Port Regulations

Ref. no. 3131.1/03/99 Government Gazette B 444/26.4.1999 Approval of the Port General Regulation No. 20 "Speedboats and other marine recreational crafts"

Motorboats
1. The operation of motorboats is prohibited in the following cases:
(a) in adverse weather conditions,
(b) less than one hundred metres from the outer edges of the floating buoys referred to in Article 26. In cases of coastline diversity, for example small bays or coves, according to a decision of the Committee under Article 35, this distance may be reduced to less than one hundred metres, but no less than fifty metres, and the relevant decision shall be included in the boat license issued,
(c) less than two hundred metres from the usual point accessed and frequented by swimmers in areas not marked by floating buoys,
(d) less than two hundred metres from the coastline, in areas where there are no swimmers, at a speed of more than five knots. In cases of coastline diversity, for example small bays or coves, according to a decision of the Committee under Article 35, this distance may be reduced to less than one hundred metres, and the relevant decision shall be included in the boat license issued.

2. It is forbidden to rent a motorboat to persons under the age of eighteen, as well as to persons who, regardless of age, cannot swim. Persons under the age of sixteen are prohibited to operate a motorboat for private use. If minors are sixteen years of age or less, they shall be accompanied on board by an adult who can swim and operate the motorboat, in order to supervise and monitor minors at all times. In addition, it is prohibited to rent a motorboat before sunrise or after sunset.

3. The leased motorboat may depart from and arrive to the coast along the designated waterway specified under Article 27 at the lowest possible speed, according to the type of vessel used, to ensure the safety of swimmers, up to the specific point at sea, for which par. 1 does not apply.

4. The leased motorboat has a propeller guard. The provision of this paragraph shall be mandatory two months after this Regulation enters into force.


Prohibitions
1. Unless otherwise specified in any of the other provisions, it is prohibited to operate leased speedboats and motorboats over the limit specified in their license (3 nautical miles) from the coastline.

2. It is prohibited to operate recreational marine crafts when under the influence of alcohol, toxic substances or drugs. In the event of a fatal accident or an accident resulting in personal injuries, as well as in any other case where there are indications of use of alcohol, toxic substances or drugs, a formal investigation shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure under Law 2696/1999 (A 57).

Pick-up and delivery of private speedboats and marine recreational crafts
Private speedboats and recreational marine crafts with a motor may be picked up and delivered as follows:
(a) to and from their mooring facilities, such as ports, marinas, anchorages.
(b) to and from ramps, slideways built for boat lifting and launching, provided that at a distance of fifty metres on either side of their course there are no swimmers, and vessels are moving within a designated waterway, extending over a distance of one hundred metres from the slideway towards the open sea.
(c) to and from the coastline, outside swimming sites, provided that:
(aa) they are operated within a designated waterway specified under par. 1, 2 and 3 of Article 27
(bb) they are operated with a speed of up to three knots and provided there are no swimmers at a distance of one hundred metres on either side of their course. In case there are swimmers, the boats shall maintain a safety distance of at least 30 metres on either side of their course at a speed of less than one knot.

Lessee Obligations
1.In addition to the specific terms, conditions and obligations laid down for each type of vessel, lessees of marine recreation crafts shall:
(a) use all safety equipment provided by lessors, according to the lessors’ instructions
(b) operate marine recreational crafts only when they have ascertained that they are equipped with the proper quantity of fuel and life-saving means designated for their type
(c) exercise good judgment, behave in a responsible manner and observe the verbal and written instructions, prohibitions and notices in the area of operation, both before and throughout the lease term of the marine recreational craft
(d) refrain from using recreational marine crafts when under the influence of alcohol or toxic substances
(e) inform lessors of any physical disabilities or health problems at hand that may put lessees at risk.

2. If the lessor refuses to lease the vessel due to safety reasons, adverse weather conditions or due to the fact that the lessee is under the influence of alcohol, or unwilling to follow the lessor's instructions, the lessee shall forthwith comply.