{"id":28265,"date":"2026-06-08T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/?p=28265"},"modified":"2026-06-05T17:51:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T14:51:51","slug":"safety-requirements-for-sailing-in-greek-waters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/safety-requirements-for-sailing-in-greek-waters\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety Requirements for Sailing in Greek Waters"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you ready to sail?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greece is one of the most iconic destinations for sailing. Between the gorgeous islands, open waters, and optimal summer weather, it\u2019s no wonder Greece is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ekathimerini.com\/economy\/235074\/greeks-third-in-super-yacht-ownership\/\">fourth most popular destination<\/a> for yachts in the world. Greece is known for being yacht-friendly, safe, and well-travelled over Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Regardless, there are a few safety requirements and considerations you\u2019ll need to keep in mind before your trip or Greek vessel purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What do you need in order to navigate Greek waters safely?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mandatory Equipment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of equipment you\u2019ll need on board, there are some legal and common sense expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>PFD<\/strong>. A PFD (Personal Floatation Device) will come in handy in case of emergency. Not to mention, it\u2019s required for any kind of sailing venture in Greece (and in most countries around the world). You\u2019ll need a PFD that\u2019s comfortable and not too restrictive, but at the same time effective and snug-fitting. It shouldn\u2019t be able to slip off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safety Line.<\/strong> This is also known as a \u201csafety tether.\u201d In rough weather, this will help attach you to the boat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safety Harness.<\/strong> Also known as a \u201cdeck harness,\u201d this is part of your safety line setup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>HMP Rope<\/strong>. HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene) ropes are the strongest in the boating world, and are revered for their high resistance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PLB or EPIRB<\/strong>. A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) and an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) can be a useful way to monitor your location at all times. They transmit your whereabouts to a satellite, which is immediately sent to a rescue station.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flashlights<\/strong>. A few good flashlights are essential for emergencies and ship-running alike.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Life Rafts.<\/strong> These are mandatory in Greece for large pleasure vessels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Distress Flares<\/strong>. These light signals are internationally recognised in an emergency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Survival Bags<\/strong>. Otherwise known as \u201csailing grab bags,\u201d these packs include your critical elements for land, sea, and injury needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>First Aid Kits<\/strong>. Always important no matter where you go, be sure to include multiples of everything for longer trips.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more safety equipment suggestions, be sure to research your vessel and keep up to date with the yachting community. It\u2019s always a good idea to have more on board than you think you\u2019ll need. Safety equipment isn\u2019t one size fits all; you\u2019ll need emergency essentials, like harnesses, survival kits, and PFDs, but also personal safety items, like water filters, first aid kits, and cleaning supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Crew Necessities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to sail a yacht in Greece, you\u2019ll need a certified skipper. A certified skipper carries an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), which is widely accepted by Greek Port Authorities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your crew should also be qualified in order to avoid any hitches. You\u2019ll need a certified First Mate, marked by a Competent Crew qualification. Crew members preferably also hold a Competent Crew qualification, although there are some exceptions to this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Watch Out For\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few other factors you\u2019ll need to take into account:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Berthing place<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weather<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temperatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Climate (differs across Greece and Greek islands)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wind<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fuel and water tanks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crew\/skipper readiness and ability to sail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Immigration, passports, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geography\/topography of area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tides and currents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sun exposure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flag condition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Holding tanks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sailing overnight protocols<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These checkpoints will ensure safety and readiness to sail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Inspections<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All yachts will need to have a professional survey carried out upon purchase. After that, your yacht may be subject to further inspections by Greek authorities, especially if you are travelling from a non-Greek country or flying a less-reputable flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inspections ensure key safety elements are functioning and available on your yacht. Boat safety in Greece requires more than just a single pre-purchase inspection. You should pursue extra evaluations following any major damages or repairs. Regular maintenance protects against larger issues occurring from normal wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Insurance &amp; Liability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurance providers may also need further inspections. These will allow accurate coverage and returns to be calculated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is mandatory to have insurance coverage on your yacht in Greece. Furthermore, you must always have a Greek translation of your insurance documents onboard if they are not originally produced in Greek. Port Masters may fine any vessels that do not carry these necessary documents at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Third Party Liability for serious issues, such as death, injury, material damage, and marine pollution can charge you \u20ac150,000 per incident (and in the case of death or bodily injury, up to \u20ac700,000). Be sure you\u2019re up to date on your coverage and sailing safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Compliance Errors and Considerations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rules and regulations are changing all the time, so stay up to date with Greek laws about your vessel and crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in mind that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Greece<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunsail.com\/za\/destinations\/mediterranean\/greece\/athens\/useful-information\"> no longer accepts RYA certifications<\/a> as of 2023. You\u2019ll need to convert your RYA qualifications into ICC (International Certificate of Competence) qualifications, which is easy and free of charge if you are a RYA member.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ll need to pay TEPAI for every month you occupy Greek waters with your vessel. To learn more about TEPAI, visit our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/vat-paid-vs-non-vat-paid-yachts-explained\/\">VAT-Paid vs. Non-Paid Yachts<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are no sea toilet regulations for pleasure crafts across the EU at this juncture in time. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.noonsite.com\/report\/european-black-and-grey-water-regulations\/\">it\u2019s recommended<\/a> that you take caution with grey water and have a holding tank onboard in Greece.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greece falls into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rya.org.uk\/boating-abroad\/entry-and-exit-formalities\/\">Schengen Area<\/a> for border control. The Schengen Area is a group of European countries with their own regulations regarding entry and exit points. Be sure to know where to check in and how long you can stay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ll also need an updated transit log onboard with you at all times, especially when entering and exiting Greece.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you have all of the information you\u2019ll need to sail safely in Greece, it\u2019s time to book that holiday or browse for that dream yacht. It\u2019s time to relax with the assurance that everything is under control on your vessel. Why not take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/\">new and used yacht range<\/a> and get started on the yacht purchase process today?<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Greece is known for being yacht-friendly, safe, and well-travelled over Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Regardless, there are a few safety requirements and considerations you\u2019ll need to keep in mind before your trip or Greek vessel purchase.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":28266,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[245],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28265"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28265\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28273,"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28265\/revisions\/28273"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}