What must a rental craft carry in Cyprus?
The required safety equipment for a rental SUP, kayak, jet ski, motorboat and sailboat — every line with the section of the act and a link to it. Then what to tell customers at check-out.
Law Οι περί Ταχύπλοων Σκαφών Κανονισμοί του 1999 (Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99)
Authority: Υφυπουργείο Ναυτιλίας
Covers only speedboats: motor craft up to 15 m that can reach 15 knots, jet skis included (most of the list does not apply to jet skis). Slower motorboats, sailing yachts, boats over 15 m and paddle or wind craft have no statutory list under the rules now in force.
Cyprus has published a new pleasure-craft law (4(I)/2026), but it is not yet in force and its equipment regulations have not been issued; until then only speedboats have a statutory list.
Read the official text ↗ · Rules checked 15 October 2026
What our research found about rentals and commercial use:
- The speedboat rules cover motor craft up to 15 m that can reach 15 knots; boats hired out for payment are category B. The owner of a hire speedboat must make sure a renter of a boat over 6 m carries, and of one 6 m or shorter wears, a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99, Καν. 2, 3, 28(β) · source · Rules checked 15 October 2026
General guidance: the lists below are the equipment rules for recreational craft. Hiring craft out is a business, and some countries add rules for rental or commercial craft, or ask for a permit. Before the season, check with Υφυπουργείο Ναυτιλίας or the local harbour master which rules apply to your fleet.
SUP board rental
Worked out for One paddler on a SUP board, no engine, by day.
Required 0
Cyprus’s equipment rules cover boats. A SUP board isn’t one, so no statutory carriage list applies — local bylaws, beach rules or wearing duties still may.
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Fit the buoyancy aid and say whether wearing it is required here (see “Licence, lifejacket and charter rules”).
- Show the leash: coiled ankle leash on flat water, quick-release waist leash on rivers and in current.
- Point out the area they may use, the swimming zones and the boat traffic, on a map.
- Offshore wind: kneel or lie on the board, paddle across the wind towards the nearest shore — not back to base.
- Agree the return time and how you will contact them.
- How to call for help: phone in a waterproof pouch, the rescue number below, stay with the board.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Quick-release waist leashMoving water demands a quick-release waist leash — an ankle leash in current is a hazard, not a safety device.
- Coiled ankle leashFlatwater. Your board is your biggest flotation device; stay attached to it.
- Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE)A belt-pack inflatable is unobtrusive enough that people actually wear it.
- Floating waterproof phone pouchFloating, on you, not strapped to the board.
- Drysuit or thick wetsuitCold shock off a paddleboard is the classic early-season incident.
- Whistle on the vestCosts nothing, carries far.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Kayak / canoe rental
Worked out for One paddler in a kayak or canoe, no engine, by day.
Required 0
Cyprus’s equipment rules cover boats. A kayak / canoe isn’t one, so no statutory carriage list applies — local bylaws, beach rules or wearing duties still may.
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Fit the buoyancy aid; check the spraydeck release loop is outside and they can pull it.
- Capsize: stay with the kayak, hold on, swim it to shore or wait for help; show the paddle float if you supply one.
- Point out the area, the weirs, current or shipping lanes, and where they may land.
- Groups stay together; the strongest paddler last.
- Agree the return time and how you will contact them.
- How to call for help: phone in a waterproof pouch, the rescue number below.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE)Worn the whole time. A buoyancy aid in the day hatch has saved nobody.
- Paddle float + hand pumpWith a hand pump, this is the actual self-rescue kit — practise before you need it.
- SpraydeckA swamped cockpit ends the trip.
- Buoyancy bagsKeeps the boat recoverable after a capsize.
- Handheld VHF, floatingSea kayaking: waterproof handheld, on your person.
- Personal strobe / vest lightYou sit very low. Being seen is the whole problem.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Jet ski / PWC rental
Worked out for A jet ski with a rider and a passenger, by day. Jet skis count as faster than 20 knots.
Required 3
- Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per person
The Speedboat Law requires the driver and everyone carried or towed to have a lifejacket or buoyancy aid; on a jet ski, in practice, that means wearing it. A buoyancy aid must give buoyancy of at least 10% of the wearer’s body weight and float without being inflated. On hire jet skis the owner must make sure every renter wears one while riding. The rest of the equipment list does not apply to jet skis.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Ν. 56(Ι)/1992 άρθ. 2, 5(1); Καν. 28(β) · source - Kill cord / wireless kill switch
Every speedboat, jet skis included, must have an engine kill cord, attached to the driver while under way, so the engine stops if the driver moves away. The Law also requires speedboats up to 6 m to be built or converted to be practically unsinkable.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Ν. 56(Ι)/1992 άρθ. 15 · source - Handheld VHF, floating
Boats under 6 m without a deck: a portable, waterproof, floating marine VHF of at least 3 W. Read literally this also covers privately used jet skis (hire jet skis are exempt); how it is applied to jet skis is not confirmed.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Καν. 5(1)(ιε) · source
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Kill cord on the wrist or the vest, every time the engine runs.
- Lifejackets on the rider and the passenger, fastened — check the wearing rule below.
- Show the area, the no-go zones, swimmers and the speed limits near the shore and in harbours (local rules).
- Licence and age: check the renter is allowed to drive it here (see below) before handing over the key.
- Capsize: how to right it (sticker on the hull) and climb back on from the stern.
- Fuel, return time, and how to call for help.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Impact / buoyancy vestImpact protection as well as buoyancy — you hit the water hard.
- Floating waterproof phone pouchOn you, not in the hull.
- Whistle on the vestEngine off, voice gone — a whistle carries.
- Drysuit or thick wetsuitImmersion is a matter of when, not if.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Motorboat rental
Worked out for An open motorboat, 5 m, outboard up to 25 kW (34 hp), CE-marked, up to four adults, by day, no cooker aboard.
Required 0
The speedboat regulations cover only motor craft that can reach 15 knots. No statutory equipment list was found for this boat under the rules now in force; the new law 4(I)/2026 will cover it once its regulations are issued.
No statutory equipment for this craft in the waters checked.
Also required if…
Lines that join the list when your rental differs from the one above.
Can go 15 knots or faster9
- Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per person
Lifejackets or buoyancy aids for one more than the number of people aboard. The Speedboat Law defines both: a buoyancy aid must give buoyancy of at least 10% of the wearer’s body weight, a lifejacket at least 15 kg with a whistle and head support for an unconscious wearer; both must float without being inflated and be brightly coloured. A 50 N aid meets the 10% rule only up to about 50 kg body weight. The driver must have one and make sure everyone carried or towed has one. On a hired boat the renter must carry one, and on a boat of 6 m or less wear one, while driving. Anyone towed must wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and anyone parasailing a lifejacket.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Καν. 5(1)(β), 28(β); Ν. 56(Ι)/1992 άρθ. 2, 5(1) · source - Kill cord / wireless kill switch
Every speedboat, jet skis included, must have an engine kill cord, attached to the driver while under way, so the engine stops if the driver moves away. The Law also requires speedboats up to 6 m to be built or converted to be practically unsinkable.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Ν. 56(Ι)/1992 άρθ. 15 · source - Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m)
An anchor or other means of anchoring suited to the boat’s displacement.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Καν. 5(1)(γ) · source - Oars or paddle
Two oars with rowlocks and sockets, secured with a suitable line as the manufacturer specifies — or a spare means of propulsion instead.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Καν. 5(1)(δ) · source - Bilge pump or bailer
A water bucket on a line at least twice as long as the height of the boat’s freeboard.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Καν. 5(1)(ε) · source - Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
At least one foam fire extinguisher of at least 2 kg, recharged straight after use and when it expires.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Καν. 5(1)(στ) · source - Waterproof torch + spare batteries
A waterproof electric lantern suitable for Morse signals, with spare batteries and a spare bulb.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Καν. 5(1)(ζ) · source - First aid kit for the area
A first-aid kit with basic, in-date items, including bandages, a topical antiseptic, sun cream and a remedy for stings from fish or other sea creatures.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Καν. 5(1)(η) · source - Handheld VHF, floating
Boats under 6 m without a deck: a portable, waterproof, floating marine VHF of at least 3 W. Read literally this also covers privately used jet skis (hire jet skis are exempt); how it is applied to jet skis is not confirmed.
Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99 Καν. 5(1)(ιε) · source
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Kill cord on the driver, every time the engine runs.
- Where the lifejackets are, how to put them on — children’s sizes by weight.
- Engine start and stop, fuel, the anchor, and how to come alongside.
- Show the area, the shallows, channels and no-go zones on a chart; propeller near swimmers.
- Weather limits and the return time; lights if they could be out after sunset.
- How to call for help: VHF channel 16 if fitted, the rescue number below.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Kill cord / wireless kill switchA planing boat that loses its driver circles back over them. The single highest-value item on a motorboat.
- Lifejacket, 150 N auto-inflateAuto-inflate, so it works whether or not you were conscious when you hit the water.
- Boarding ladder reachable from the waterGetting back aboard alone, from the water, over a high topside — plan for it before you need it.
- Fixed VHF with DSCDSC distress with position, monitored by everyone around you.
- PLB, 406 MHz, registeredFor when you’re beyond VHF range or the set has drowned.
- CO alarmPetrol engines and an enclosed cabin.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Sailboat rental
Worked out for A sailing yacht, 9 m, with a cabin, an inboard engine and a gas cooker, CE-marked, up to six adults, by day.
Required 0
The speedboat regulations cover only motor craft that can reach 15 knots. No statutory equipment list was found for this boat under the rules now in force; the new law 4(I)/2026 will cover it once its regulations are issued.
No statutory equipment for this craft in the waters checked.
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Lifejackets and harnesses: where they are, when to wear them, how to clip on.
- Man overboard: who throws the lifebuoy, who points, how to come back under engine.
- Gas cooker: valve shut after use, ventilation; the fire extinguisher and blanket.
- Reefing, the engine, the bilge pump and the anchor.
- Weather limits, the area and the charts; return time and check-in.
- VHF: channel 16, the DSC distress button, and the rescue number below.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Lifejacket, 150 N auto-inflateOffshore, a 150 N auto jacket with sprayhood, light, harness point and crotch strap — a 100 N jacket won’t turn an unconscious person in a seaway.
- Jackstays + tethersClipping on is what stops a man-overboard from happening at all.
- AIS-MOB beacon, on the lifejacketOne per crew, on the jacket. It puts a mark on your own plotter — a flare only helps if someone is already looking.
- Fixed VHF with DSCDSC distress at the press of a button, with your position attached.
- EPIRB, 406 MHz, registeredThe alert that doesn’t depend on anyone being within VHF range.
- Radar reflectorBusy shipping lanes — the Gulf of Finland, the Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar — are heavy and fast.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Licence, lifejacket and charter rules
We have no verified licence or wearing rule for Cyprus yet.
If a rental needs rescue
The maritime rescue centre for Cyprus’s waters — put it on your briefing card and in your staff phones.
Where Fleet helps
Fleet doesn’t replace a single item above. It helps your staff keep an eye on every rental once it is out — we are building it with pilot operators for the 2027 season.
Printable checklist for Cyprus
A sheet per craft for the waters you rent in: the required kit with the section of the act, what to tell the customer, and a sign-off line for your staff. Print it or save it as a PDF.
Questions operators ask
What safety equipment must a rental SUP board carry in Cyprus?
Cyprus’s equipment rules for recreational craft do not cover a SUP board, so no statutory carriage list applies to it. Wearing duties, beach rules or local bylaws may still apply — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental kayak / canoe carry in Cyprus?
Cyprus’s equipment rules for recreational craft do not cover a kayak / canoe, so no statutory carriage list applies to it. Wearing duties, beach rules or local bylaws may still apply — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental jet ski / PWC carry in Cyprus?
Under Οι περί Ταχύπλοων Σκαφών Κανονισμοί του 1999 (Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99), for the rental we assume (A jet ski with a rider and a passenger, by day. Jet skis count as faster than 20 knots): Lifejacket, 100 N (CE), Kill cord / wireless kill switch, and Handheld VHF, floating. Some lines apply only in certain waters, and paid or commercial use can add more — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental motorboat carry in Cyprus?
Under the rules checked, none for the rental we assume (An open motorboat, 5 m, outboard up to 25 kW (34 hp), CE-marked, up to four adults, by day, no cooker aboard). Some situations add lines — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental sailboat carry in Cyprus?
Under the rules checked, none for the rental we assume (A sailing yacht, 9 m, with a cabin, an inboard engine and a gas cooker, CE-marked, up to six adults, by day). Some situations add lines — see the page.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a summary of the official texts, with a link to each one, to help you prepare. The operator and the skipper stay responsible for the equipment; when in doubt, the cited act and the national authority win.
A summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. The operator and the skipper stay responsible for the equipment and its condition. Rules change — when in doubt, the cited act wins, and local bylaws, permits or your insurer may ask for more.
Other countries
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We're onboarding a small group of rental operators for next season — and building the rest with them.