Legal frame
Governing: π.δ. 141/2014 art. 8; Υ.Α. 2241.2/29164/2023 art. 2(1); Υ.Α. 2231.3-1/12621/2026. Builds on: L2.1.
What the title is
The Πτυχίο Κυβερνήτη Τουριστικών Θαλαμηγών Πλοίων (tourist-yacht master certificate) is the only Greek certificate of competency written specifically for yachts. It sits under STCW II/3 (masters of ships under 500 GT on near-coastal voyages) and IV/2 (radio).
Privilege (art. 8(2)): master of professional tourist yachts up to 400 GT on coastal voyages — between Greek ports, or abroad without going more than 30 miles from the coast.
Requirements
| Element | Requirement (art. 8(1)) |
|---|---|
| Sea service | 30 months on deck with a maritime-lyceum or equivalent qualification; 36 months with a secondary-school leaving certificate; 48 months with a lower-secondary certificate |
| Where | On tourist yachts of 75–1,500 GT |
| Directed training | At least 12 months of the total spent training as officer of the watch on ships over 75 GT, under a qualified seafarer, recorded in a record book that an ΑΕΝ (merchant marine academy) checks and certifies |
| Course | Graduation from the special κυβερνήτες section of a public maritime school or a private ΝΕΚΕ provider |
| Safety and radio | Basic safety, survival craft (fast rescue boats only if assigned), advanced fire-fighting, first aid, GMDSS restricted |
Since the 2026 amendment of the KESEN regulation, candidates for and holders of this title enrol in the GMDSS ROC section.
CAUTION — No published exam No syllabus, exam format or pass mark for the special κυβερνήτες section was found in the Gazette texts read. The title follows course graduation, and teaching is in Greek. Treat any "exam guide" for it with suspicion.
Where it fits on the manning scale
On Greek- and EU-registered professional yachts that must follow the Greek manning scale (L3.3):
- Up to 200 GT the scale asks for one κυβερνήτης (Κυβερνήτης Γ').
- 201–400 GT it asks for a Κυβερνήτης Β' plus one ναύτης.
- The decision's notes let a Κυβερνήτης Τουριστικών Θαλαμηγών replace the κυβερνήτης up to 400 GT.
Above 400 GT a Πλοίαρχος Γ' is needed. In other words, the yacht title covers the typical Greek charter fleet of 24–40 m motor and sailing yachts, but not the larger crewed yachts.
Older yacht titles
Υ.Α. 3342/02/2004 still accepts tourist-yacht master certificates issued under π.δ. 264/77, 54/96 and 243/98 as proof for commanding small professional yachts with no manning scale. You will see these older certificates on long-serving Greek skippers.
How it compares
| Κυβερνήτης Τουριστικών Θαλαμηγών | MCA Master (Yachts) 200 GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Tonnage | 400 GT | 200 GT |
| Area | Coastal (30 miles) | Per the CoC's area limits |
| Language | Greek | English |
| Issued by | ΔΕΚΝ | MCA |
The comparison is for orientation only; neither certificate is automatically valid on the other flag. Module 3 deals with recognition.
TIP — Ask for the record book If you hire a Greek skipper for a Greek-flag yacht, the certificate and the revalidation stamp (L2.3) are the two things to check before signing the crew list.