Foreign vessels have the right of innocent passage through Norwegian territorial waters, but must comply with Norwegian regulations regarding entry, navigation, and reporting. These regulations aim to ensure safety, environmental protection, and efficient maritime transport. Foreign vessels exceeding 15 meters in length or 50 gross tons, including those on charter, are subject to these rules.
General information
All foreign vessel`s or foreign master on a Norwegian flagged vessel that exceeds 15 meters in length or 50 gross tonnages, is required to comply with the «Regulations on Foreign Vessels' Entry into and Navigation in Norwegian Territorial Waters». This means, if you are visiting Norway and are foreign and rent a Norwegian-registered vessel meeting the aforementioned criteria, you are obligated to follow the regulation.
Sailing plan
When navigating in Norwegian Internal Waters, always ensure that your sailing plan is up to date. If there are any changes to your Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) or Estimated Time of Departure (ETD), and you arrive earlier or later than initially planned, please inform us as soon as possible. Updates should be made via phone, email, or preferably through Safe Sea Net Norway (SSNN). Further information can be found below.
If the vessel’s ETD has expired or should your sailing plan change and you intend to visit a new or different port, it is essential to update your sailing plan promptly. Failure to provide updated information may result in fines or other penalties.
Anchoring
Any vessel that is required to report must submit an application to the Norwegian Coastal Surveillance Center (CSC) and obtain approval prior to anchoring. Approval from the pilot, port authority, or vessel traffic service is not sufficient; approval from the CSC is mandatory.
If the vessel anchors before receiving the necessary approval, this may result in fines or other penalties.
Safe sea net
We understand that smaller vessels may not have the capability to use Safe Sea Net. You are still obligated to comply with the same regulations. In such cases, if you are the master of the vessel, you are required to report to the Norwegian Coastal Surveillance Center (CSC) via phone or email.
For vessels that report through Safe Sea Net, it is essential to always select the "Military Report" option. Failure to do so will result in the sailing plan not being approved by the CSC, and your report will not be considered properly submitted. Failure to do so, this may result in fines or other penalties.
Zodiacs, lifeboats or small boats
If you intend to use small boats for the transportation of passengers to shore from the main vessel or to conduct testing of Man Overboard (MOB) procedures with the use of life/rescue boats, you must apply prior to the execution of these activities. Additionally, it is required to notify the local police. Once the application has been approved, you will receive a confirmation via email.
Poster with information to foreign masters/captainsContact information
The Norwegian Costal Surveillance Center is open 24/7
Call: 7553 6295 / 7553 6296
E-mail: csc@coss.mil.no
Read more about the Regulation