Diving in areas where cultural goods are located

Diving in areas where cultural goods are located requires a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Media, or the competent conservatory department

It is not allowed to dive in areas where cultural goods are located as one wishes or organises. It may only be organised by diving centres that have been granted a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Media.

Every five years, the Ministry of Culture and Media publishes a tender notice for granting permits to perform underwater activities in areas where cultural goods are located. The number of these permits is limited and they are granted at a fee.

According to the Programme, there are currently 34 diving locations in Croatia for which permits have been granted.

Programme for performing underwater activities in the internal sea waters and the territorial sea of the Republic of Croatia in areas where cultural goods are located, for2019–2023.

For more detailed information, please visit the competent conservatory department

List of conservatory departments.

Temporary diving permission

Besides diving organised in this way, there are also other types of diving that are not of a professional character: for example, memorial, educational, promotional, etc.

For these types of diving, there are no permits that are granted for a longer period or for a fee.

If a diving centre or a citizens’ association is interested in one of the mentioned types of diving, they need to submit a detailed activity programme to the competent conservatory department, which will assess whether or not the diving can be authorised. If granted by the competent department, the authorisation will apply to one dive.

The diving organiser or club will then ensure at their own expense the professional supervision/guidance.

Also, it should be noted that all types of diving may only be performed in accordance with the corresponding diver category.