Riding the Waves Recklessly: 27 Boaters Fined Near Zadar
During intensified surveillance from August 1 to 7, police sanctioned 18 foreign nationals and nine Croatian citizens, all issued misdemeanor orders with fines of 400 euros.
During intensified surveillance from August 1 to 7, police sanctioned 18 foreign nationals and nine Croatian citizens, all issued misdemeanor orders with fines of 400 euros.
Police officers from the Zadar Maritime and Airport Police Station uncovered 27 cases of improper planing in just one week of intensified surveillance. The operation, conducted from August 1 to 7, 2026, aimed to enhance safety at sea, especially during the summer season when the Zadar archipelago is crowded with swimmers, bathers, and divers.
Violations were recorded in the wider areas of Biograd, Vrsi, and Maslenica, as well as near the islands of Pašman and Ugljan. All offenders were caught planing their vessels at a distance of less than 300 meters from the shore, directly endangering the safety of other participants in maritime traffic.
Among the 27 sanctioned boaters, the majority were foreign nationals. Police statistics show that 18 foreigners and nine Croatian citizens were penalized. All were issued on-the-spot misdemeanor orders with fines of 400 euros.
From the Zadar police, they emphasize that compliance with the Maritime Code is crucial for preserving life and safety at sea. In addition to the ban on planing within 300 meters of the shore, they remind of other rules: swimmers on natural beaches may venture no more than 100 meters from the shore, while divers are required to properly mark their dive sites.
Intensified surveillance does not stop. The police have announced the continuation of these and similar operations, especially during the summer months when maritime traffic is at its peak. They appeal to all boaters and other sea users to act responsibly and adhere to regulations to prevent accidents and unwanted consequences.
