Cruise in Croatia

Are you bringing your own boat or jet ski to Croatia?Here are the most important regulations:

In 2012, a significant change occurred: every motorized vessel must now have a sticker (vignette). This also applies to small inflatable boats with a small outboard motor.

According to the current regulations, all motorized vessels must have a sticker /vignette/and a verified crew list. The sticker is proof that you have paid the relevant fees /e.g., a navigation safety fee, a fee for using navigation safety facilities, an administrative fee, etc./. The sticker is valid for one year /you will save if you buy the sticker for the first season, e.g. in August, and go to sea for the second season in July/. The verified crew list is intended to prevent the operation of so-called black charters - illegal renting of the vessel to third parties.

You can obtain the sticker and the verified crew list from the captain's office /LUČKA KAPETANIJA/at your place of residence. The price for these documents depends on the length of the vessel, type /cabin or open deck/, engine power, etc.

Furthermore, when sailing, you need to have with you: proof of the vessel's seaworthiness (technical certificate), international small vessel skipper's certificate, proof of ownership of the vessel, proof of third party liability insurance (only for vessels with an engine over 15 kW).

If you bring a large yacht to Croatia or arrive by sea, you must register the crew and passengers separately.

According to our information, if you bring a small boat or jet ski to Croatia, only a sticker proving payment of the fees is sufficient. The police mainly check payment of the fees. It is also necessary to follow generally valid rules: do not drive close to the beach, do not drive among swimmers, do not drive in areas marked with buoys for swimmers.

We also recommend paying attention to the weather. Even in Croatia, in the summer, there can be occasional sudden changes in the weather, with strong winds and large waves at sea. This is very dangerous, especially for small vessels.

If you want to rent a boat in Croatia, keep in mind that you will need to pay a relatively high deposit and you will also need to have an international small boat skipper's license.

We wish you a safe and pleasant sailing.

Update December 2024