New Rules for Yachts in Greece post-Covid-19

A series of measures for the safe operation of pleasure boats in Greece during the post-Covid-19 period, were announced by the Greek Maritime Ministry on Friday.

The measures will take effect from Monday, May 18 until Monday, June 15.

The ministry’s announcement includes the following:

Measures for pleasure boats/private yachts arriving from abroad after the lifting of the Covid-19 restrictive measures. The measures mainly concern:

1. Entry rules for private yachts and commercial pleasure boats (except cruise ships) in ports, marinas and shipyards of mainland Greece, arriving from abroad. Such vessels are allowed to enter Greek ports only if they have no passengers, under specific health rules and with permission of the competent authority.

2. Continuation of the ban of boat arrivals from foreign countries for which special restrictive measures are still in force (eg Turkey).

3. Mandatory testing of the owner of the vessel and crew members in a certified laboratory (at their expense).

4. Vessels in long-term mooring at Greek ports throughout the Covid-19 pandemic must abide by EODY’s guidelines.

5. Owners of vessels must submit a maritime health declaration.

6. Information regarding the rules and regulations taken for COVID-19 in the port of use must be provided to vessel owners and crew.

7. Specific rules apply for the proper management of a suspicious or confirmed case on board.

The measures for the safe operation of ferries and pleasure boats in Greece were announced following approval by the Health Ministry’s Committee of Special Infectious Diseases.

“Step by step we are planning the next day of ferry transport, with rules and guidelines aimed at protecting the health of passengers and crews of ships as much as possible, as well as public health on each Greek island. The further lifting of restrictions on ferry travel will be constantly monitored and solely depends on ourselves and our compliance with the measures,” Greek Maritime Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis said.

When is entry in Greek ports allowed?

Greece’s sailing ban on private pleasure boats arriving from abroad and entering its ports will be lifted on May 18.