Hrvatski Hidrografski Institut Nautical Chart

The area covered by the charts produced by the Hrvatski Hidrografski Institut (HHI) is one of Europe’s most popular and complex sailing regions: the Adriatic Sea and the Croatian coastline. With more than 6,000 kilometres of coastline and a chain of more than 1,200 islands, islets and reefs, Croatia requires the highest levels of hydrographic accuracy for safe and confident navigation. Choosing an official HHI chart is essential for safety and regulatory compliance, helping mariners manage a dense island environment where numerous hazards lie close to the surface. Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop, a recognised specialist with more than 25,000 references, offers these official publications for leisure sailors and professional mariners navigating Croatian waters.

What is this nautical chart used for?

The value of an official HHI nautical chart lies in its ability to provide comprehensive hydrographic information, turning the navigation chart into a strategic decision-making tool.

• Voyage planning: Paper charts remain an essential reference for planning routes between the islands and provide a reliable onboard backup.

• Safe navigation in complex areas: They provide the level of detail required to navigate narrow channels, island passages and anchorage areas safely.

• Hazard identification: They allow precise identification of shoals, submerged rocks and wrecks in an area where seabed conditions can vary significantly.

• Regulatory compliance: As the official reference for the Republic of Croatia, these charts provide navigators with information produced and validated in accordance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way offers these products to all types of mariners navigating the Adriatic, from coastal sailing to offshore navigation.

• Leisure sailors and skippers: To support safe sailing or motor cruising throughout the Croatian archipelagos.

• Charter and boat-rental companies: Essential for equipping charter fleets in one of the world’s leading recreational boating regions.

• Professional mariners and commercial shipping: Commercial navigators and shipping operators in the Adriatic rely on these charts for their technical reliability.

• Navigation schools: A reference training resource for learning chartwork and standardised nautical symbology.

Reading and understanding the chart

The strength of HHI charts lies in rigorous cartographic expertise developed since 1948 by the hydrographic authority based in Split.

• Available formats: The charts are available as folios, known as the “Small Charts of Croatia”, particularly well suited to leisure sailing.

• Detailed bathymetry: Depths are accurately shown in metres, together with clear depth contours.

• Essential information: Navigators will find comprehensive aids to navigation, including lighthouses, lights and buoys, as well as coastline characteristics such as cliffs and beaches, and detailed port infrastructure.

• Regulated areas: National park boundaries, protected areas and anchoring restrictions are clearly identified to help navigators comply with local regulations.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea depends directly on the freshness and accuracy of the hydrographic information provided by the Croatian official hydrographic service.

• Regular updates: HHI continuously incorporates Notices to Mariners, changes to aids to navigation and new port infrastructure.

• Printed to order: At Nautic Way, all nautical charts are printed to order to ensure that you receive the latest available corrections at the time of purchase.

• Safety and GPS: Using the paper chart to cross-check electronic navigation data is recommended. HHI’s clear symbology allows navigators to quickly verify potential hazards in the surrounding area.

• Contractual provisions: Due to their rapid obsolescence, these charts cannot be returned or exchanged, in accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code.

Nautic Way expertise for mariners

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on a recognised specialist in international nautical charts and maritime documentation.

• Specialist reference: Nautic Way supports navigators with a catalogue of more than 25,000 references and extensive professional expertise.

• Specialist advice: Our team helps captains and leisure sailors precisely identify their navigation area in order to select the most appropriate charts.

• Local presence: Based at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, 85300 Challans, France, Nautic Way puts its professional expertise at the service of safe and efficient navigation.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for navigation in Croatia?

The choice depends on your route. Nautic Way offers two major folios in particular: “Small Charts of Croatia 1” (from Trieste to Zadar) and “Small Charts of Croatia 2” (from Zadar to Ulcinj).

Is this chart sufficient on its own for safe navigation?

Although comprehensive, an official nautical chart is an essential foundation that should form part of a broader navigation strategy, together with sailing directions such as the Imray guides, for comprehensive risk management.

How often should I replace my HHI chart?

It is essential to use the latest edition to ensure the accuracy of safety-critical information. Nautic Way prints charts with the latest available updates at the time of your order.

Can HHI charts be used with a GPS?

Yes. Official paper charts and digital versions are based on the same hydrographic databases, providing consistency when cross-checking your electronic position.

What is the difference between HHI charts and private charting products?

Unlike private charts, HHI charts have official status and provide the official reference for navigation in Croatia. They focus primarily on navigational safety and hydrographic information rather than tourist information.