Rijeka and Nautics: The Maritime Heart of Northern Croatia

Rijeka and Nautics: The Maritime Heart of Northern Croatia

Rijeka is not only Croatia’s third-largest city – it’s also one of the most important nautical centers in the Adriatic. Located in the Kvarner Bay, this coastal hub has a rich maritime legacy, stretching from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to modern sailing and skipper training.

If you’re considering getting your coastal license in Rijeka, or you’re curious about the city’s seafaring history, this article has everything you need to know.

A Historic Port City

Rijeka’s strategic position made it a key naval and commercial port for centuries. During the Austro-Hungarian era (19th–early 20th century), Rijeka was:

A major shipbuilding center

Home to one of the largest ports in the Adriatic

An important base for the imperial navy

Linked to Central Europe by railway and trade routes

Its port and dry docks were among the most advanced in the empire, attracting skilled workers, engineers, and naval officers.
Maritime Education & Shipbuilding

Rijeka developed strong institutions for nautical education, including:

Naval schools and marine academies

Engineering faculties focused on ship design

Training programs for captains, radio operators, and navigators

Even today, the city remains home to Croatia’s most prestigious Faculty of Maritime Studies (part of the University of Rijeka).

Modern Nautics in Rijeka

Today, Rijeka is a key location for:

Skipper license exams (Voditelj brodice – Category B)

Coastal navigation and VHF training

Marinas and boat servicing in nearby towns like Kraljevica, Opatija, and Kostrena

Nautical tourism and regattas in the Kvarner region

If you’re based in northern Croatia – or visiting from Slovenia, Austria, or northern Italy – Rijeka is one of the most convenient places to get certified as a recreational skipper.

Get Licensed at the Rijeka Harbor Master’s Office

The Lučka kapetanija Rijeka (Harbor Master’s Office) is the official authority for issuing boating licenses and conducting exams.

Contact Information:

Address: Senjsko pristanište 3, 51000 Rijeka

 Phone: +385 51 211 422

 Website: mmpi.gov.hr – Rijeka Office

They offer exams for Category B Skipper Licenses, including all necessary documentation and guidance.