The Ministry of Transport and Communications has published for public consultation the draft Ordinance on Navigation and Border Control in the Internal Maritime Waters, Territorial Sea and Inland Waterways of the Republic of Bulgaria by Bulgarian and Foreign Yachts, Boats and Other Vessels Used for Sport, Tourism and Recreation, and on the Provision of Water Attraction Services on the Public Consultation Portal. The new safety rules governing water attraction services are intended to bring the secondary legislation fully into line with the Law on General Safety Requirements for the Provision of Attraction Services Which Are a Source of Increased Danger (LGSRPAS-SID). All interested parties may submit comments and proposals on the draft within the statutory 30-day consultation period.
To enhance safety, the draft introduces a requirement for anyone operating a personal watercraft (jet ski) outside designated attraction zones to hold a Personal Watercraft Operator’s Certificate of Competency. Personal watercraft operating within designated attraction areas will also be required to be equipped with an automatic GPS-based system for monitoring operating area and speed, replacing the current remote engine cut-off systems.
The rules governing parasailing are significantly strengthened. Children under the age of 14 will only be permitted to participate when accompanied by the parent or legal guardian who has signed the consent declaration. Parasailing systems will be subject to mandatory technical inspections by persons certified under the Civil Aviation Act, while annual training will become compulsory for operating personnel. Masters and crew members of vessels used for parasailing will also be required to obtain additional qualifications, including completion of a specialised training course and a minimum of 500 flights.
All personal flotation devices used for parasailing and inflatable towable rides (“water sled” attractions) will be required to be fitted with an emergency whistle. Service providers must be registered in the National Tourism Register and hold valid accident insurance covering all users. The new rules will also apply to Bulgaria’s inland waterways, including the Bulgarian section of the River Danube. In addition, a clear regulatory framework is introduced for areas outside supervised beaches where personal watercraft are hired out for short periods of between 15 and 30 minutes.
Compliance with the new requirements will be monitored through joint inspections carried out by the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration” and the General Directorate Border Police under an annual inspection schedule to be approved by 15 May each year. The Executive Director of the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration” will have the authority to impose immediate compulsory administrative measures where there is a risk to the life or health of members of the public.
To allow businesses sufficient time to prepare, invest in new equipment and complete the required training, most of the new provisions will enter into force on 14 October 2026. This will ensure that the new rules are fully operational before the start of next year’s summer tourist season.
Alongside the enhanced safety measures, the draft also introduces administrative simplifications for businesses by applying the rules governing internal administrative services. Documents exchanged between the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration”, the General Directorate Border Police and the Bulgarian Navy will be processed entirely through official administrative channels, while applications may also be submitted electronically in accordance with the Electronic Governance Act.