Skippers who want to sail over to Croatia from Italy, Slovenia or the south are then faced with the problem that they cannot actually sail on without a permit and a stamped crew list. This is because these are required in marinas or during random customs or Coastguard checks. "The reason for this is presumably cost-cutting measures or frustrated officials," reports Karl-Heinz Beständig, author of the well-known Croatia cruising guide "888 Harbours and Bays". Both he and the cruiser department of the DSV have become aware of such problem cases.
"However, the border police posts in all ports of entry are open. When asked at passport control, the officers usually advise you to continue sailing and get the permit or the second stamp for the crew list at the next harbour office. However, it is quite risky to be travelling with incomplete documents, even for a short time. If you are caught, you could be fined at least 150 euros," Beständig told YACHT.
In addition, some harbour offices also have shortened opening hours, closing at 3 pm in the afternoon. Crews should therefore try to arrive during the week if possible, as in some cases the harbour offices close at midday on Friday. Otherwise, the only other option is to wait until Monday.
