Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Messina is heavily used by ships with very different characteristics and functions. Furthermore, the intersection of longitudinal and transverse flows is a potential source of maritime accidents, as occurred on March 21, 1985 when two oil tankers, the Patmos and the Castillo de Monte Aragon, collided. This accident forced the maritime authorities to take into account many critical aspects relating to navigation safety. A second collision between the passenger ship Segesta Jet and the container ship Susan Bochard on January 15, 2007, highlighted the urgent need to reinforce the control of maritime traffic to ensure the safety of life and goods at sea. The Italian national legal framework has since continued to be strengthened in this respect. After presenting the complexity of this maritime area, we will analyze the regulatory changes introduced over time to reinforce the safety of navigation in the Strait. Finally, by deciphering the governance system applicable to the Strait, we will identify the gradual transformations made to the organization, functions, and competences of the authorities involved in the management of maritime navigation safety in the Strait of Messina.