The new Ordinance on Maritime Navigation Safety threatens the reputation of Croatian nautical tourism, the operations of private shipping companies, and also the safety of navigation.
“Believing that Croatia has institutions that create the necessary frameworks that enable entrepreneurs to conduct normal business in accordance with the laws, we request an urgent meeting with representatives of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The business of private shipping companies in Croatia is seriously endangered, and the reputation of our nautical tourism is in question due to the inapplicable and harmful provision of paragraph 7 of Article 53 of the new Ordinance on the Safety of Maritime Navigation. Such rules prevent the safe and legal mooring of ships in bays, which directly threatens the existence of our members and the quality of the tourist service we provide,” said Denis Grubiša, member of the HUPB Board of Directors, at today’s press conference held in front of the Port Authority in the Port of Split.
Good maritime practice
“Respecting experience and good maritime practice, safe mooring for our ships is possible at a greater distance, ideally 70 meters from the shore due to the length of the anchor chain and sea conditions,” Grubiša pointed out. Imposing a fixed distance of a maximum of 50 meters prevents safe anchoring, which leads to phenomena such as “plowing” the anchor on the bottom and increases the risk of stranding, especially in the event of sudden weather changes.
In addition to safety issues, the new provision further complicates the situation at anchorages because it limits space for maneuvering, creates congestion and increases the risk of collisions and damage to vessels. This directly endangers the safety of the crew, guests and property, which is contrary to the essence of the Regulations on the Safety of Maritime Navigation. Not least, it damages the reputation of Croatian tourism as a safe and professional destination.
“With the aim of further promoting Croatia as a recognizable nautical destination, we should have welcomed the start of this year’s tourist season prepared, both as shipowners and as a country,” added Association member Joško Pedišić, recalling that the Association communicated in good faith with the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, expecting understanding and cooperation. However, despite a series of letters and a meeting held, no concrete progress has been made, and the season has already begun.
The impossibility of agreeing on the additional 20 meters of rope needed to achieve ideal conditions when mooring ships along the coast seriously threatens the satisfaction of visitors, the reputation and income from this part of tourism, and thus the sustainability of the shipping company’s business, it was concluded at the press conference.
Support for HUPB was also provided by CROSCA – the Croatian Skippers and Crew Members Association.
CROSCA proposes reformulating the controversial provisions – defining the distance from the coast according to the size of the vessel, clear criteria and procedure for bans, and a mandatory impact analysis before new restrictions. “Safety at sea cannot be reduced to a bureaucratic regulation. A balance is needed between the law and good maritime practice. Croatia must not become a destination where regulations are imposed without understanding the real needs and realities at sea,” CROSCA says.
