Safety · Destination Guide
Island walls, Adriatic wrecks and UNESCO cities from one connected coastal hub
Use a registered local operator, accept weather-driven route changes and keep emergency planning proportionate to island and boat access. The main regional medical hub is University Hospital Split, while smaller island and Riviera services may require transfer. For a life-threatening or maritime emergency call 112 or 195 first; for a suspected diving injury, place the diver on the highest available oxygen concentration, stop further diving and contact DAN Europe as soon as local emergency care is activated. Conservation priorities are excellent buoyancy, protection of Posidonia seagrass, zero collection of archaeological material and respectful distance from dolphins and other wildlife.
University Hospital Split is the principal tertiary hospital for Split-Dalmatia County and southern Croatia. Seasonal tourist clinics may operate in Split, Trogir, Makarska and Supetar, but dates and hours change and they are not substitutes for emergency response. On Solta or Brac, definitive care may require ambulance coordination and a ferry, rescue vessel or other evacuation route. Do not self-direct to an assumed hyperbaric chamber: chamber readiness and acceptance can change, and not every chamber is equipped or staffed for an acute diving casualty. For suspected decompression illness or arterial gas embolism, activate 112, provide high-concentration oxygen, keep the diver resting and hydrated if fully conscious, and call DAN Europe for physician-to-physician referral. Bring certification details, dive-computer data, gas information, medication list, insurance documents and the timeline of symptoms.
Bura, jugo and fast-changing marine plans
Strong regional winds can build rough seas, close routes or force a sheltered substitute. Check the official Adriatic marine forecast, then accept the captain's final site decision without pressure.
Overhead terrain is not an open-water shortcut
Caves, caverns and wreck openings around Solta and Brac can become true overhead environments. Enter only with matching training, redundancy, gas planning, guideline procedures and a qualified operator.
Summer boat and ferry traffic
Channels, harbor approaches and popular anchorages are busy in July and August. Use marked swimming areas, a legal dive marker, an SMB where appropriate and a dedicated surface watch for freediving.
Thermoclines below warm surface water
A hot beach day does not guarantee warm water at depth. Choose exposure protection for the planned profile and repetitive schedule, not just the surface reading.
Blue World Institute advises a slow, predictable approach, generous distance, short observation and immediate withdrawal when calves or stress behavior are present. Never swim with, feed, touch, chase or encircle wild dolphins. A wildlife encounter never justifies leaving a designated swim area or ignoring the skipper.
Underwater archaeological finds belong in place. Record the location without disturbing the object and notify the competent conservatory authority through the dive operator or Harbourmaster. Protected cultural-goods zones can require specific authorization even when a diver holds the general individual diving permit.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when bura, jugo and fast-changing marine plans. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| European emergency number | Coordinated police, fire, ambulance and rescue response | 112 | 24 hours |
| Croatian Maritime Search and Rescue Service | Swimmers, divers, vessels and medical incidents at sea | 195 | 24 hours, toll-free in Croatia |
| Maritime distress radio | Vessel-to-rescue distress and urgency communication | VHF Channel 16 | Continuously monitored for maritime emergencies |
| Croatian emergency medical service | Urgent medical assistance | 194 | 24 hours |
| DAN Europe International Emergency Hotline | Diving-medicine advice, referral and insured emergency assistance | +39 0642115685 | 24 hours |
| University Hospital Split, Firule switchboard | Regional tertiary hospital contact | +385 21 556 111 | Hospital service; use 112 for an emergency |