Private Yachts are divided in two main categories: the Non-EU registered and the EU registered ones.
Non-EU Registered Private Yachts
A yachts’ nationality is determined by its flag. Non-EU yachts which are visiting Greece are required to keep a “Transit Logbook” which is issued by the Greek Customs Authorities. The Captain collects it upon arrival.
Moreover, they are obliged to declare an “appointed user” who is liable for all yachts’ issues against the local Authorities. That person is usually the Captain, but it could be the Owner or any other physical entity.
The allowed sailing duration at Greek waters is determined by the nationality of the appointed user.
In case the appointed user is an EU citizen, then the allowed sailing duration at Greek waters is max. 1 month. On the contrary, if he/she is a non-EU citizen, then the allowed sailing duration is extended to max. 6 months.
Advantages:
A yachts’ nationality is determined by its flag. Non-EU yachts which are visiting Greece are required to keep a “Transit Logbook” which is issued by the Greek Customs Authorities. The Captain collects it upon arrival.
Moreover, they are obliged to declare an “appointed user” who is liable for all yachts’ issues against the local Authorities. That person is usually the Captain, but it could be the Owner or any other physical entity.
The allowed sailing duration at Greek waters is determined by the nationality of the appointed user.
In case the appointed user is an EU citizen, then the allowed sailing duration at Greek waters is max. 1 month. On the contrary, if he/she is a non-EU citizen, then the allowed sailing duration is extended to max. 6 months.
Advantages:
- There are no customs formalities between Greek ports
- Only the minimum formalities are required by the Coast Guard (subject to yachts’ size)
Disadvantages:
- Sailing at Greek waters is limited to the period that the “Transit Logbook” is valid for
- Appointed user should always remain on board the yacht
- The yacht is not entitled to duty free bunkers or tax free purchase of essential spares
Eu registered yachts are not required to keep a Transit Logbook.
They are only required to issue a “Private Pleasure Maritime Traffic Document” (so-called, DEKPA document) which is issued by the Greek Coast Guard upon the first call at a Greek port.
Yachts can stay at Greek waters for an unlimited period but they are not entitled to duty free bunkers and tax free spares.
Yachts should be in possession of all necessary SOLAS/MARPOL documents.
Clearance in Greece: All yachts that bear a Commercial Registry Certificate and are in excess of GRT 100, need to proceed to the issuance of an arrival statement (the, so-called, “Dilotiko”) at the port of entry. This document is issued by the local Customs Office.
Advantages:
- No restrictions apply on the sailing duration of the yacht in Greek waters
- Duty free bunkers can be supplied if the yacht holds the required documentation
- Certain “essential spares” can be imported on tax free basis
- The Captain does not need a letter of appointment from the Owners and the “appointed user” procedure is not required
Disadvantages:
- An accurate declaration of bunkers on board is required upon arrival & departure at each Greek port
- The yacht should at all times declare the next port of destination. In the event of change of destination, then the Customs office has the right to audit the yachts’ logbook
- Customs “clearance in” and “clearance out” formalities must be performed at each port, as well as Coast Guard inward/outward formalities. A notification of arrival must be deposited at Greek Coast Guard
