Weekly maritime regulatory digest
The weekly briefing.
Week ending 25 August 2026 · Archived edition
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Med East
Eight Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices: activation of the Nisides Karavia firing practice area in the Myrtoo Sea, submarine exercises in the Saronikos and Megara Gulfs, firing exercises off Fleves Island, and five lights reported unlit across Skopelos, Tinos, Ikaria, the Gulf of Kavala and Mykonos. Nav warnings
Med NW
Eight French Maritime Prefecture Mediterranean orders: a Cannes Yacht Parade on 12 September, the Ironman 70.3 World Championship off Nice with swim buoys from 8 September, an explosive device treatment at Sainte-Maxime on 20 August, swim crossings off Cannes and Toulon, an October freediving week at Ajaccio, updated Antibes coastal strip regulations, and the lifting of an earlier explosive device restriction at Hyères. Local
Italy Tyrr.
Four Italian Coast Guard ordinances: a trolling fishing competition and military exercises in the port of La Spezia, and a waterfront food festival and a sporting trophy event at Sanremo/Ventimiglia. Local
Italy South
Six Italian Coast Guard ordinances: submarine exercises off Corigliano Calabro, festival fireworks at Roccella Ionica and Scilla, a beach fireworks display at Taormina, a freediving camp at Pantelleria, and a swimming competition off Sellia Marina, Crotone. Local
Med SW
Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute notices: an aid to navigation relocated in Tangier Bay near the Strait of Gibraltar, buoyage updated off Isla de Tabarca with one light switched off, and buoy characteristics updated east of Barcelona. Nav / Hydrographic
UK MCA
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published new guidance on personal safety and social responsibilities training, and issued an amendment to its air pollution survey and certification guidance. Safety
DNV
DNV flags an updated European Union regulation amending the Marine Equipment Directive, in force from 31 August 2026. Safety
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.
1013/2026 — Myrtoo Sea, Nisides Karavia — firing practice area activated, firing exercises
The firing practice area at Nisides Karavia in the Myrtoo Sea, between the Peloponnese and Crete, has been activated for live firing exercises. Vessels transiting this stretch of open water should route around the area and confirm the active dates and boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before passing through.
1011/2026 — Northwest Aegean Sea, Skopelos Island — light unlit
A navigation light on Skopelos Island in the northwestern Aegean has been reported unlit. Vessels approaching Skopelos, a popular Sporades cruising stop, should not rely on the light for night approaches until it is confirmed restored.
1007/2026 — Saronikos Gulf, Megara Gulf — submarine exercises
Submarine exercises are taking place in the Saronikos and Megara Gulfs, close to the approaches to Athens and the Corinth Canal. Vessels navigating these gulfs should keep a sharp lookout, monitor VHF for warnings, and stay well clear of any area marked by escort or support vessels.
1005/2026 — Saronikos Gulf, Fleves Island — firing exercises
Firing exercises are underway off Fleves Island in the Saronikos Gulf, close to a well-used anchorage area near the Athens Riviera. Vessels in the vicinity should keep clear of the designated firing area and confirm the active periods with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service.
1001/2026 — Kyklades Islands, Tinos Island, Agios Romanos — light unlit
The light at Agios Romanos on Tinos Island in the Cyclades has been reported unlit. Vessels approaching Tinos overnight should exercise extra caution and confirm the light's status before relying on it for the final approach.
1000/2026 — Aegean Sea, Ikaria Island — light unlit
A navigation light on Ikaria Island in the eastern Aegean has been reported unlit. Vessels transiting the waters around Ikaria at night should not rely on this light until it is confirmed restored.
997/2026 — Thrakiko Sea, Kavala Gulf — light unlit
A light in the Gulf of Kavala in the northern Aegean has been reported unlit. Vessels approaching Kavala should update their chart annotations and take extra care during night approaches.
989/2026 — Mykonos Island, Prasonisia Islets — light unlit
A light at the Prasonisia islets off Mykonos has been reported unlit. Vessels navigating close to these islets, particularly at night, should maintain a wider clearance until the light is 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 2026-354 — 300-metre coastal strip regulations — Antibes (Alpes-Maritimes)
Updated regulations govern navigation, anchoring, diving and high-speed water sports within the 300-metre coastal strip off Antibes on the Alpes-Maritimes coast. Vessels and tenders operating close inshore off Antibes and Cap d'Antibes should review this order for the current conditions before approaching the beach areas.
Order 2026-352 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction for a freediving competition — Ajaccio (Corse-du-Sud), 16 to 25 October 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving will be restricted off Ajaccio for the "Cormorant Freediving Deep Week" competition, running from 16 to 25 October 2026. Vessels anchoring in the Ajaccio area during this period should confirm the affected zones and timings with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
Order 2026-351 — Lifting of the explosive device treatment restriction — Hyères (Var)
The navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction imposed at Hyères on 13 August 2026 for an explosive device treatment has been lifted. Vessels that had been keeping clear of the Hyères area for this reason may now resume normal operations there.
Order 2026-350 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction for a "Yacht Parade" — Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes), 12 September 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving will be restricted off Cannes for a yacht parade on 12 September 2026. Vessels planning to be in or near Cannes that day should confirm the parade route and time window with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean before approaching.
Order 2026-349 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction for the "Toulon Swim Race" — Toulon (Var), 30 August 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving will be restricted off Toulon for a swim race on 30 August 2026. Vessels anchoring or transiting close inshore off Toulon that day should maintain clear of the swim course and confirm the boundaries with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
Order 2026-348 — Navigation, anchoring, diving and bathing restriction for an explosive device treatment — Sainte-Maxime (Var), 20 August 2026
Navigation, anchoring, diving and bathing were restricted off Sainte-Maxime on 20 August 2026 while an explosive device was dealt with. Vessels that had avoided this area should confirm with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean that normal access has now resumed.
Order 2026-347 — Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving restriction for the Lérins Islands swim crossing — Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes), 6 September 2026
Navigation, anchoring, bathing and diving will be restricted between the Lérins Islands off Cannes for a swim crossing on 6 September 2026. Vessels anchoring in this popular anchorage that day should maintain clear of the swim course and confirm the time window with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
Order 2026-346 — Navigation, anchoring, diving and bathing restriction for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship — Nice (Alpes-Maritimes), training 9 September, event 12–13 September 2026 (swim buoys placed 8 and 11 September)
Navigation, anchoring, diving and bathing will be restricted off Nice for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, with a training swim on 9 September and the event itself on 12 and 13 September 2026, plus swim course buoys placed on 8 and 11 September. Vessels anchoring or navigating close inshore off Nice on these dates should confirm the affected area with the French Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean.
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.
La Spezia 229/2026 — Trolling fishing competition, "Campionato provinciale La Spezia 2026" — navigation and fishing restriction
A navigation and fishing restriction is in force off La Spezia for a provincial trolling fishing competition. Vessels navigating the approaches to La Spezia should expect competing fishing boats in the area and confirm the boundaries with the harbour office.
La Spezia 228/2026 — Military exercises in the Port of La Spezia — port and navigation restriction
Port movements and navigation are restricted within the port of La Spezia for military exercises. Vessels berthed at or approaching La Spezia should confirm with the harbour office that normal port operations have resumed before manoeuvring.
Sanremo 66/2026 — "Sapori della Marina" waterfront food festival, Ventimiglia — road, navigation, bathing, diving, fishing and port restrictions
Road access, navigation, bathing, diving, fishing and port movements are restricted at Ventimiglia for the "Sapori della Marina" waterfront food festival. Vessels calling at Ventimiglia during the event should confirm access arrangements with the Sanremo harbour office.
Sanremo 65/2026 — "Trofeo Tua Orlando" sporting event — fishing, diving, bathing, navigation, road and port restrictions
Fishing, diving, bathing, navigation, road access and port movements are restricted off Sanremo for the "Trofeo Tua Orlando" sporting event. Vessels navigating or berthing at Sanremo during the event should confirm the affected areas with the harbour office.
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.
Corigliano Calabro 61/2026 — Submerged submarine exercises — navigation and fishing restriction, 27–28 August 2026
Navigation and fishing are restricted off Corigliano Calabro on the Ionian coast of Calabria for a submerged submarine exercise on 27 and 28 August 2026. Vessels navigating this stretch of coast on those dates should keep a sharp lookout and stay clear of any support vessels.
Roccella Ionica 48/2026 — Fireworks for the Festa di Maria Addolorata — bathing and navigation restriction, 10 and 20 September 2026
Bathing and navigation will be restricted off Roccella Ionica for a fireworks display marking the Festa di Maria Addolorata on 10 and 20 September 2026. Vessels anchored or navigating close inshore on these dates should move clear of the fallout area and confirm the boundaries with the harbour office.
Messina 182/2026 — Fireworks at Mazzeo beach, Taormina, "TAO Summer" festival — fishing, diving, bathing and navigation restriction, 28 August 2026
Fishing, diving, bathing and navigation will be restricted off the beach at Mazzeo, in the comune of Taormina, for a fireworks display on 28 August 2026 as part of the "TAO Summer" festival. Vessels anchored off this stretch of the Taormina coast that evening should move clear of the fallout area.
Reggio Calabria 74/2026 — Fireworks at Marina Grande, Scilla — fishing, diving, bathing and navigation restriction
Fishing, diving, bathing and navigation are restricted off Marina Grande in the comune of Scilla for a fireworks display. Vessels anchored off Scilla, a well-known gateway anchorage between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian, should move clear of the fallout area for the duration of the display.
Pantelleria 19/2026 — "2° Pantelleria Freediving Camp" — navigation, bathing and diving restriction
Navigation, bathing and diving are restricted off Pantelleria for the second edition of a freediving training camp. Vessels navigating or anchoring off the island should confirm the affected area with the Pantelleria harbour office before approaching.
Crotone 122/2026 — Swimming competition off Sellia Marina — bathing, diving and navigation restriction, 30 August 2026
Bathing, diving and navigation will be restricted in the waters off Sellia Marina for an Italian Swimming Federation competition on 30 August 2026. Vessels navigating or anchoring off Sellia Marina that day should maintain clear of the swim course.
Western Mediterranean
Spain · Mediterranean
These notices are from the Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute weekly bulletin (Grupo 34/2026, 22 August 2026). The PDF link for all three notices refers to the full weekly bulletin. The Tangier Bay notice concerns Moroccan waters just south of the Strait of Gibraltar, published within the Institute's regular coverage area.
34/200 — Tangier Bay, Morocco (Strait of Gibraltar approaches) — aid to navigation relocated
The light marking Piedra Bourée in Tangier Bay, just south of the Strait of Gibraltar, has been moved a short distance to a new charted position. Vessels transiting the Strait via Tangier Bay should update their chart annotations before passing close to this mark.
34/203 — Isla de Tabarca, Costa Blanca — buoyage updated, one light switched off
The charted symbol for the aid to navigation at two positions off Isla de Tabarca, near Alicante, has been updated, and the light at one of the two buoys, within the marine reserve, has been temporarily switched off. Masters navigating close to Tabarca should not rely on that light and should update their chart annotations for both positions.
34/204 — Puerto de Barcelona (east side) — ODAS buoy characteristics updated, AIS added
Two ODAS data buoys east of the port of Barcelona have had their charted symbol updated and now carry an AIS transponder for identification. Masters navigating the approaches to Barcelona should update their chart annotations accordingly.
Flag State
UK MCA
MGN 718 (M+F) — 2026 IMO Amendment to Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities Training
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published Marine Guidance Note 718, updating policy on personal safety and social responsibilities training in line with a 2026 International Maritime Organization resolution. It replaces the previous marine information note on the same subject.
MGN 381 (M+F) Amendment 1 — Survey and Certification Requirements for Air Pollution Prevention Regulations
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has issued Amendment 1 to Marine Guidance Note 381, updating survey and certification requirements under the air pollution prevention regulations for UK-flagged vessels. This amendment supersedes the original 2008 guidance and folds in a separate note that previously supplemented it.
Classification Society
DNV
Updated European Union Marine Equipment Directive Implementing Regulation — in force 31 August 2026
DNV highlights a new European Union regulation updating the list of approved standards under the Marine Equipment Directive, which takes effect on 31 August 2026 and replaces the previous version issued in 2025. Owners fitting or renewing marine equipment on European Union-flagged or European Union-trading vessels should check that suppliers are certifying to the current standards.
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