The Third United Nations Conference on the Oceans, to be held in Nice from June 9 to 13, 2025, will provide a much tighter framework for maritime security. The "Dispositif Particulier de Sûreté Maritime" (DPSM), implemented under the authority of the Préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée, relies on some thirty naval, air and land units. This plan aims to guarantee the safety of delegations, while maintaining a balance between constraints and freedom of navigation.
Zone 1 (Red): maximum security around the port of Nice
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Activation period from June 3 at 7:00 am to June 13 at 11:30 pm.
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Location in the immediate vicinity of the port of Nice.
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Measures :
Zone 2 (navy blue): specific time slots and supervised practices
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Activation periods :
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from June 6 at 5:00 pm to June 8 at 10:00 am,
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from June 8 at 6:00 pm to June 13 at 11:30 pm.
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Activities prohibited within 300 m anchoring, drones, swimming.
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Conditions above 300 m :
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Navigation authorized at < 6 knots for derogated vessels.
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Towed water sports tolerated except parasailing (with authorization).
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No stops.
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Zone 3 (Pink): conditionally activated zone
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Potential activation period from June 5 to June 13.
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Terms and conditions activated on request from Maritime HQ (VHF channel 16).
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When the zone is active :
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Navigation, anchoring and diving prohibited throughout the area.
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When the zone is inactive :
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Zone 5 regulations apply.
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Zone 4 (Green): strictly controlled transit
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Activation periods :
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from June 6 at 7:00 am to June 8 at 10:00 am,
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from June 8 at 6:00 pm to June 13 at 11:30 pm.
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Special features :
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Only transit navigation is authorized.
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Mandatory reporting to Cap Ferrat semaphore.
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Anchoring prohibited except with the prior agreement of the Maritime HQ outside the MELZ.
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Zone 5 (light blue): conditionally authorized navigation
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Activation period from June 6 at 5:00 pm to June 13 at 11:30 pm.
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Navigation regime :
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< 300 m: speed limited to 5 knots.
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300 m: sailing permitted up to 8 knots.
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Mooring outside the MELZ subject to authorization.
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This zone also applies by default when zone 3 is deactivated.
June 8: Maritime parade and total restrictions in two zones
For the Grande Parade pour l'Océan, zones 2 and 4 will be completely closed from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on June 8, 2025. Only pre-registered vessels will be allowed access. All other nautical activities will be prohibited.
Interdepartmental coordination and mobilization at sea
Under the authority of the Maritime Prefect, the DPSM (Dispositif Particulier de Sûreté Maritime) will mobilize more than thirty maritime and air units, as well as several hundred agents from twelve administrations (French Navy, Gendarmerie Maritime, Affaires Maritimes, SNSM, etc.). The aim of this operational deployment is to respond to emergencies at sea (accidents, pollution, on-board fires), as well as to prevent any threats from the open sea.
Concerted regulations to limit the impact on pleasure boating
The Préfecture Maritime held consultations with local authorities, government departments, economic operators and user representatives. The challenge: to maintain a balance between different uses, while guaranteeing a level of safety in line with the requirements of a diplomatic event of worldwide importance. Thus, while the immediate vicinity of the Port of Nice will be subject to stricter restrictions, boating will remain partially possible in the Baie des Anges and the Villefranche roadstead.
Anticipating constraints for sailors: zones and times to be aware of
Each restricted zone is defined by a map and a precise timetable. Regulation does not mean total prohibition, but rather reinforced supervision. Authorized time slots, prohibited or authorized types of navigation, as well as traffic lanes may be set up. It is essential for yachtsmen to consult the documents made available by the Préfecture Maritime via its website to adapt their navigation program.
Expertise honed for major nautical events
This is not the first time that the Préfecture Maritime de la Méditerranée has provided security. Its experience was put to the test during the arrival of the Olympic Flame in Marseille in May 2024, the sailing events of the Olympic Games in the summer of 2024, and the Pope's visit to Ajaccio in December 2024. Each time, specific know-how was mobilized, reconciling safety imperatives with the continuity of maritime uses.
