A problematic regulation in Croatian shipping law has recently been overturned, according to the Association of German Yacht Charter Companies (VDC). Previously, catamarans of around 44 feet or more could not be chartered with just a pleasure craft licence or SKS due to their high weight - the skipper either had to have an SSS or SHS, or the crew had to hire a professional skipper with such certificates, which quickly adds up to 150 to 250 euros per day. This was stipulated by a clause that actually applied more to commercial vessels, but which also covered large catamarans from around 44/45 feet due to the weight limit.
After the VDC asked the responsible ministry about the meaning of the rule with reference to the rest of Europe, this has now recently been changed: Recreational craft up to 18 metres in length may now be operated with the licences commonly used in the charter market. However, insurers or fleet operators can still demand higher licences. It is not yet clear whether all agencies and fleet operators are aware of the current change in the law, which was recently announced in the Croatian Law Gazette was published.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
