated designations. Sanctions
For any navigation warning or local ordinance, confirm positions, time windows, and chart updates with the issuing authority before operations.
41 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.
945/2026 — Central Aegean Sea, Evvoia Island and Chios Island — subsea operations
Subsea operations are being conducted in the Central Aegean Sea between Evvoia Island and Chios Island. Vessels navigating this area should give a wide berth to any vessel displaying the appropriate signals for underwater operations and confirm the current exclusion area with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before approaching.
943/2026 — South Evoikos Gulf, Karystos Harbour — light unlit
A navigation light at Karystos Harbour in the South Evoikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Vessels approaching Karystos should update their chart annotations and exercise caution on night approaches until the light is confirmed restored.
941/2026 — South Aegean Sea, Amorgos Island, Akrotiri Point — light unlit
A navigation light at Akrotiri Point, Amorgos Island, in the South Aegean Sea has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating the approaches to Amorgos should update their chart annotations and exercise caution on night approaches to this coast.
940/2026 — North Cretan Sea, Georgioupoli — light unreliable
A navigation light at Georgioupoli on the north coast of Crete has been reported unreliable. Vessels navigating this stretch of the North Cretan Sea should not rely on this light and should verify its status before making night approaches.
938/2026 — Thrakiko Sea — works for establishment of lightbuoys
Works are underway to establish new lightbuoys in the Thrakiko Sea in the northern Aegean. Vessels navigating this area should be aware of works vessel activity and confirm the current status and positions of the new aids to navigation with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service.
934/2026 — South Evvoikos Gulf — light unlit
A navigation light in the South Evvoikos Gulf has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating this Gulf should update their 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 2026-299 — Explosive device treatment — navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction, Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer (Var), 28 July 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions have been established off Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer on 28 July 2026 for the treatment of an explosive device. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer on this date should maintain clear of the restricted area until the operation is confirmed complete.
Order 2026-300 — Military exercise — navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction, Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer (Var), 29 July 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions have been established off Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer for 29 July 2026 in connection with a military exercise. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer on this date should maintain clear of the restricted area and confirm timing with the French Maritime Prefecture before approaching.
Order 2026-301 — 300-metre coastal strip regulations — Villeneuve-les-Maguelone (Hérault)
New regulations governing navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off Villeneuve-les-Maguelone on the Hérault coast have been established. Vessels and tenders operating close inshore along this coastline should review this order for the applicable conditions before approaching the beach areas.
Order 2026-296 — SENSEA GROUPE scientific research campaign — authorisation and derogation from Orders 201/2023 and 133/2026
A marine scientific research campaign by the company SENSEA GROUPE has been authorised, with a derogation granted from French Maritime Prefecture orders 201/2023 of 23 June and 133/2026 of 13 May for the duration of the campaign. Vessels navigating or anchoring in the affected area should give a wide berth to any research vessel displaying the appropriate signals for a vessel engaged in underwater operations.
Order 2026-297 — 300-metre coastal strip regulations — Saint-Tropez (Var)
New regulations governing navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off Saint-Tropez have been established. Vessels and tenders operating close inshore off Saint-Tropez — a popular superyacht anchorage — should review this order for the applicable conditions before approaching the beach areas.
Order 2026-298 — 300-metre coastal strip regulations — Sérignan (Hérault)
New regulations governing navigation, anchoring, diving, and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off Sérignan have been established. Vessels and tenders operating close inshore off Sérignan should review this order for the applicable conditions before approaching the beach areas.
Order 2026-291 — Derogation for arrival of Catalan boats on Rodin beach — Saint-Cyprien (Pyrénées-Orientales), 25 July 2026
A one-day derogation from the standing 300-metre coastal strip order at Saint-Cyprien (Order 64/2026) was granted for the arrival of traditional Catalan boats on Rodin beach on 25 July 2026. Vessels that had noted the standing restriction should be aware this derogation applied for that date only.
Order 2026-292 — Open-water swim event "La Traversée à la Nage" — navigation, anchoring and diving restriction, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer (Var), 6 August 2026
Navigation, anchoring, and diving restrictions will apply off Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer on 6 August 2026 for the open-water swim event "La Traversée à la Nage", with 7 August held as a weather backup date. Vessels navigating or anchoring off this stretch of the Var coast on either date should maintain clear of the swim course.
Order 2026-293 — "Napo Swim Cup" open-water swim event — navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction, Ajaccio (Corse-du-Sud)
Navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving restrictions have been established off Ajaccio for the "Napo Swim Cup" open-water swimming event. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Ajaccio during the event should maintain clear of the swim course and confirm timing with the French Maritime Prefecture.
Order 2026-294 — "Aldilonda Swim" open-water swim event — navigation and diving restriction, Bastia (Haute-Corse), 25–26 July 2026
Navigation and diving restrictions applied off Bastia on 25 and 26 July 2026 for the "Aldilonda Swim" open-water swimming event. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Bastia on these dates should have maintained clear of the swim course.
Order 2026-295 — Abrogation of Order 278/2026 — reopening of Olmeno beach (Corsica) following explosive device clearance
The French Maritime Prefecture has abrogated Order 278/2026, which had restricted navigation, anchoring, diving, fishing, and bathing off Olmeno beach in Corsica following the discovery of explosive devices. The clearance operation is complete and the area has reopened — vessels that had noted the earlier restriction may treat it as lifted.
Northeast 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. Note: Order 2026-132 supersedes the related Order 2026-128 covering the same area; only the later order is shown.
Order 2026-132 — Temporary no-navigation zones — Bassin d'Arcachon (Gironde)
Temporary zones prohibited to navigation have been created within the Bassin d'Arcachon. Vessels navigating or anchoring in the Bassin d'Arcachon should review this order for the precise boundaries and duration of the restricted zones before entering the basin.
Order 2026-129 — Offshore wind farm electrical connection maintenance — Banc de Guérande, 24 July to 30 September 2026
Maritime activities are temporarily regulated around the electrical connection cables of the Banc de Guérande offshore wind farm for a maintenance campaign running from 24 July to 30 September 2026. Vessels navigating this area should be aware of works vessel activity and review the order for the applicable restrictions.
Order 2026-130 — Offshore wind farm electrical connection maintenance — Yeu-Noirmoutier, 24 July to 30 September 2026
Maritime activities are temporarily regulated around the electrical connection cables of the Yeu-Noirmoutier offshore wind farm for a maintenance campaign running from 24 July to 30 September 2026. Vessels navigating this area should be aware of works vessel activity and review the order for the applicable restrictions.
Order 2026-127 — Helicopter winching exercise — Marine Nationale and SNSM, Portsall
Maritime activities near the port of Portsall are being temporarily regulated for a helicopter winching training exercise conducted by the French Navy and the National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM). Vessels navigating in the approaches to Portsall during the exercise should maintain a safe distance from the training area.
Order 2026-125 — "Anglet Uhaina Sauvetage" nautical rescue demonstration event — Anglet, 25 July 2026
Maritime activities off Anglet were temporarily regulated on 25 July 2026 for the "Anglet Uhaina Sauvetage" sea rescue demonstration event. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Anglet on this date should have maintained clear of the event area.
Northeastern Adriatic
Croatia
Updated list of approved cabotage authorisations for third-country chartered vessels, 2026 — status to 30 June 2026
The Croatian Maritime Authority has published its updated list of vessels of third-country nationality approved for cabotage authorisation for chartering purposes in 2026, current to 30 June 2026. Managers and captains of non-EU flagged charter vessels operating in Croatian waters should confirm their vessel's authorisation status against this current list.
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.
Castellammare di Stabia 73/2026 — Fireworks display, Vico Equense (Napoli) — navigation restriction, 28 July 2026
A fireworks display has been authorised off Vico Equense on the Sorrentine coast for 28 July 2026, with navigation restrictions in force in the launch and fallout area. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Vico Equense on this date should maintain clear of the restricted area and confirm timing with the Castellammare di Stabia harbour master's office.
Sant'Antioco 35/2026 — "Memorial Scurpena" traditional lateen-sail regatta, Calasetta (Sardinia) — navigation restriction
The "Memorial Scurpena" regatta for traditional lateen-sail boats has been authorised off Calasetta on the southwest coast of Sardinia. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Calasetta during the event should maintain clear of racing traffic and confirm course boundaries and timing with the Sant'Antioco harbour office.
Savona 91/2026 — Extension of works on hydrocoupler, Sealine 36, Sarpom oil terminal buoy field — navigation and diving restriction
Works on the hydrocoupler for Sealine 36 at the Sarpom offshore oil terminal buoy field off Savona have been extended, with navigation and diving restrictions remaining in force around the works area. Vessels navigating or anchoring in the approaches to Savona should maintain clear of the terminal buoy field and confirm the current works timeline with the Savona harbour master's office.
Napoli 87/2026 — Urgent works, Molo Angioino — navigation restriction
Urgent works are underway at the Molo Angioino in the port of Naples, with navigation restrictions in force around the quay and pier head. Vessels navigating or berthing in the port of Naples should review the ordinance for the applicable exclusion area and confirm current arrangements with the Naples harbour master's office before approaching.
Terracina 77/2026 — Fireworks display, La Fratta — navigation, bathing, diving and fishing restriction
A fireworks display has been authorised at La Fratta, Terracina, with navigation, bathing, diving, and fishing restrictions in force in the launch and fallout area. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Terracina should maintain clear of the restricted area and confirm timing with the Terracina harbour master's office.
Southern Italy / 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.
Messina 131/2026 — Religious sea procession, Alì Terme — navigation restriction, 8 August 2026
A religious sea procession has been authorised in the waters off Alì Terme on 8 August 2026, with navigation restrictions in force in the affected area. Vessels navigating or moored off Alì Terme on this date should review the ordinance for the applicable exclusion zone and confirm arrangements with the Messina harbour office.
Messina 130/2026 — Religious sea procession, Santa Teresa di Riva — navigation restriction, 1 August 2026
A religious sea procession has been authorised in the waters off Santa Teresa di Riva on 1 August 2026, with navigation restrictions in force in the affected area. Vessels navigating or moored off Santa Teresa di Riva on this date should review the ordinance for the applicable exclusion zone and confirm arrangements with the Messina harbour office.
Messina 129/2026 — Open-water swim crossing of the Strait of Messina — navigation restriction, 3 August 2026
An open-water swim crossing of the Strait of Messina has been authorised for 3 August 2026, with navigation restrictions in force within the crossing corridor. Vessels transiting the Strait of Messina on this date should maintain clear of the swim course and confirm timing with the Messina harbour master's office.
Roccella Ionica 34/2026 — Bathymetric survey, port and Arena Sub coastline — navigation restriction, from 28 July 2026
A bathymetric survey of the port and the Arena Sub stretch of coastline at Roccella Ionica began on 28 July 2026, with navigation restrictions in force around the survey vessel and equipment. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Roccella Ionica should give a wide berth to the survey operation and confirm its current status with the harbour office.
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.
Porto San Giorgio 43/2026 — Beginners' sailing regatta — navigation, bathing, fishing and diving restriction
A beginners' sailing regatta has been authorised in the waters off Porto San Giorgio on the Marche coast, with navigation, bathing, fishing, and diving restrictions in force within the race course area. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Porto San Giorgio during the event should maintain clear of racing traffic and confirm course boundaries and timing with the harbour master's office.
Western Mediterranean
Spain · Mediterranean
This notice is from the Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute weekly bulletin (Grupo 30/2026, 25 July 2026). Temporary (T) notices are annotated accordingly. The PDF link refers to the full weekly bulletin.
30/174(T) — Isla de Tabarca (southwest) — abandoned aquaculture installation, navigation hazard
A marine aquaculture installation south of Puerto de Santa Pola and southwest of Isla de Tabarca has been abandoned and is now marked only by a single buoy in poor condition with no topmark, constituting a hazard to navigation. Vessels navigating or anchoring in this area should give the installation a wide berth and exercise maximum caution, particularly at night or in reduced visibility.
Northwest Atlantic
Spain · Galicia & Cantabria
These notices are from the Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute weekly bulletin (Grupo 30/2026, 25 July 2026). The PDF link for all three notices refers to the full weekly bulletin.
30/170 — Ría de Santoña — buoyage light characteristics amended
The light characteristics of three aids to navigation in the Ría de Santoña, on the Cantabrian coast, have been amended — flash patterns have changed at each position. Masters navigating the approaches to Santoña should update their chart annotations and verify the current light characteristics before making night approaches.
30/171 — Ensenada de Baiona, Cabezo de San Juan — light and directional light characteristics amended
The light characteristics of the light and directional sector light at Cabezo de San Juan in the Ensenada de Baiona have been amended, with reduced nominal ranges now in effect. Masters navigating the approaches to Baiona should update their chart annotations and verify the current light characteristics and ranges before making night approaches.
30/172 — Seno de Corcubión, Puerto de Portocubelo — light characteristic amended
The light characteristic of the aid to navigation at Puerto de Portocubelo in the Seno de Corcubión has been amended, with a reduced nominal range now in effect. Masters navigating the approaches to Portocubelo should update their chart annotations and verify the current light characteristic before making night approaches.
Southwest Atlantic
Spain · Atlantic South
This notice is from the Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute weekly bulletin (Grupo 30/2026, 25 July 2026). The PDF link refers to the full weekly bulletin.
30/173 — Puerto de Barbate — light characteristic amended
The light characteristic of the aid to navigation at Puerto de Barbate, on the Atlantic side of the Strait of Gibraltar, has been amended. Masters navigating into or out of Barbate should update their chart annotations and verify the current light characteristic before making night approaches.
Flag State
UK MCA
MGN 711 (M) — draft: The Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2026
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published draft MGN 711, implementing the Paris MoU port state control framework for foreign-flagged seagoing ships calling at UK ports or anchorages. Ships are risk-classified (high, standard, or low) to set inspection frequency, with expanded inspections for older tankers, bulk carriers, and passenger ships; vessels with repeated detentions face progressive, potentially permanent, port access refusal. British-registered vessels, fishing boats, warships, and pleasure vessels are exempt — recreational yachts fall outside these requirements, but commercial charter operators should confirm their vessel's classification and risk status.
Classification Society
Lloyd’s Register
IMO Sub-Committee III 12 — Summary Report
Lloyd's Register has published its summary report on the twelfth session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 12), covering the key outcomes and forthcoming regulatory developments discussed at the session. Owners, managers, and technical superintendents should review this summary to understand which future IMO requirements may affect their vessels and forward planning.
Sanctions / Policy
EU Restrictive Measures — Iran
Included this week given the Red Sea and Middle East freedom-of-navigation dimension; flagged for a decision on standing treatment of this source next time it recurs.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1837 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1853 — EU restrictive measures against Iran amended
The EU Council has amended its restrictive measures regime targeting Iran over its military support to Russia's war against Ukraine, its support to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and Red Sea region, and actions undermining freedom of navigation in the Middle East. Owners, managers, and compliance teams should check that sanctions screening lists reflect the updated designations, particularly for vessels or counterparties with exposure to Iranian-linked entities or Red Sea/Gulf transits.
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