Greece introduces new safety rules for Carboat recreational vessels

The Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy issued a decision, published in the Government Gazette, establishing detailed regulations for the use and rental of the novel "Carboat" watercraft. The rules require operators to be over 18, hold a fast‑boat licence, be able to swim and wear a personal life‑jacket, while passengers must also know how to swim. Children may ride only with an adult and appropriate life‑jackets.

Operational limits include bans in rocky sea areas, prohibition before sunrise and after sunset, and restrictions when wind exceeds four Beaufort or visibility is poor. The Carboat must be equipped with a quick‑stop engine system and a propeller guard, and cannot operate within 100 m of marked swimming zones (200 m where no markers exist). When within 200 m of the shoreline in swimmer‑free zones, speed is limited. The vessel is classified as a fast‑boat and falls under the jurisdiction of the Hellenic Coast Guard.