What must a rental craft carry in Greece?
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 Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 23 «Μικρά σκάφη» (Υ.Α. 2122/01/2000, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 231/2000), Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 20 (Απόφαση 3131.1/03/99, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 444/1999)
Authority: Λιμενικό Σώμα – Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή
ΓΚΛ 23 lists the equipment for recreational small craft up to 10 m — motor, sail and inflatable alike — and every item must be of a type approved by the Ministry. Boats over 10 m up to 12 m are covered only in part, boats over 12 m not at all; jet skis, windsurfers and canoe-kayaks follow ΓΚΛ 20.
Greek distance bands are measured from the nearest coast; the range your boat may use is written on its licence. Open boats up to 10 m with no deck or watertight spaces are limited to 2 nm; with an engine and a liferaft or buoyant apparatus for everyone aboard, to 4 nm (6 nm within the same or adjoining gulfs). Boats that count as speedboats under ΓΚΛ 20 (every jet ski, and boats above certain engine powers — for an inflatable or V-hull, an outboard over 15 HP) need a speedboat licence and, if they have no fuel gauge, a spare fuel can of at least 3 litres with a safety cap (ΓΚΛ 20 art. 2, 4).
Read the official text ↗ · 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 Λιμενικό Σώμα – Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή 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
SUPs, kites and wing foils are “novel craft” under ΓΚΛ 20 (art. 37), allowed by individual approvals whose conditions the Kit Finder does not have.
No statutory equipment for this craft in the waters checked.
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 1
- Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE)per person
Everyone on a jet ski, every windsurfer and everyone in a canoe or kayak must wear a personal lifejacket (no buoyancy class is stated). Jet skis may not be used at night; windsurfers, canoes and kayaks go out in daylight only, canoes and kayaks no more than 500 m from shore. Not in winds over 5 Beaufort (windsurfers: over 7) or in poor visibility.
ΓΚΛ 20 άρθ. 9 §2(θ), 13 §2, 14 §2, 33 · source
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
- 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.
- Drysuit or thick wetsuitYou will be in the water at some point.
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 5
- Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE)per person
Everyone on a jet ski, every windsurfer and everyone in a canoe or kayak must wear a personal lifejacket (no buoyancy class is stated). Jet skis may not be used at night; windsurfers, canoes and kayaks go out in daylight only, canoes and kayaks no more than 500 m from shore. Not in winds over 5 Beaufort (windsurfers: over 7) or in poor visibility.
ΓΚΛ 20 άρθ. 9 §2(θ), 13 §2, 14 §2, 33 · source - Red hand flares× 2
Jet skis: the distress signals and extinguishers the manufacturer specifies — otherwise two hand flares, one smoke signal and one small powder extinguisher.
ΓΚΛ 20 άρθ. 9 §1 · source - Orange smoke signal
Jet skis, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise: one smoke signal.
ΓΚΛ 20 άρθ. 9 §1 · source - Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
Jet skis, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise: one small powder extinguisher (no size given).
ΓΚΛ 20 άρθ. 9 §1 · source - Kill cord / wireless kill switch
A jet ski may not be used without an automatic stop (quick stop) that cuts the engine if the rider falls into the sea.
ΓΚΛ 20 άρθ. 9 §2(δ) · 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 18
- Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per person
Lifejackets of a type approved by the Ministry for the maximum number of persons the boat’s licence allows, plus 10 % (rounded up), marked with the boat’s identification. The count here uses the number aboard. Whether the 20 % of children’s lifejackets required on passenger boats also applies to recreational boats is unclear in the text — bring a child-sized lifejacket for every child aboard.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(α), §1(α)(1), §6 · source - Red hand flares× 3
Three hand flares of approved type, within their expiry date.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(γ) · source - Orange smoke signal
One smoke signal of approved type, within its expiry date.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(γ) · source - Means to receive marine weather forecasts
A transistor radio and a mobile phone with a spare battery or charger — or instead a portable or fixed marine VHF (or VHF/DSC) — the whole time the boat is at sea away from its mooring.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(δ) · source - Knife
One stainless folding knife.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(στ), §4(α) · source - Waterproof torch + spare batteries
One waterproof electric torch with batteries, plus a spare set of batteries.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(ζ) · source - Tow line
One towing line at least 20 m long.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(η), §4(β) · source - Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m)
One anchor with a suitable length of rope or chain.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(θ), §4(γ) · source - Sea anchor (drogue)
One sea anchor, to keep the boat from drifting if the engine fails or the weather worsens.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(ι), §4(δ) · source - Oars or paddle
One pair of oars (folding ones are allowed) with rowlocks. Only inflatable boats are exempt — rigid open boats are not.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κ) · source - Softwood plugs / leak kit
One spare drain plug. Only inflatable boats are exempt.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κ) · source - First aid kit for the area
A first-aid kit with the medicines and dressings needed for minor injuries.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κα) · source - Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
One portable foam, powder or CO₂ fire extinguisher of approved type. The rule gives no size for recreational boats.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κβ) · source - Bucket with lanyard
A bucket on a rope that can be used to fight a fire — or a manual or electric fire pump instead.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κγ) · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwlineOnly: 3–6 nm
Beyond 3 nm from the coast: one ring lifebuoy of approved type with a line at least 15 m long.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(β) · source - Liferaft, places for everyone aboardOnly: 3–6 nm
Over 3 and up to 6 nm from the nearest coast: an approved inflatable liferaft or a buoyant apparatus — or, instead, two ring lifebuoys with lines at least 15 m long.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κδ) · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline× 2Only: 6–10 nm
Beyond 6 nm: two ring lifebuoys with lines at least 15 m long (one is enough if the liferaft or buoyant apparatus takes 100 % of the persons allowed).
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κε), (κστ) · source - Liferaft, places for everyone aboardOnly: 6–10 nm
Beyond 6 nm, and on unrestricted domestic voyages: an approved inflatable liferaft or buoyant apparatus for at least 50 % of the maximum number of persons allowed.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κε), (κστ) · source
Also required if…
Lines that join the list when your rental differs from the one above.
Out after sunset or in poor visibility1
- Navigation lights
Navigation lights as COLREG requires, if you are under way after sunset.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(ε), §1(γ) · 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 18
- Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per person
Lifejackets of a type approved by the Ministry for the maximum number of persons the boat’s licence allows, plus 10 % (rounded up), marked with the boat’s identification. The count here uses the number aboard. Whether the 20 % of children’s lifejackets required on passenger boats also applies to recreational boats is unclear in the text — bring a child-sized lifejacket for every child aboard.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(α), §1(α)(1), §6 · source - Red hand flares× 3
Three hand flares of approved type, within their expiry date.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(γ) · source - Orange smoke signal
One smoke signal of approved type, within its expiry date.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(γ) · source - Means to receive marine weather forecasts
A transistor radio and a mobile phone with a spare battery or charger — or instead a portable or fixed marine VHF (or VHF/DSC) — the whole time the boat is at sea away from its mooring.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(δ) · source - Knife
One stainless folding knife.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(στ), §4(α) · source - Waterproof torch + spare batteries
One waterproof electric torch with batteries, plus a spare set of batteries.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(ζ) · source - Tow line
One towing line at least 20 m long.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(η), §4(β) · source - Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m)
One anchor with a suitable length of rope or chain.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(θ), §4(γ) · source - Sea anchor (drogue)
One sea anchor, to keep the boat from drifting if the engine fails or the weather worsens.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(ι), §4(δ) · source - Oars or paddle
One pair of oars (folding ones are allowed) with rowlocks. Only inflatable boats are exempt — rigid open boats are not.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κ) · source - Softwood plugs / leak kit
One spare drain plug. Only inflatable boats are exempt.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κ) · source - First aid kit for the area
A first-aid kit with the medicines and dressings needed for minor injuries.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κα) · source - Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
One portable foam, powder or CO₂ fire extinguisher of approved type. The rule gives no size for recreational boats.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κβ) · source - Bucket with lanyard
A bucket on a rope that can be used to fight a fire — or a manual or electric fire pump instead.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κγ) · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwlineOnly: 3–6 nm
Beyond 3 nm from the coast: one ring lifebuoy of approved type with a line at least 15 m long.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(β) · source - Liferaft, places for everyone aboardOnly: 3–6 nm
Over 3 and up to 6 nm from the nearest coast: an approved inflatable liferaft or a buoyant apparatus — or, instead, two ring lifebuoys with lines at least 15 m long.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κδ) · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline× 2Only: 6–10 nm
Beyond 6 nm: two ring lifebuoys with lines at least 15 m long (one is enough if the liferaft or buoyant apparatus takes 100 % of the persons allowed).
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κε), (κστ) · source - Liferaft, places for everyone aboardOnly: 6–10 nm
Beyond 6 nm, and on unrestricted domestic voyages: an approved inflatable liferaft or buoyant apparatus for at least 50 % of the maximum number of persons allowed.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(κε), (κστ) · source
Also required if…
Lines that join the list when your rental differs from the one above.
Out after sunset or in poor visibility1
- Navigation lights
Navigation lights as COLREG requires, if you are under way after sunset.
ΓΚΛ 23 άρθ. 21 §3(ε), §1(γ) · source
Yacht of 12 m or longer!
Not covered: Boats over 12 m are not “small craft” under ΓΚΛ 23; they fall under the pleasure-yacht rules, which the Kit Finder does not cover.
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
For renters and skippers, from the authorities’ own texts. Checked 14 October 2026.
Under Law 4256/2014, pleasure boats up to 24 m overall may be chartered without a master and crew (bareboat). The skipper's qualifications and how they are certified are set by ministerial decision.
Hellenic Coast Guard (text of Law 4256/2014) · Hellenic Coast Guard (text of Law 4256/2014)If a rental needs rescue
The maritime rescue centre for Greece’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 Greece
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 Greece?
Under the rules checked, none for the rental we assume (One paddler on a SUP board, no engine, by day). Some situations add lines — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental kayak / canoe carry in Greece?
Under Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 23 «Μικρά σκάφη» (Υ.Α. 2122/01/2000, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 231/2000), Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 20 (Απόφαση 3131.1/03/99, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 444/1999), for the rental we assume (One paddler in a kayak or canoe, no engine, by day): Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE). Some lines apply only in certain waters, and paid or commercial use can add more — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental jet ski / PWC carry in Greece?
Under Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 23 «Μικρά σκάφη» (Υ.Α. 2122/01/2000, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 231/2000), Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 20 (Απόφαση 3131.1/03/99, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 444/1999), for the rental we assume (A jet ski with a rider and a passenger, by day. Jet skis count as faster than 20 knots): Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE), Red hand flares, Orange smoke signal, Fire extinguisher, 2 kg, and Kill cord / wireless kill switch. 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 Greece?
Under Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 23 «Μικρά σκάφη» (Υ.Α. 2122/01/2000, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 231/2000), Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 20 (Απόφαση 3131.1/03/99, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 444/1999), 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): Lifejacket, 100 N (CE), Red hand flares, Orange smoke signal, Means to receive marine weather forecasts, Knife, Waterproof torch + spare batteries, Tow line, Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m), Sea anchor (drogue), Oars or paddle, Softwood plugs / leak kit, First aid kit for the area, Fire extinguisher, 2 kg, Bucket with lanyard, Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline, and Liferaft, places for everyone aboard. Some lines apply only in certain waters, and paid or commercial use can add more — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental sailboat carry in Greece?
Under Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 23 «Μικρά σκάφη» (Υ.Α. 2122/01/2000, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 231/2000), Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 20 (Απόφαση 3131.1/03/99, ΦΕΚ Β΄ 444/1999), 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): Lifejacket, 100 N (CE), Red hand flares, Orange smoke signal, Means to receive marine weather forecasts, Knife, Waterproof torch + spare batteries, Tow line, Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m), Sea anchor (drogue), Oars or paddle, Softwood plugs / leak kit, First aid kit for the area, Fire extinguisher, 2 kg, Bucket with lanyard, Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline, and Liferaft, places for everyone aboard. Some lines apply only in certain waters, and paid or commercial use can add more — 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
Join the pilot.
We're onboarding a small group of rental operators for next season — and building the rest with them.