Requirements & Regulations for Yachts Cruising in Greece

 

CLEARANCE​

The Greek maritime authorities are known for their bureaucracy and as such all required paperwork should be kept in good order.

Clearance into Greece can only be made at an official port, options for these ports will be given to you by your agent. All yachts arriving from outside of the EU are obliged to make customs declarations on arrival and submit passports to the immigration authorities, all crew should be in possession of seaman's books as well as passports.

•Non-EU Private Registered Yachts will be issued with a Transit Log by customs
•EU Private Yachts are required to clear into Greece at the port of arrival and clear out upon-departure from Greek waters.
•All foreign flagged Commercial yachts will be issued with a DILOTIKO by customs and register on the E-Charter platform.
•A commercial yacht chartering in Greece must be in possession of a charter licence in order to commence and end charters in Greece. Without a charter licence in place guests cannot embark or disembark in Greece and the passenger list upon clearance into Greece must be identical to the passenger list when the yacht exits Greece.
•Transiting commercial yachts must declare proposed transit on thee-charter permission application online but do not have to apply for an e-charter permission. Such transiting usage is subject to paying the Special Charter Fee ("TEPADACH Plus").
•Commercial yachts not in possession of a Greek charter licence or valid charter agreement, under owner's use. will be treated as a Private registered yacht and will follow the same regulations as applicable to private yachts.

Clearance in and out of port, documentation requirements:

•EU Private yachts (berthed or anchored) need only clear in on arrival and clear out upon-departure from Greece, as well as when signing on/off non-EU crew
•EU Commercial registered yachts not in possession of a charter agreement and Greek charter-licence and which are treated by the authorities as "private· are·obliged to clear in and out of each port as-the above
•Non-EU Private yachts are required to proceed clearance formalities, at each port/anchor or every time there is a change on crew/guest list
•All commercial yachts on charter are required to clear in and out of every port or anchorage and declare any change on crew/guest list.

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Requirements for clearances in and out with the Port Authorities:

1.Original registry
2.2 copies of the crew and guest lists (separate), signed and stamped by the Master
3.Insurance document (Greek mandatory liability Endorsement or P&I first page)
4.Transit Log booklet for non- EU vessels
5.Agency appointment
6.Coe (Certificate of competency)
7.Proof of TEPAI payment
8.Crew passports/seaman's books (at fist/last port of call into Greece)
9.Guest passports (at fist/last port of call into Greece)

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​INSURANCE​

​The Greek Mandatory Liability Endorsement - issued under Law 4926/22 is an endorsement to your existing insurance. The requirement is for all yachts , even those in possession of P&I insurance (ie; under 300 Grt).

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TEPAI TAX FOR ALL YACHTS​

​Introduced in 2018 a calendar monthly tax called TEPAI has been applied to all yachts at the rate of 8 euros per meter. The tax is to be paid monthly even if there are only three days left in the month. Tepai is exempt from payment when the yacht is "not in use". le; out of the water, or in the water for an extended period but not in use. When not in use the yachts registry must be handed to the Port Authorities and reclaimed when the yacht will be back in use (applicable to all yachts, apart from those with Greek charter license).

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PRE-ARRIVAL PROCEDURES​​

The below requirements are for SSN (Safe Sea Net) under EU directive 2010/65EU.
Each EU country has enforced this regulation as best for their own national interest, the basic requirement is that the authorities are notified at least 24 hours prior vessel's intended arrival to a port or anchorage and upon actual arrival and departure.

For Commercial Yachts In Commercial Operation:

a)To send a 24 hour pre-arrival notice for every port and anchorage
b)To send an ATA (actual time of arrival) within 30 min of docking.
c)To send an ATD (actual time of departure within 30 min of departure)
d)Waste declaration (updated for each port)
e)Security declaration (updated for each port)
f)Maritime health declaration (at the first port of call)

For Private Registered Yachts Over 300 GRT and over 45 meters Registered Length:

•To send a 24-hour pre-arrival notice for every port and anchorage
•To send an ATA (actual time of arrival} within 30 min of docking.
•To send an ATD (actual time of departure within 30 min of departure)
•Waste declaration (updated for each port)
•Maritime health declaration (at the first port of call)

If the destination changes after a pre-arrival notice, a cancellation notification has to be sent.

Procedure for sending: The system is online; Captains have the option of sending this information themselves or requesting  Fanos head office or agents to do so on their behalf. If the captain prefers to send all arrivals and departures himself, he must then register to do so.

g)nmsw.hcg.gr
h)New User
i)At the bottom of the page "English"
j)Then to proceed as directed. He will be requested to upload a copy of his passport after which there is us1Jally a wait of approximately 2 to 3 hours to receive the confirmation. He will be requested to send a copy of the crew list.EEEEE​

Please note that failure or delay to send these notifications can result in a fine

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CHARTERING IN GREEK WATERS​

The law at present states that the only commercial yachts allowed to commence or finish a charter or to change guests while in Greek waters are those that are Greek registered or have a Greek charter licence.
Commercial registered yachts not in possession of a Greek charter licence and in possession of a valid charter agreement are obliged to start and finish the charter outside of Greek waters. Private registered yachts are under no circumstances allowed to charter in Greek waters and any charter advertising for the Eastern Med should be taken down prior to entrance into Greece.

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PROCEDURES FOR COMMERCIAL REGISTERED YACHTS -  that will be operating commercially in Greek waters.​

Commercially registered yachts irrespective of size and flag are obliged to follow the below procedures.

• Port Authorities:

• 24-hour procedure before arrival is required, so the agent should be informed at least 48hrs before arrival.

• Extensive documentation/certificates are required upon clearance and will be advised to you before arrival from your agent in detail.

• It is imperative that all SOLAS documentation be in order as certain Port Authorities will request the certificates.Port State inspections are carried out on behalf of Paris MOU if the yacht is due for inspection and can be Inspected throughout Greek waters.

• Customs:

• At the port of entry a "Dilotiko" will be issued by customs, it consists of a series of declarations made by the yacht ie: fuel on board on arrival and departure from each port , vessel's items for entertainment, alcohol and tobacco, firearms & ammunition, it is also suggested to declare motorbikes, bicycles, diving bottles, tenders and outboards.

• Clearance procedure at Port Authorities & customs is mandatory on each location upon arrival/departure.

• Note that upon departure from a port the next destination must be declared.

• E-Charter permission.

• A commercial yacht chartering in Greece must be in possession of a charter licence in order to commence and end charters in Greece. Without a charter licence in place guests cannot embark or disembark in Greece and the passenger list upon clearance into Greece must be identical to the passenger list when the yacht exits Greece.

• Yachts that are eligible obtaining the E-Charter are commercially registered under a foreign flag (non-Greek), over 35 meters in length, and possessing a non-wooden hull.

• While obtaining the e-charter permission a yacht can charter for a maximum of 21 days per calendar year with the possibility lo extend by 7 days allowing essentially for 28 days charter annually.

• Charters starting and ending in Greece must apply for an e-charter permission and must pay a special charter fee (TEPADACH) which is calculated by multiplying the relevant charter days to be performed in Greece by the applicable fee based on the yacht's GT A base fee of Euro 500 is applied in addition to the calculated amount

• Requirements for E-Charter Application:

• The yacht-owning entity must be registered for VAT in Greece.

• Payment of Charter Fee (TEPADACH): This fee must be paid to the Greek authorities.

• Greek Foreign Commercial Yacht Inspection Certificate (PEXEPA): Either a PEXEPA or a SOLAS Passenger Ship Safety Certificate is required.

• VAT Payment: 70% of the VAT on the charter fee due in Greece must be paid prior to the charter's commencement.

• The e-charter permission application is approved by the Greek authorities only after satisfying all the criteria and submitting the required evidence and payments.

• The information provided here offers an epigrammatic overview of the new e-charter platoon

• legislation in Greece. It's essential to note that this summary is intended for quick reference. For a comprehensive understanding and personalized guidance, we \\strongly recommend consulting with your agent.

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PROCEDURES FOR COMMERCIAL YACHTS NOT OPERATING IN COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY​

• A commercial yacht without a charter agreement and not in possession of a Greek Charter Licence may bused by the beneficial owner and his immediate family for private use. In order to be allowed to do this the owning company has to provide a letter stating (and naming) that the beneficial owner will be using the yacht with his family in a strictly private capacity and with"No financial transaction in place".

• A commercial yacht, under Greek charter license, may be used privately, only by the shareholder/representative of the Greek branch owning company, presenting the necessary documentation.

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DUTY FREE

• Commercial yachts are entitled to take duty free fuel provided they have guests on board on departure from the port of bunkering. Customs can restrict the quantity to the amount of days left to complete the charter calculated against the daily consumption having been declared to customs on arrival in Greece. They also require:

• The Dilotiko

• Having a valid charter agreement that clearly states that "all fuel is to the vessels owners account·.

• The yachts registry and Charter Agreement to be officially translated into Greek.

• Proof of payment of the charter Ships essential spares can be imported duty free when there is proof that the yacht is in commercial activity or a recognized shipyard for repairs.​

 

NON-EU REGISTERED PRIVATE YACHTS​

REMINDER - PRIVATE REGISTERED YACHTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CONDUCT PAID CHARTERS IN GREEK WATERS.
PRIVATE REGISTERED YACHTS THAT HAVE BEEN ADVERTISED FOR CHARTER IN GREECE/EASTERN MED ON THE INTERNET SHOULD REMOVE ALL RELATED ADVERTISMENTS PRIOR THEIR ARRIVAL IN GREECE.

Port Authorities:

1. On arrival at your port of entry your agent will arrange the clearance IN to Greece withthe Port Authorities. Requirements are:

2. Original registry

3. 2 copies of the crew and guest lists (separate), signed and stamped by the Master

4. Insurance document (Greek mandatory Liability Endorsement - issued under the Law 4926/22 orP&I)

5. Transit Log booklet

6. Agency appointment

7. CoC (original Certificate of competency)

8. Proof of TEPAI payment

9. Crew passports/seaman's books (at fist/last port of call into Greece)

10. Guest passports (at fist/last port of call into Greece)

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Customs:

At the port of entry customs will issue a Transit Log, which is a temporary importation document valid only for Greece stating yacht's movements and non-EU crew changes. Customs require to declare a "USER" , who under the EU law should be either the beneficial owner, his immediate family or from the board of directors of the owning company. If the appointed USER is a non-EU citizen or an EU citizen living abroad then customs will issue a multiple entry 18-month Transit Log. If the USER is an EU citizen, then a 30-day single-entry Transit Log will be issued, this should be avoided if possible as it has restrictions.

Multiple non- EU USERS may be appointed but, in each case, a maximum period of 6 months is allowed (per user).

Attention: The law requires that a USER has to be always on board when the yacht sails between two Greek destinations.

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Customs requirements on arrival for the issuance of Transit Log:

1. Yachts Registry

2. LOA from the owning company (as indicated in the registry) for the USER.

3. LOA from the owning company (as indicated in the registry) for the Captain.

4. Copy of the clearance "IN" crew and guest list, stamped by the Port Authorities.

5. Declaration of any arms and ammunition IN FULL Declaration of fuel on board on arrival as well as drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. 

6. Diving bottles, tenders and outboards, jet-ski's and other powered water sport toys .

7. Agency appointment

8. Tepai

9. Captain's passport

10. User's passport copy. If the USER is a non-EU citizen a copy of their last entry stamp into Schengen is required.

11. User's declaration stating his permanent address.

12. User's utility bill/ bank statement. proving his permanent address.

13. Upon departure from Greece Transit Logs MUST be handed back to Customs

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EU Private Registered Yachts

EU privately registered yachts are assumed to be VAT paid and as such are not required to follow any customs formalities except for the declarations made when entering the EU. The Port Authorities will request the below documentation upon arrival:

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1. The captain should be in possession of a POA or LOA from the owning company authorizing him as Master.

2. Master's original Certificate of Competency and passport

3. Original registry

4. 2 copies of guest and crew lists stamped and signed by the Master

5. P&I Insurance -or the Greek Mandatory Liability Endorsement (LAW 4926/22)

6. Agency appointment

7. TEPAI

REMINDER -YACHTS HOLDING A PRIVATE REGISTRY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CONDUCT PAID CHARTERS IN GREEK WATERS.​

Immigration requirements for the Yachts upon arrival or departure to/from outside of the EU
If the yacht has arrived from or departs outside of the EU, the agent will take all passports to immigration. All crew are required to be in possession of a Seaman's book which will be shown to immigration authorities. Concerning all crew members, this is a very strict requirement and if SDB's are not available, the Athens  Fanos head office should be informed well in advance.
There is a very strong possibility that passengers on yachts arriving from or departing to outside of the EU Schengen area will be requested to go ashore for face control. Athens  Fanos head office will advise you accordingly when your port of entry/departure is communicated.

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SHIPMENTS TO THE YACHT IN GREECE

Goods shipped to Greece from outside of the EU are subject to 24% Vat and 6% importation tax, this applies not only to the goods but to the freight charges as well. Other charges are applicable such as stamp duty, storage and the customs clearance agent which on costly importations are a very minor charge but on personal crew items they may represent a considerable cost. Crew should declare all personal items or no commercial value for customs purpose" however they will have to pay Vat & taxes on the freight charges. Please make sure that the yacht and crew-members name are clearly indicated, if the shipment is for the yacht then the Captains name.
For importations to the yacht  Fanos agents will require a copy of the AWB and invoices in advance to avoid any delays and confusion that might arise.

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THE GULF OF PATRAS & CORINTH

Rio- Antirrio Bridge - When approaching the Rio/Antirrio bridge near Patras call "Rio Bridge Control" on Channel 14 not closer than 12 miles and advise your ETA for passage under the bridge. For large sailing yachts the max air draft is 45 meters, if this represents a problem, please call the Fanos Athens head office operations dept and advise them accordingly.

Corinth Canal - Fanos Yachting will forward a statistic form to be completed and returned to the office. When in VHF range call "Corinth Canal" on Channel 11 advising your ETA and that  Fanos Yachting are your agents,  Fanos will have arranged payment and the yacht will be allowed to transit without being delayed to pay. If there are no traffic delays the passage normally takes an hour, the canal draft is max 6 mtr but should be confirmed if your draft is dose to this. Pilots are
available on request but are compulsory for yachts over 800 Nett Tons and yachts over 100 Nett Tons for a night-time passage.
Chalkis Bridge- For the first bridge you encounter (High bridge of Evripos), no formalities or pilot is required. We will inform the port authorities of your passage accordingly.

For the second smaller bridge, you have to be on spot before the entrance at 21:00 to avoid any delays and you stand by on VHF channel 12 to receive further instructions from the bridge operators. No pilot is required for your crossing, and  Fanos will arrange the formalities and payment in advance for your convenience.