Regulations for Yachts & Small Ships

Navigation

Yachts of any size can enter the port of Riga without restrictions on length, height and draft. A yacht, cutter or recreational craft shall be considered a small ship in the port of Riga if its length is less than 24 meters.

In order to organize safe vessel traffic, it is recommended that small vessels equipped with a VHF radio station provide non-stop radio communication using VHF Channel 9.

For yachts and recreational craft, navigation is allowed in the entire water area of the Port of Riga, taking into account that any traffic participant, which is capable to safely navigate beyond the main fairways, shall not impede the passage of vessels along them. The movement of yachts and small vessels in the port shall be organized in such a way as not to disturb vessels navigating in the fairway

A speed limit in the port area is not stipulated for small ships; still the small ships shall sail at a speed that shall not endanger other traffic participants, people, moored vessels and other floating or stationary structures, taking into account in particular the impact of the wave generated by the vessel.

Topical for safe navigation:


Regulations

Yachts, sailing vessels and small ships with an engine power of less than 100 kW are exempt from Port Dues and Charges at the Port of Riga and shall just pay a private merchant for servicing at the yacht berth.

It should be noted that small vessels have limited access to all berths within the port territory, except for specialized yacht berths. Other berths may be used only upon coordination with the Freeport of Riga Authority or the berth user – a port merchant.

Transportation of passengers in the port water area shall be allowed solely to waterborne craft specially designed for the purpose with relevant documents and appropriate lifesaving equipment on board. 

All types of water sports competitions in the Daugava basin of the port water area shall be coordinated with the Harbour Master.It is permitted to engage in industrial fishing in the Freeport of Riga water area, if a commercial company has been issued the documents specified in regulatory enactments. The placement of fishing gear in the Daugava basin of the port water area shall be coordinated with the Harbour Master

Of the fishing gear, fishing nets and pots can be found most frequently in the port water area. In order to ensure that fishing gear does not endanger navigation safety and cause damage to fishermen and craft, it shall be marked accordingly with marks (flags), which may be supplemented by lights (flashlight). The colors of the fishing gear flags are specified in the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers. The flags on the right bank of the river shall be red, but on the left bank - green. The shore end of the fishing gear shall be marked with one flag and the river end - with two flags. 

Arrival/departure of yachts and small craft

If a yacht or recreational vessel is not subject to border inspection, customs control or other controls at border crossing points in compliance with the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia, upon entering and leaving the port of Riga the Master may provide information to the Coast Guard for search and rescue purpose. Notification may be made by any available means of communication. Notification may also be made by a person authorized by the Master, including a yacht club.

Coast Guard Service Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center

  • Using radio communication

    • Radiotelephony / DSC / Radio telex:
      Sardze 24 hours on 2182 kHz, VHF channel 16, call signal “RIGA RESCUE RADIO”. DSC selective No. 002750100 to 2187.5 kHz and VHF DSC on Channel 70. Continuously scanning all emergency and safety GMDSS ARQ frequencies, selective number 6060 RMRCC LV.

  • Contacts


If a yacht or recreational vessel is subject to border inspection, customs control or other controls at border crossing points in compliance with the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia, the Master of the vessel shall use any available means of communication to communicate the information specified in laws and regulations to the relevant public services no later than one hour before the vessel enters the port or two hours before its departure. Notification may also be made by a person authorized by the Master, including a yacht club.