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When you set sail on a motorboat, you do not always want to stay within national borders. This is even more true for those border regions that are a handful of miles from foreign countries such as Liguria, Sardinia, Tuscany, or the Adriatic coast. In this sense, then, it is physically easy to put the bow towards France or Croatia and go and enjoy some wonderful seas.
In practice, however, there is a small major obstacle. Bureaucracy.
Although on land, customs are broken down and there tend to be no formalities to complete at the borders, on the sea the music changes considerably.
Even among “friendly” nations, the yachtsman has to deal with rules, obligations, certificates, and regulations that are often unclear, sometimes disapplied, and at other times miscommunicated even by local authorities. It only takes a little to turn a vacation into a chase through websites, port offices and unnecessary wasting of time. With the nightmare of hefty fines. Especially if you are sailing on an Italian vessel, which in some countries is not even recognized as an “official” unit. So what? Should one give up? Far from it. Knowing the rules in advance, having the right documents on board, and abiding by naval etiquette is the first step to enjoying the freedom of the sea with total peace of mind.
So here is an essential guide to regulations in the countries closest to our Boot. France, Slovenia, Croatia and Greece. General Rules Sailing outside national borders does not require a change of sails, but of mentality. Every country has its own rules, and the sea is no exception.
Here is what you need to have on board at all times, regardless of the route.
Each person on board must have a valid identity document for expatriation:
EU countries:
Non-EU countries
They must be in original, up-to-date, and on hand. The list varies depending on whether you are sailing in a boat or a watercraft.
Although not compulsory in every nation (see below) it is advisable to have a boat license: for those sailing vessels, it is useful to have theAttestazione per natanti da diporto italiano issued by Confindustria Nautica.
Some countries, as the vessel is an unregistered unit, may contest its nationality or seaworthiness in territorial waters. But it should be remembered that it is not a document that can formally certify Italian unity status.
A few simple gestures, but they are a good calling card when approaching a foreign country.
Sailing in France is, fortunately, low stress from a bureaucratic point of view. But beware, even here there is no shortage of little regulatory pitfalls especially if you are sailing a boat or not paying attention to pollution regulations.
Those sailing in France with an Italian vessel (thus not registered) must have on board:
To access ports, moorings and anchorages at sea, all boats (including foreigners) equipped with marine toilets must comply with these rules:
If built after 2008:
France is rich in marine protected areas with constraints on transit, anchoring and mooring. To stay up-to-date on rules, territorial limits and other navigational information you can consult the free Donia app available for iOS and Android. Info: https://donia.fr/
A small stretch of coastline, less than 50 kilometers, but with a charm all its own dotted with coves, historic harbors and turquoise-water bays. However, to sail here one must be careful of the rules, which Slovenia strictly enforces especially with watercraft.
In Slovenia our (unregistered) vessels cannot sail. In fact, Slovenian regulations require registration in official maritime registers for almost all vessels, including foreign ones. With a few exceptions: dinghies rowing boats kayaks hulls under 3 meters with engines under 3.7 kW
The Port Authority of Koper has confirmed that it does not consider valid the new Italian document ‘”Attestazione per natanti da diporto” designed precisely to avoid these problems for vessels traveling abroad. Italian vessels therefore cannot sail or transit Slovenian waters even if they are headed to Croatia. The route then must remain outside Slovenian territorial waters.
For boats going to Slovenia, there are no special requirements other than having:
With over 1,700 kilometers of coastline and more than 1,100 islands (most of them uninhabited) Croatia is a true sailor’s paradise. Beware, however, that in addition to the crystal-clear sea and well-organized marinas, the bureaucracy here is no joke. Taxes, regulations, and controls are the order of the day. Let’s see how to avoid nasty surprises.
In addition to the standard documents (navigation license, radio certificates, insurance, etc.) you must have on board:
A driver’s license is required to drive any type of motor unit.
In Croatia you have to pay a tax for the safety and protection of the sea if you sail with units: longer than 2.5 meters with an engine with power greater than 5kW
The Croatian Ministry of the Sea reminds on its website that even EU-flagged boats can be subject to customs controls when sailing in Croatia. This is actually quite rare. Better, however, to have documents proving payment of VAT, for example: form T2L original purchase receipt equivalent tax document
Although a ban has been announced several times, currently Italian boats can sail in Croatia. Better, however, make sure you have: a nautical license the “Attestazione per natanti da diporto italiano”
Croatia recently introduced a strict alcohol consumption law that provides zero tolerance for boat captains. Consumption of alcohol before and while operating the vessel is prohibited. Penalties are severe.
A new safety regulation has been in effect in Croatia since March 2025, introducing many new features for boaters. Of note are the new minimum distances from the coast to be respected, rules on anchorages and moorings, and speed limits.
Myths, Meltemi and dreamy islets: Greece is an irresistible lure. From the placid (not always) Ionian to the rugged Aegean, every route is an adventure amid history, culture and blue seabed. But even the Hellenic sea hides a few bureaucratic stumbling blocks. Here’s how to overcome them unscathed.
Do you check? At the discretion of the local authority The management of maritime bureaucracy in Greece is not uniform: although the rules are the same, enforcement can change from area to area. On some islands, controls may be strict, on others nonexistent. When in doubt, better to be in compliance.
Boats over 7 meters long are subject to payment of Tepai, the Greek navigation tax introduced in 2019. The amount varies: depending on the size or type of boat depending on the length of stay (monthly or yearly) It must be paid by the first day of arrival online at the official website https://www1.aade.gr/aadeapps2/etepai/ on-site at the harbormaster’s office or collection agencies
Some marinas may ask for proof of payment before allowing berthing.
Boat license: always
Mandatory for the commander. The Italian one is recognized.
Liability insurance: environmental extension needed
It is required with contract terms written in English, must include environmental (pollution) coverage with minimum limits of 150,000 euros per claim and 450,000 euros in total for the insured period.
Even in Greece, EU-flagged boats can be verified regarding payment of VAT. Better to have proof of tax payment on board, for example: form T2L purchase receipt in original equivalent tax document
Tip: If you are moving from island to island it is best to have multiple copies of your personal and boat documents on board in English or Greek to speed up checks.
Fabrizio Coccia
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