Legal frame
Governing: ΓΚΛ 38 art. 4–7; ΓΚΛ 20 art. 22–24, 32, 34 as amended by ΦΕΚ Β' 4559/2026; ΚΥΑ 2131.4/64444/2021 (ΦΕΚ Β' 4174/2021). Builds on: L1.2.
Knowing the operator's duties tells you what a proper rental looks like, and gives you a polite way to say no to one that is not.
Two kinds of operator
| Harbour "rent a boat" | Beach water sports | |
|---|---|---|
| Rules | ΓΚΛ 38 | ΓΚΛ 20 + ΚΥΑ 64444/2021 |
| Craft | Motor boats and speedboats of 4.30–12 m | Jet skis, towed rides, pedalos, kayaks, SUPs, small motor boats |
| Authorisation | Notification to the Port Authority; certificate of legal requirements | Approval from the Port Authority after a local three-member committee |
| Paperwork you see | A signed contract and a rental certificate | Registration in the operator's register of hirers |
Renting water-sports craft without approval costs the operator €2,000 to €30,000 under the ΚΥΑ.
The harbour rental: contract and handover
ΓΚΛ 38 art. 4 requires a private contract signed by both sides that names who will skipper: you, the operator or the operator's employee. For a speedboat that person must hold a licence (L1.3). Terms that contradict the navigation rules, or that consumer law treats as abusive, are not allowed in the contract (art. 4(3)).
Before handing over, the operator must check that the boat is in excellent condition, that the main and spare engines work, that it has fuel and a spare can of at least 5 litres, and that the insurance is in force. Each boat carries a spare engine able to give 4 kn, unless it is twin-engined. At handover you receive (art. 6(3)):
- the original navigation licence (or inspection protocol for boats over 10 m);
- a copy of the insurance and of the operator's certificate;
- copies of ΓΚΛ 38, ΓΚΛ 20, ΓΚΛ 23 and COLREG in Greek and English;
- aboard: compass, parallel rulers, dividers and charts of the declared area.
Return them at the end. Whoever skippers takes on all the duties of a master under Greek law (art. 7).
The beach operator: on-site duties
ΓΚΛ 20 art. 24 makes the operator or their responsible person:
- stay on site the whole time; renting while absent is prohibited;
- keep an orange rescue boat able to make 12 kn, marked ΣΩΣΤΙΚΟ ΣΚΑΦΟΣ / RESCUE BOAT, with a lifebuoy on a 30 m line, plus a stretcher and first-aid kit. No rescue boat: €3,000, doubled on repeat;
- brief every hirer on the rules, demonstrate the craft and escort if needed;
- keep a register: name, age, nationality, ID or passport, contact and start time;
- refuse anyone under the influence and, since 2026, anyone without the required qualifications;
- bring the craft in by sunset.
Operators may demonstrate but not teach. Giving or advertising lessons, online included, costs €3,000, doubled on repeat.
Weather
Rental is prohibited when the wind is over Beaufort 5 or 38 km/h, or visibility is restricted (art. 32). The operator keeps a digital anemometer on site and may refuse you in lighter winds. If they refuse on safety grounds, you must comply at once (art. 34(2)).
TIP — your side of the deal Art. 34 obliges hirers too: use the safety kit provided, check fuel and life-saving equipment before leaving, follow instructions, and tell the operator about any health problem that could put you at risk.