Navigation rules

  • 1

Regulation for lagoon and inland navigation

RESPECT THE SIGNS
The Speed limits are in Km/h (kilometers per hour).
The Lagoon canals are sideways marked by poles or group of wooden poles with same lengh. The entrance of canals is marked by a group of poles all with the same lengh but the central one which is longer.
The poles and groups of poles show a coloured rectangle (white, red or green) which mean:

  • White: pointed toward the inside of the canal;
  • Green: navigate by keeping the pole on the right;
  • Red: navigate by keeping the pole on the left.

RESPECT THE SPEED LIMITS
The violation of the speed limits is heavily punished and is possible to meet with the general breach of navigation security. Who doesn’t respect a provision of law or regulation relating to safety of navigation shall be punished with detention up to three months or a fine up to € 309.00.

KEEP THE RIGHT SIDE IN THE CANALS
In Venice is required to keep the right side during navigation. However who meets a rowing boat must keep the left.. In any case, do not obstruct the passage and always give priority to rowing boats.

GIVE PRIORITY
The general rule is to give the way on the right. However, the boat which enters a canal must always give priority to the boats that are already sailing. All boats must give way to waterbuses and must not cross its course or disrupt their berthing. In the Grand Canal, gondolas involved in ferry services have top priority.

CHANGES OF DIRECTION
Disclose in time the intention to change direction or speed.

STOPS AND BREAKS
Berth and land only where permitted, being careful not to occupy private moorings and without obstrucing the other boat's transit in the canals. In the map we give to our clients, the piers designated for boarding and debarking are clearly marked. These piers are not suitable for long stops, in which the boat is left unattended, but they are perfect for brief stops to buy food and water, for instance, or to stretch your legs for a while. However, you wil be ready to move the boat if necessary.

NAVIGATION INSIDE THE CANALS IS PERMITTED ONLY TO PLEASURE BOATS PROPERTY OF RESIDENTS IN VENICE AND ISLANDS OF THE LAGOON, OR TO WHOM HAS A CONCESSION TO OCCUPY A WATER SPACE IN THE CITY CENTER OR ALONG GIUDECCA, AND WITH A GROSS TONNAGE UNDER 5 TONS.

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