Emergency Contacts – Croatia

Important numbers for emergencies at sea and on land. Save them to your phone before departure.

Basic Emergency Numbers

Single Emergency Number
European emergency line 112

Works across the EU including Croatia. Operators speak English. Always use this as your first call.

Ambulance
Hitna pomoć (ambulance) 194
Rescue helicopter 194

Helicopter rescue operates from Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik airports.

Maritime Rescue
Sea rescue (MRCC Split) +385 21 155 155
VHF Mayday CH 16

MRCC Split coordinates rescue operations in the Adriatic. VHF channel 16 is monitored 24/7.

Police
Policija (Croatian police) 192
Coast guard +385 21 155 155

In harbours contact the Lučka kapetanija (harbour master's office).

Fire Brigade
Vatrogasci (fire brigade) 193

Always check fire extinguishers and escape routes on board.

Technical Assistance
Charter company (24/7) see contract
Za kormidlem +420 776 297 898

The charter company's number is in your charter contract. Keep it accessible at all times.

MAYDAY Call Procedure (VHF)

  1. Set VHF to Channel 16 (156.800 MHz), full power (25 W).
  2. Press PTT (push-to-talk), speak calmly and clearly:
    • MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
    • "THIS IS" — vessel name (3×), call sign / MMSI
    • MAYDAY — vessel name, call sign
    • Position — latitude & longitude, or bearing and distance from a landmark
    • Nature of distress — fire, sinking, collision, man overboard, medical emergency…
    • Assistance required
    • Number of persons on board
    • Other useful info — vessel type, colour, life raft, EPIRB active…
    • OVER
  3. Release PTT and wait for reply. If no reply within a minute, repeat the call.
  4. If DSC is available: press the red DISTRESS button for 5 seconds before the voice call.
PAN-PAN — urgent but not life-threatening (e.g. engine failure adrift): same procedure but say PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN instead of MAYDAY.
Croatia — MRCC Rijeka: VHF Channel 16 · Phone 195 · Coast Radio Stations: Split Radio, Rijeka Radio, Dubrovnik Radio (Ch 16 & DSC Ch 70). See also our NATO phonetic alphabet.

Hospitals Near the Route

Hospital Split (KBC Split)

  • Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split
  • +385 21 556 111
  • Nearest major hospital to Rogoznica
  • Distance from Marina Frapa: ~60 km

Hospital Hvar

  • Ulica Biskupa Jurja Dubokovića 4, Hvar
  • +385 21 778 077
  • Health centre – serious cases transferred to Split

Hospital Korčula

  • Put Bele Gospe 8, Korčula
  • +385 20 711 137
  • Health centre – covers the Vela Luka area

Clinic Šolta

  • Ambulanta Grohote (Šolta)
  • +385 21 654 200
  • Basic care – serious cases airlifted to Split

Important Tips

VHF Radio on Board

  • Channel 16 – distress and calling channel
  • Channel 17 – coast guard working channel
  • Channel 9 – harbour and marina communications
  • Mayday = "Mayday Mayday Mayday, this is [vessel name]…"

First-Aid Kit on Board

  • Check contents before departure
  • Keep seasickness medication stocked
  • EpiPen – if any crew member has allergies
  • EHIC card / travel insurance documents

Documents on Board

  • Charter contract (original)
  • Ship registration (licenca broda)
  • VHF licence & competency certificate
  • Insurance policy – Yacht Pool Internacional

GPS Position in an Emergency Call

  • State your exact position (GPS coordinates)
  • Name the nearest island or harbour
  • State the number of persons on board
  • Describe the nature of the incident briefly and clearly