Caution is advised when planning a trip to the north: Norway has tightened the regulations for sailing in its territorial waters. Despite the restraint of the Document from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence As far as the reasons for the new surveillance rule are concerned, increased Russian espionage and sabotage activities in the north of the country may have played a role. This makes the organisation of an individual coastal cruise much more complex.
Exceptions may be possible, but the conditions for this are not clearly defined. Obtaining thorough information from the authorities before embarking on a cruise to Norway is strongly recommended and is even enshrined in the regulations.
Vehicles affected
All vessels that are longer than 15 metres or heavier than 50 tonnes and have a foreign registration or a foreign skipper must comply with the "Regulations on the entry and navigation of foreign vessels in Norwegian territorial waters" (Anløpsforskriften).
Violations may result in written warnings, withdrawal of permission to enter, fines or an order to leave Norwegian territorial waters (NTW) immediately. The regulations are in both Norwegian and English available. Skippers must inform themselves about these regulations before entering Norway and ensure that they comply with them.
The inner waters of Norway
A planned arrival in a Norwegian port must take place at least 24 hours before entering the internal waters (NIW) via the baseline in the SafeSeaNet Norway (SSNN) must be reported. The report must include the expected crossing point of the baseline as well as the name and nationality of the captain.
Vessels travelling within the NIW require a point of contact (POC) in Norway. This POC can be an agent, operator, ship owner or shipping company and serves as a contact for the Norwegian Coastal Surveillance Centre (CSC). Without a reported point of contact, an offence has already been committed.
Further reporting obligations in Norway
Other reporting obligations must be fulfilled in advance by telephone or e-mail. These include anchoring, calling at a safe berth in emergency situations and the use of dinghies. The Norwegian Coastal Surveillance Centre (CSC) is the point of contact. A Overview as PDF is available here.
