[grass]

No, I'm not local. And last year I was diving in Cres which had a beautiful costs but saw almost no fish. I heard about the license the day I left the country from a guy who let me use his boat.
He asked me after giving me boat for a week - "BTW do you have license to spearfish"? I said no and he goes like "ok just be careful about what you bring back".
As I understand there is no problem diving from the coast, if you rent a boat the sea police may come close and check your license.

Its a pity you go there in August my visit is in Jul.