Regulatory Digest / Week ending 23 Mar 2026
// SerenkAI Maritime — Intelligence Digest

Weekly Maritime Regulatory Digest

Week ending 23 Mar 2026  ·  Built for operational awareness
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Class — Lloyd's DNV ABS
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Med East
Eleven Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service notices this week: ammunition located in Thessaloniki port, aeronautical firing exercises northwest of Lesvos, a Very High Frequency radio frequency change off Kythira, a dangerous object reported at Porto Rafti in the Notios Evoikos Gulf, a navigation light relocation in the Saronikos Gulf, submarine cable installation in the North Ionian Sea, live firing in the Myrtoo Sea, a light unlit off Limnos Island, new anchor emplacements off Ios Island, and firing exercises off Crete. Nav warnings
Med NW
Three French Maritime Prefecture orders: navigation, anchoring, and diving restrictions around a commercial vessel in the western Mediterranean from 22 March, a temporary derogation to existing restrictions near Nice-Côte d'Azur airport until 4 April 2026, and new trawling and fishing gear restrictions off Sète (Hérault). Local
Italy
Eight Italian Coast Guard ordinances across Tyrrhenian, Southern Italy, and Adriatic waters: dredging works at the tourist port of Rome (Fiumicino), beach and cable works at Ischia (Fundera), a submarine operating in restricted mode off Taranto from 30 March to 2 April, live firing and surface hazard notice off Taranto on 23–27 March, aquabike training at Castro (Otranto), a sailing event at Sistiana (Trieste), barge convoy movements at Porto Nogaro, and a jet-ski training area established off Rimini. Local
Flag
Transport Malta: oceanographic survey between Malta and Sicily, and cancellation of the earlier notice on NAVTEX service suspension. Bahamas Maritime Authority: crew accommodation guidance updates (three documents) and a security advisory for the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. Marshall Islands Registry: enclosed space entry incident bulletin (reissued). Safety / Flag
Class
Lloyd's Register publishes guidance on the International Association of Classification Societies Human Element guidelines for the maritime sector. DNV shares operational insights on post-fire hull structure and material assessment for vessels that have experienced a fire incident. The American Bureau of Shipping reports on its technology investments and growing presence in Southeast Asia. Safety learning
⚑ For any navigation warning or local ordinance — confirm positions, time windows, and chart updates with the issuing authority before operations.
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Eastern Mediterranean

Navigation Warnings — Greece (Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service)

Note: the same notices appear under two source labels in the data feed. Each entry below represents a single unique notice.
396/2026 — Ammunition located, Thermaikos Gulf, Port of Thessaloniki
Ammunition has been located in the waters of the Thermaikos Gulf within the port of Thessaloniki. Vessels calling at or manoeuvring in this area should exercise extreme caution and coordinate with port authority before approaching the affected zone.
395/2026 — Aeronautical firing exercises, northeast Aegean Sea, northwest of Lesvos Island
Aeronautical firing exercises are taking place northwest of Lesvos Island in the northeast Aegean Sea. Vessels transiting or anchoring in this area should confirm the active time window and restricted zone with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before planning passage.
394/2026 — Very High Frequency transmission frequency change, Kythira
The Very High Frequency transmission frequency for the Kythira radio station has changed. Update navigation communications records and verify the new working channel before transiting waters covered by this station.
393/2026 — Dangerous object reported, Notios Evoikos Gulf, Porto Rafti
A dangerous object has been reported in the Notios Evoikos Gulf off Porto Rafti. Vessels approaching or anchoring near Porto Rafti should exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from the reported position pending further information from the issuing authority.
392/2026 — Navigation light relocated, Saronikos Gulf, Salamina Channel
A navigation light has been relocated in the Saronikos Gulf in the Strait and Naval Station Salamina Channel. Update chart annotations and approach plans for this area to reflect the new light position.
391/2026 — Submarine cable installation operations, North Ionian Sea
Submarine cable installation operations are under way in the North Ionian Sea. Vessels transiting this area should maintain clear of the cable-laying vessel and its operational zone, and exercise caution with anchoring to avoid interference with the cable route.
390/2026 — Live firing, activation of 'Ydra' firing practice area, Myrtoo Sea
The 'Ydra' firing practice area in the Myrtoo Sea has been activated for live firing exercises. Vessels planning to transit or anchor in the Myrtoo Sea should confirm the current status of this restricted area with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before departure.
388/2026 — Navigation light unlit, Limnos Island, northeastern Aegean Sea
A navigation light off Limnos Island in the northeastern Aegean Sea has been reported unlit. Update chart annotations for this area and exercise heightened caution on night approaches to Limnos until the light is restored.
387/2026 — New anchor emplacements established, Ios Island, South Aegean Sea
New anchor emplacements have been established in the waters off Ios Island in the South Aegean Sea. Update chart records for this anchorage area and review the designated positions before anchoring off Ios.
386/2026 — Firing exercises, northwest Cretan Sea, Crete
Firing exercises are taking place in the northwest Cretan Sea off Crete. Vessels intending to transit this area should confirm the active time window and exact boundaries with the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service before planning passage.
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Northwestern Mediterranean

Navigation Restrictions — France (Maritime Prefectures)

⚠ 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 2026-061 — Navigation, anchoring, and diving restrictions around a commercial vessel, from 22 March 2026
Navigation, anchoring, and diving around a commercial vessel operating in the western Mediterranean are restricted with effect from 22 March 2026. Vessels in the vicinity should review the order for the designated safety zone and maintain clear of the restricted area for the duration of operations.
Order 2026-059 — Temporary derogation to navigation and anchoring restrictions near Nice-Côte d'Azur airport, until 4 April 2026
A temporary derogation has been granted to the existing prefectural order governing navigation, anchoring, bathing, and diving in the coastal strip off the Nice-Côte d'Azur airport area, covering the communes of Antibes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Nice, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, and Villeneuve-Loubet. The derogation is in force until 4 April 2026 — vessels operating in this stretch of coastline should read the order to understand the revised permitted activities.
Order 2026-060 — Fishing gear, trawling, and trailing gear restrictions off Sète (Hérault)
New restrictions on the anchoring of fishing gear, trawling, and the use of trailing gear have been established in the waters off the commune of Sète in the Hérault department. Vessels with trailing equipment or engaged in fishing activities in this area should review the order for the designated restricted zones before approaching this coastline.
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Tyrrhenian Sea

Italy — Coast Guard Ordinances (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.
Roma Fiumicino 26/2026 — Seabed dredging works, tourist port of Rome (Fiumicino)
Seabed dredging works are authorised in the outer harbour of the tourist port of Rome at Fiumicino on the Tyrrhenian coast. Navigation, fishing, diving, and bathing restrictions apply within the works area — vessels intending to use or approach this port should check with the harbour master's office for the current access conditions before arrival.
Ischia 17/2026 — Beach restoration works at Fundera locality, exposed electrical cable
Works to restore the beach at the Fundera locality on Ischia have been authorised following the exposure of an electrical cable. Navigation, bathing, and access restrictions apply in the near-shore area — vessels and tenders approaching this part of the Ischia coastline should exercise caution and maintain clear of the works zone.
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Southern Italy / Sicily / Ionian

Italy — Coast Guard Ordinances (South)

Taranto 69/2026 — Submarine operating in submerged mode, 30 March – 2 April 2026
A submarine is authorised to operate in submerged diving mode in a designated area off Taranto from 30 March to 2 April 2026. Navigation, fishing, diving, and access restrictions apply within the notified zone — vessels must maintain clear of the operational area throughout this period.
Taranto 68/2026 — Live firing and surface hazard area, T833A exercise zone, 23–27 March 2026
A live firing and surface hazard exclusion zone designated T833A is in force off Taranto from 23 to 27 March 2026. Vessels must stay clear of the designated area and its boundaries for the full duration of the exercise period — confirm exact coordinates and active hours with the Taranto harbour master's office before transiting.
Otranto 007/2026 — Water sports training area established, Castro, 21 March – 12 April 2026
A designated water sports training area for aquabike exercises has been established off Castro in the waters of Otranto for multiple dates between 21 March and 12 April 2026. Navigation, diving, fishing, and bathing restrictions apply within the training zone on the relevant exercise dates — vessels and tenders approaching this stretch of the southern Adriatic heel coastline should check the active schedule before arrival.
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Adriatic / North Italy

Italy — Coast Guard Ordinances (Adriatic / North)

Trieste (Sistiana) — Sailing event authorisation, Bays XIII, XIV, and XV, 23 March 2026
A sailing competition (Sistiana 89) has been authorised in the Sistiana bays (areas XIII, XIV, and XV) on 23 March 2026. Vessels navigating or anchoring in this part of the Gulf of Trieste on that date should be aware of racing activity and the associated course area.
Porto Nogaro 13/2026 — Barge convoy movements, 1–20 April 2026
Barge convoys are authorised to operate in the waters of Porto Nogaro from 1 to 20 April 2026. Vessels navigating the approaches to Porto Nogaro during this period should be aware of slow-moving barge convoys and allow appropriate sea room when passing.
Rimini 12/2026 — Water sports training area, jet-ski Aquabike (San Marino event)
A dedicated training area for jet-ski and aquabike exercises has been established off Rimini in connection with a San Marino sporting event. Navigation, diving, bathing, and access restrictions apply within the designated training zone on the relevant exercise dates — confirm the active schedule with the Rimini harbour master's office before approaching this stretch of coastline.
Pescara 25/2026 — Extension of extraordinary maintenance works, Pescara Nord
Extraordinary maintenance works at Pescara Nord have been extended under this ordinance. Navigation, fishing, bathing, and access restrictions continue to apply in the works area — vessels approaching the Pescara port area should check the current status of the restricted zone before manoeuvring.
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Flag State

Transport Malta

Oceanographic investigative survey — Malta to Sicily channel
An oceanographic investigative survey designated PAGES is under way in the channel between Malta and Sicily. Vessels transiting or anchoring in this area should maintain clear of the survey vessel and its operational zone for the duration of the operation.
Cancellation of Notice to Mariners 02/2026 — Malta NAVTEX service suspension no longer applies
Notice to Mariners 02/2026, which had advised that the Malta NAVTEX service was temporarily suspended, has been formally cancelled. The NAVTEX service should be treated as available — revert to normal monitoring procedures and confirm the current broadcast schedule with Transport Malta if required.
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Flag State

Bahamas Maritime Authority

Information Notice 027 — Crew accommodation guidance
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has published updated crew accommodation guidance setting out the standards required for crew living spaces on board vessels flying the Bahamas flag. Vessel managers and designated persons ashore should review the notice to ensure accommodation arrangements remain compliant with the Authority's current requirements.
Maritime Notice 039 — Crew accommodation standards
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has issued Maritime Notice 039 consolidating the standards applicable to crew accommodation on Bahamas-flagged vessels. This notice should be read alongside Information Notice 027 and reviewed by vessel managers as part of routine Maritime Labour Convention compliance checks.
Maritime Notice 031 — Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (updated)
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has republished Maritime Notice 031 covering its requirements under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. Designated persons ashore and vessel managers operating Bahamas-flagged yachts should review the updated notice to confirm that crew welfare, certification, and working hours arrangements remain in full compliance.
Trade Advisory 003 — Military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has reissued its trade advisory covering ongoing military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. Operators with vessels trading in or transiting these waters should review the advisory for the current risk assessment and the recommended precautionary measures for crew safety and communications.
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Flag State

Marshall Islands Registry

Yacht Safety Advisory 2026-01 — Enclosed space entry incidents (reissued)
The Marshall Islands Registry has reissued its incident learning bulletin reinforcing the controls required for safe entry into enclosed spaces on board yachts, including atmosphere testing, rescue standby arrangements, and permit procedures. This is recommended crew briefing material for all vessels regardless of flag state.
Classification Society

Lloyd's Register

Class News 05/2026 — International Association of Classification Societies guidelines on the Human Element in the maritime sector
Lloyd's Register has published its class news covering the International Association of Classification Societies guidelines on the Human Element in the maritime sector, addressing how human factors should be incorporated into vessel design, operations, and safety management. Vessel managers and safety officers are encouraged to review the guidelines and consider their application to onboard procedures and crew training programmes.
Classification Society

DNV

Post-fire ship hull structure and material assessment — operational insights
DNV has published guidance drawing on its experience supporting post-fire structural and material assessments across a range of vessel types, noting that fire incidents have increased in frequency particularly among vessels carrying vehicles or cargo. Operators who have experienced a fire event on board should review the guidance to understand the structural integrity assessment process and the steps required before returning a vessel to service.
Classification Society

American Bureau of Shipping

Technology and capability investments drive growth in Southeast Asia
The American Bureau of Shipping has published an update on its expanding presence and investment in Southeast Asia, highlighting new technical capabilities and the growing demand for classification and certification services across the region as fleet owners accelerate fleet renewal and the adoption of alternative fuels. Operators with vessels classed by the American Bureau of Shipping or considering a class transfer in the Asia-Pacific region may find the update useful context for understanding the society's current service offering and regional priorities.