Legal frame
Governing: ΓΚΛ 20 arts 2–3; ΓΚΛ 50 art. 3; π.δ. 141/2014; Υ.Α. 3342/02/2004 as amended. Builds on: nothing — start here.
Two systems, two issuers
Greek boating qualifications sit in two separate systems that barely touch. Crew arriving from the Red Ensign world tend to assume there is one ladder with the leisure licence at the bottom. There is not.
| Speedboat licence | Professional titles | |
|---|---|---|
| Greek name | άδεια χειριστή ταχυπλόου σκάφους | διπλώματα (officers), πτυχία (coastal and rating certificates), άδειες |
| Legal basis | General Port Regulations ΓΚΛ 20 and ΓΚΛ 50 | π.δ. 141/2014 (STCW incorporated) |
| Issued by | Port Authorities of the Hellenic Coast Guard | Ministry's Directorate of Seafarers' Education (ΔΕΚΝ) |
| Route | 12 lessons at an approved school, theory test, practical | Sea service, record book, school or KESEN/ΝΕΚΕ course |
| Validity | To the holder's 65th birthday, then 3-year renewals | Revalidated every 5 years |
| STCW | No | Yes (II/1–II/5, III/1–III/5) |
When the leisure licence is needed
ΓΚΛ 20 art. 2(1) defines a speedboat (ταχύπλοο) by engine power, not length:
- Outboard over 30 HP, petrol inboard or sterndrive over 40 HP, inboard diesel over 70 HP.
- For RIBs, catamarans and V-hulls the limits drop to over 15 / 30 / 50 HP.
- Any water-jet over 15 HP; jet skis always.
- Sailing boats are outside the definition.
Below those figures the boat is a μηχανοκίνητη λέμβος and needs no licence. There are no categories and no distance limits on the licence itself; the boat's navigation licence sets the range.
The route: age 18, medical certificates (or a Greek driving licence), able to swim, at least 12 lessons at an approved school, and a Greek tax number (ΑΦΜ). The theory test is 20 questions, 40 minutes, 18 to pass. The details are in Greek Speedboat Licence prep.
Where the two worlds touch
- Greek titles open the leisure licence. ΓΚΛ 20 art. 3(2) issues the speedboat licence without exam to holders of Greek merchant-navy officer titles and certain ratings. In the texts read it names Greek titles only; an MCA or Maltese CoC is not mentioned.
- The leisure licence can open a small command. Υ.Α. 3342/02/2004, still in force under law 4926/2022 art. 21(1)(γ), lists the Greek speedboat licence, or an equivalent licence issued or recognised by an EU or EFTA state (Switzerland excepted), among the proofs for the κυβερνήτης of a motor professional yacht with no mandatory manning. That is how bareboat charterers skipper motor yachts.
CAUTION — A leisure licence is not a CoC The speedboat licence says nothing about watchkeeping, STCW safety training or command of a manned yacht. Where a manning scale applies, the posts need Greek or flag-state certificates of competency. Whether a paid skipper can rely on the speedboat licence for a no-manning motor yacht is a point to check with the Port Authority.
Foreign licences
ΓΚΛ 50 art. 3(19) accepts a foreign licence issued or officially recognised by a state authority of its country. At a check you carry an official translation and a consular certificate that the issuer is competent. Whether an RYA-issued ICC passes that test is not stated in any Greek text read.
TIP — Carry the paperwork for the tender If you will drive tenders or toys, keep your licence, its translation and the consular certificate with the boat's papers. The original licence, the seaworthiness document and a copy of the insurance must be aboard (ΓΚΛ 20 art. 4).