Tips & Guidelines

Speedboats
Obligations of Speedboat Operators

Operators of speedboats must:

a) prohibit boarding to individuals who cannot swim or who are under the influence of alcohol or toxic substances.
b) prohibit boarding of more passengers than the permitted limit.
c) prohibit passengers from standing or sitting on the gunwale while the boat is moving.
d) operate the boat with great caution and avoid dangerous maneuvers.
e) carry on board the navigation license and the operator’s license, which must be presented to Port Authorities upon request.

BEFORE DEPARTURE
Check with the Port Authority or any reliable source (media, phone services, etc.) for current or forecasted weather conditions in the area you plan to sail.

KEEP IN MIND that weather conditions may sometimes be worse than expected.
If you notice this, postpone your trip.

Look at the sky. Is its color:
* Deep blue? A sign that strong winds may develop.
* Light blue? A sign of good, clear weather.
* Intense red? A sign of worsening weather and possible rain.
* Are there scattered cirrus clouds? A sign of approaching bad weather.

NEVER ATTEMPT to depart if you feel tired or have consumed alcohol.

Ensure you have more fuel than needed for your planned route.

Check that your boat has the required navigation license and, if it is a speedboat, REMEMBER to bring your operator’s license.

Check the boat’s watertightness. Is there water inside?
Inform someone about your destination and expected return time.
Make sure you have a mobile phone with you.

IMPORTANT!
Check that your boat’s communication equipment is in good condition so you can request help from the Rescue Coordination Center or the nearest Port Authority if needed.

Do you have company on board? Do they know how to use lifejackets and flares? If not, show them.
MAKE SURE they know how to use all safety equipment.

Do you know the mandatory equipment your boat must carry? Here is the list — check that your equipment matches and is in good condition:

Three hand flares
One smoke signal
One portable fire extinguisher (CO2, foam or powder)

It is also recommended for your safety and your passengers’ safety to have:
A lifebuoy with at least 15m of rope
A flashlight
A bucket
A sea anchor
A first-aid kit

Traveling with a child? Make sure they wear a lifejacket.

Do you know the sea area you plan to sail? Have you checked updated nautical charts for hazards (reefs, wrecks, shallow areas)? DO NOT NEGLECT THIS.

If the boat is rented, remember that using it before sunrise or after sunset is prohibited.

Engine use for departure/return is allowed only:
a) from/to your mooring facilities (ports, marinas, shelters).
b) from/to slipways, provided no swimmers are within 50m on either side of your course.
c) from/to the shore, outside swimming areas, provided:
  • You sail outside the buoyed swimming zone.
  • You sail within a designated 10m channel.
  • Within 100m of your course there are no swimmers, and you maintain a speed of up to 3 knots — or 1 knot if swimmers are present.

DURING THE TRIP
Follow safe navigation rules and collision‑avoidance regulations. Always consider the sea’s unpredictability and the risks caused by inexperience.

Do not approach closer than 200m to areas with swimmers.

Do you enjoy cruising near the coast? You may do so ONLY where there are no swimmers and ONLY at speeds under 5 knots.

Did you spot a yellow buoy with a yellow flag and a diagonal red stripe marked “ΥΔ”?

CAUTION! This indicates a diver (spearfisher) below. Keep at least 150m distance.

Avoid the wakes of passing ships.
Do not allow passengers to move around or sit on the gunwale.
Avoid dangerous maneuvers.
Sailing at night? Turn on the required navigation lights.

If someone is injured, provide first aid and notify the nearest Port Authority.

IN DANGER?
Use VHF to call nearby vessels or the Port Authority, or use your mobile phone to contact the Operations Center. Provide only essential information:

Your details and a contact number
Boat name/registration
Your position
Nature of danger
Number of people on board

No mobile signal?

DO NOT PANIC.
Dial 112 — the European Emergency Number.
It works even without signal. You will be connected to the appropriate service (Police, Coast Guard, Fire Department, etc.).

REMEMBER:
Do not use 112 unnecessarily — it may cost someone’s life.

Use smoke signals during the day and flares at night.
Engine failure? Deploy the sea anchor and start the auxiliary engine to reach the nearest shore or port.
Ensure everyone wears lifejackets.

Someone fell overboard? Throw the lifebuoy while holding the rope and pull them in from the leeward side.

In case of fire, use the fire extinguisher.
If the boat capsizes, stay with it.