Maritime Border Guard cracks down on Baltic violations: watercraft detained, operators fined

According to Tadeusz Gruchalla, spokesperson for the Maritime Border Guard Unit, the violations were documented on July 27 and include a range of safety and regulatory infractions.

- We are seeing repeated and concerning non-compliance, from underage operators exceeding power limits to fishing vessels lacking even the most basic life-saving equipment, Tadeusz Gruchalla stated.

One patrol team aboard SG-046 from the Pomeranian Border Guard Detachment intercepted a personal watercraft near Ustronie Morskie. The operator, although in possession of a motorboat helmsman’s license, was under 16 years of age — legally limiting them to craft of up to 60 kW. The jet ski in question was rated at 66 kW.

- Given the age-related power restrictions, the individual was not authorized to operate this vessel. We immediately prohibited further navigation, and a licensed adult had to retrieve the watercraft, said Tadeusz Gruchalla.

In another incident at the port of Nowy Świat, officers aboard SG-213 inspected a Polish-flagged motorboat with two nationals on board. The vessel was found to be operating with a faulty registration number, lacked the required national flag, and was missing mandatory safety equipment including a lifebuoy.

- Such deficiencies are unacceptable, Tadeusz Gruchalla commented. - The captain was informed that, due to the infractions, the Commander of the Kashubian Border Guard Division would be notifying the Maritime Office in Gdynia to initiate administrative proceedings. The vessel was not permitted to leave port.

At sea, patrol vessel SG-301 General Józef Haller conducted an inspection of a fishing cutter from Dziwnów with five crew members on board. Officers found that one crew member lacked a valid document permitting international maritime border crossing. Additionally, the vessel had no certified life raft, lacked lifejackets, immersion suits, red parachute flares, smoke buoy, and even a certified first aid kit — all required by the vessel’s safety certificate.

- The skipper was ordered to return to port immediately, said Tadeusz Gruchalla. - The scale of these shortcomings poses a direct risk to life. The matter has been escalated to the maritime authorities for formal investigation.

Finally, officers from SG-111 intercepted a jet ski operating within the S-4 zone of Puck Bay, an area closed to navigation and fishing. The operator was fined 100 PLN for violating restricted maritime boundaries.

- We continue to remind all watercraft users — whether commercial or recreational — that ignorance of restrictions and safety regulations does not absolve them from responsibility. Safety at sea is non-negotiable, Tadeusz Gruchalla emphasized.

The Safe Holidays initiative continues with intensified patrols along the Baltic Sea coastline, targeting unauthorized maritime activity, equipment deficiencies, and violations of restricted zones.