Riga: boating safety

Harbour and marinas

The Freeport of Riga Harbour Master runs a Vessel Traffic Service Center that works 24 hours, phone +371 67082035. All vessels in the port must keep a radio watch on VHF 9 or 16.

The Port of Riga has 5 marinas about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. Yachts and small craft under 100 kW pay no port dues, only the marina's berth fee. Small craft may use other berths only by arrangement with the port authority or the berth user.

Local rules

Boats under 24 m count as small ships in the port; those with a VHF are advised to keep a continuous watch on channel 9. Yachts may go anywhere in the port but must not impede ships on the main fairways.

There is no set speed limit for small craft in the port, but they must keep a speed that does not endanger others or moored vessels, taking particular account of their wash.

Hazards

There are no tides, but wind can move the water level by about 1 m up or down. Port traffic may be restricted when the wind exceeds 14 m/s.

Fishing nets and pots are common in the port waters. They are marked with flags: red on the right bank of the river, green on the left; one flag at the shore end, two at the river end.

Hospital and medical

Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (Pilsoņu iela 13, Riga) has an emergency medicine centre; its 24-hour emergency phone is 67069600.

Arriving from abroad

A yacht subject to border, customs or other checks must notify the authorities at least 1 hour before entering the port of Riga (2 hours before leaving); a yacht club may do this for the skipper. Yachts not subject to checks may notify the Coast Guard MRCC ("Riga Rescue Radio", VHF 16) for search-and-rescue purposes.