Scuba
diving in Croatia
Over the last ten years or so, Croatia has become a very popular place
for scuba diving although along the Adriatic diving has been going
on for thousands of years. Since 1893 spongers have been harvesting
the waters and the first scuba diving course was offered in 1943 on
Vis Island. The first recreational diving clubs were formed in the
1950’s in Pula and Split. During the 1990’s dive clubs were established
everywhere. With all this increased activity there are now over 130
dive clubs and 150 dive centres in Croatia. Live-aboard diving is
also becoming increasingly popular. Due to the rocky coast, shore
diving is rare. Most dives are from boats. The
climate along the Croatian coast is predominantly Mediterranean
with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Water temperatures
in summer can range between 22C and 25C on the surface and 19C at
12m depth. In the winter water temperatures average 11C. The dive
season runs from May to November with September and October being
the best months. Winter diving is not common due to the cold, rough
water conditions. Currents in the Adriatic are usually quite weak
with the exception of channels and passages between the islands
where currents can be quite strong. Tides are minimal so should
not affect diving.
Diving
regulations in Croatia
In order to dive in Croatia you must obtain a special licence which
is valid for one year from the date of issue. You can purchase a
licence in most dive centres and clubs for a fee of approx. 100KN.
You will need to present your passport and dive certification. There
are areas in Croatia where you cannot dive. These include ports,
certain national parks, anchorages and within 100m of naval vessels
and installations. To dive in the Kornati and Mljet National Parks
you can purchase a permit. The cost is approx. 80KN per day.
The
area, at which diving is performed, must be visibly marked, an orange
or red buoy or a diving flag.
The maximum approved depth for diving for sport and recreation is
40 meters.
Special
dive permits are also required for the following areas: Bisevo,
Svetac, Brusnik, Susac, Kopiste, Vrhovnjaci, Jabuka and Palagruza.
If you are diving with a local dive centre then the cost of the
permit will be included. To dive on your own you must contact the
Ministry of Culture (01-61 16 848) in Zagreb, well in advance. To
dive on and around the islands of Vis and Lastovo you must dive
with a local dive centre and pay the 80KN fee. Many of the wrecks
off Croatia can only be dived with a guide and most carry the 80KN
fee. Diving regulations stipulate the use of a marker buoy or flag.
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Diving
contacts
Rescue Team: phone:9155(DAN), VHP channels 16,10.74
Barokomora Pula: tel/fax:++385 (0)52 217 877,24 572,
Barokomora Pula: mob.098/255 945, 098/219 225
Barochamber Split: IPM HRM phone ++385(0) 21 354 511
Barochamber Split:phone/fax: ++385(0) 21 361 355, 343 980 980
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