farvannet

Farvannet is a Norwegian term for the body of water that is navigable or used for maritime navigation in a given area. It covers seas, fjords, lakes, and rivers that lie within a country’s jurisdiction or in international waters, as defined by law and nautical practice. The farvannet defines the area where navigation rules, safety measures, and traffic management apply, and it is often depicted on nautical charts.

In practical terms, the farvannet includes shipping lanes, harbor approaches, anchorages, and safety zones. It is the area where vessels must follow applicable navigation rules, communicate with traffic services when available, and use marked aids to navigation such as buoys and lighthouses. National authorities, including coast guards, port authorities, and vessel traffic services (VTS), may regulate traffic, issue alerts, and provide pilotage or towage requirements within the farvannet.

The legal scope of the farvannet is linked to both national and international law. It typically encompasses internal waters, and may extend to territorial seas and exclusive economic zones as defined by UNCLOS and national legislation. Delimitation can be based on political boundaries or natural features such as coastlines, channels, and straits. The concept is central to safety, environmental protection, and economic activity, including commercial shipping, fishing, and offshore operations.

Overall, farvannet denotes the navigable and regulated waters of a region, where authorities manage traffic, safety, and resource use to facilitate safe and efficient maritime activity.