Italy
Venice
Watercraft
Vaporetto, Water Taxis & Larger Ferries
The shots on this page were all taken in November 2016 during a city break. Venice is unique having been built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Rather than roads a network of canals, pedestrian-only streets and alleyways crisscross the historic main island, the most famous thoroughfare being the Grand Canal. As the main island is not accessible to motorised vehicles, almost everything comes in via the water, whether it`s bulk buy groceries, building supplies or large parcels.
Waterbuses and smaller private motor launch taxis form the core of the public transport system. Even the Police, Ambulance and Fire & Rescue have sizeable marine units. Whether you explore on foot, on a gondola or on one of the other types of water borne craft, or a choose a combination of these options, a trip to the city will be a memorable experience.
Humorous cartoons at the various Vaporetto stops give advice and inform passengers of rules and etiquette when using the ferries.
This one relates to the use of alternative raised walkways in the event of flooding.
This one relates to the use of alternative raised walkways in the event of flooding.
Car ferries heading for the Lido and other outlying islands are some of the larger vessels to be seen in the bay, Cruise ships are frequent callers, especially during the summer months and although two had docked at the Cruise Ship Terminal during my stay, they were only partially visible from the Waterbus due to adjacent buildings and not worth photographing.
San Nicolo of ACTV Ferries.
Ambulances, Police and Fire & Rescue Vessels
The Carabinieri is the national gendarmerie of Italy, policing both military and civilian populations.
Postal Service
A Postal Service launch above and a DHL Parcels boat below.
The slideshow below features various vessels seen in the canals and out in the bay,
Military
These unidentified Patrol Boats belong to the Guardia di Finanza (GdF) (Financial Guard), a military police law enforcement agency. Its main role is to detect and deal with financial crime and smuggling, in particular suppressing the drugs trade. As a military corps, it maintains over 600 boats and ships and more than 100 aircraft to serve in its mission of patrolling Italy's territorial waters.
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Military personnel were training out in the bay.
It`s surprising what you see sailing past!
