What paperwork do you need to sail a vessel for pleasure in Greece?
When it comes to yachts, there are many factors behind the scenes that influence your legal ability to sail. For example, in many instances, you cannot simply travel from one country’s waters to another without required documentation. Certain timelines dictate how long you can stay in a country, and these timelines are directly influenced by your nationality and your boat’s nationality.
There’s a lot to keep straight. To make it easier, we’ve included the main documents you’ll need to sail Greek waters below, separated by category. For future smooth sailing, save this guide and skip the guesswork.
Registration Documents
The documents you’ll need to prove valid ability to sail in Greece depends on where you’re coming from.
If you are Greek and your yacht was purchased from Greece, you’ll need proof of VAT, insurance, TEPAI (see next section), and yacht registration (among a few other documents you should receive upon purchase).
However, if you are from elsewhere, you’ll need to prove to Greece that you are a trusted pleasure craft owner. Greek law requires that you can produce a Solemn Declaration of sailing permission.
One way to do this is to produce an ICC: International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft. The purpose of the ICC is for one country to prove to another country—in this case, Greece—that you are able to sail. This is issued by your flag country as a testament to your competency.
While the ICC document is not formally recognised by Greece, this is often a preferable certificate of proof if you are asked to produce any documentation surrounding your competency. The ICC is, however, recognised by over 22 United Nations member states, and is a valuable document to have on hand. Should you choose to visit any of these countries, regardless of your issuing country, an ICC may be required. Otherwise, it’s just plain useful to have.
Flagged vessels coming from the UK must wear an “ensign,” or a miniature version of the flag. This is required by the Merchant Act of 1995. Vessels coming to or from the UK will also need to provide information about their voyage plan to the UK Border Force and HMRC. This also means providing a valid passport. Use this service to do so.
Getting a RYA Day Skipper qualification does allow you to convert your qualification to an ICC. Applying for an ICC is free of charge. Even though neither of these qualifications are formally accepted by Greece, they may be useful to have on hand.
You’ll also need one certified skipper onboard. A certified skipper has one of the following:
- An RYA Day Skipper qualification
- An ICC qualification
- An ASA 104 Bareboat Cruise certificate
- A US Bareboat Cruising certificate
- An IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)
- An equivalent qualification
Beyond the certified skipper, you’ll need a certified First Mate. Certifications can come from any recognised sailing associations, just be sure you have these qualifications in documentation format and onboard with you at all times. If the First Made does not have these qualifications, they will need to provide a sailing CV and fill out a Declaration of Honour affirming their competency.
You’ll need to have on board at all times a crew list. Each crew member needs to have their passport, ID, and any other identification documents they’ll need to legally cross into Greece. This is in addition to your vessel’s Registration Certificate, radio license, and EU VAT proof.
The last paperwork you’ll need is a visa if you intend to stay in Greece longer than three months and you are not a citizen of an exempt country.
Transit Log & TEPAI
Non-EU boats above 7 metres in length travelling to Greek territorial waters are required to keep a Transit Log. A Transit Log outlines where you intend to travel, and this information should be submitted directly to the Greek government through this service. If you are already permitted to roam freely in EU waters, your Transit Log can be considered “unlimited.” Visit the Greek government official website for more information.
Boats over 7 metres in length recreationally sailing to Greece, regardless of their origin point or nationality, will need to opt into TEPAI. TEPAI stands for “The Recreational and Daily Tour Cruise Ships Fee,” and all pleasure crafts that aren’t dry docking are required to pay it. Fees are charged monthly, and vary based on the size of the vessel. For more information about how much, when, and where to pay TEPAI, visit our blog “VAT Paid vs. VAT Non-Paid Yachts.”
Insurance Requirements
In order to sail in Greek territorial waters, you’ll need to keep a copy of your insurance plan translated into Greek to prove your coverage. It’s best to invest in an insurance plan that covers continental Europe so that you can easily travel to locations like Greece if you are from anywhere else in the UK. When your vessel is covered internationally, you don’t have to sweat each long-term trip.
Port Police Considerations
Vessels entering Greece must be cleared by port authorities, which means obtaining approval from Greek officers. You’ll need to go through customs, immigration, and currency control. You’ll need to fly the Greek courtesy flag and the Q flag.
You may have heard about a term called “DEPKA,” which was previously required at this stage. However, the DEPKA was morphed into TEPAI in 2020. See above for more information about TEPAI fees.
Common Mistakes
The following mistakes are easy to make, so be sure to watch out:
- Underestimating how long you’ll spend travelling Greece. Remember, you’ll need to pay TEPAI in advance of each month you spend on Greek waters. Furthermore, staying over 6 months in Greek territory will require you to register to pay VAT on your vessel. Staying over 3 months, depending on where you’re from, may mean that you’ll need a visa.
- Not having copies of paperwork. If you lose or misplace a required document, you may be in hot water with port authorities. Always be sure you have physical and digital copies of everything you possibly can.
- Forgetting insurance, small licenses, and certain crew member certifications. There’s a lot you need to have onboard, so be sure nothing slips through the cracks.
- Staying somewhere other than your yacht if you are not from Greece. The above outlined documents permit you to sail Greek waters, which is different from staying in the actual country of Greece. This opens up a new set of requirements and processes. Learn more about what you’ll need to leave the shore.
- Not paying fees in advance. TEPAI fines and other legal procedures can be strict, unforgiving, and expensive, so stay on top of everything you can.
Congratulations! You’re now ready to sail Greek waters. Before you enjoy your Mamma Mia summer holiday, ensure you’ve got the right vessel for your journey. Take a look at our new and used yacht ranges. When you purchase a yacht through The One Yacht, we’ll ensure you are equipped with all post-purchase documentation you’ll need to legally own a yacht in Greece.
If you have any questions about this process, feel free to email us. Happy sailing!
