farvann

Farvann is a Norwegian term for the waters of a sea or channel that are accessible to navigation. In nautical usage, it refers to the body of water where vessel traffic is organized and regulated. The term encompasses various types of water areas, from open seas to harbour approaches and internal waterways.

Farvann are defined and managed by authorities to ensure safe navigation. The designation can affect the application of navigation rules, traffic management, and environmental protection within the area. In practice, farvann are marked on nautical charts and are the context in which signals, lights, and traffic schemes are implemented.

In international contexts the concept is similar to the English "waters" or "sea area." In Norway, the coastal administration and hydrographic service produce charts and maintain aids to navigation that delineate farvann and guide mariners through busy routes and narrow channels.

Common examples include large offshore waters such as the North Sea (Nordsjøen), as well as regional waters like the Skagerrak and the Kattegat, and the approaches to major ports along the coast. Smaller examples include fjords, straits, and harbour basins that function as distinct farvann for training, fishing, or commercial traffic.

See also: territorial waters, internal waters, navigational charts, traffic separation schemes.