Papers on board: the DEKPA is gone, the list stays
1The lesson in plain words
The DEKPA cruising log was abolished in 2020. Now you keep a signed passenger list, insurance papers and, for non-EU boats, a digital transit log.
The DEKPA is gone
The ΔΕΚΠΑ (Δελτίο Κίνησης Πλοίου Αναψυχής), the yacht movement log stamped by port police, was abolished by Law 4676/2020 (article 68). Many guides still mention it. It was replaced by a simpler duty in article 10 of Law 4256/2014.
The passenger list
Every private pleasure craft, whatever its flag, carries an up-to-date list of people on board (κατάσταση επιβαινόντων). The skipper signs it and every change, with date and time. The port authority does not stamp it. Show it on request. If you employ crew from outside the EU or European Economic Area (EEA), keep a separate crew list and have it stamped at the first Greek port and the last port before leaving.
Transit log for non-EU boats
A private yacht under a non-EU flag, or one on which EU duties and taxes have not been paid, needs a Transit Log from Greek customs. Since August 2024 it is filed online through myAADE. Where the cruising fee (TEPAI) is due, show proof of payment before the Transit Log is issued.
Insurance
Third-party insurance covers injury or damage you cause to others. It is compulsory for pleasure craft in Greek waters, whatever the flag. Keep the certificate on board in Greek or English. Ask your insurer to confirm that the cover meets Greek minimums.
Other papers
Carry the boat's registration certificate from the flag state, any skipper qualification required for your boat and use, and the TEPAI payment proof where the fee is due. If a VHF (very high frequency) radio is fitted, carry the boat's radio station licence and the required operator certificate. Courtesy flag, ICC and EU VAT questions are covered in Law: foreign waters.
2Key data
- DEKPA
- Abolished by Law 4676/2020 (article 68)
- Passenger list
- All flags; skipper signs; no port stamp
- Employed crew outside EU/EEA
- Stamped at first and last Greek port
- Transit Log
- Non-EU flag or duties unpaid; online via myAADE
- Insurance
- Compulsory; certificate in Greek or English
3Key points
- 1
The DEKPA no longer exists; it was abolished in 2020.
- 2
Keep a passenger list signed by the skipper, updated at every change.
- 3
Non-EU flag yachts need a customs Transit Log, filed online.
- 4
Where TEPAI is due, show proof of payment before the Transit Log is issued.
- 5
Third-party insurance is compulsory; carry the certificate in Greek or English.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: An EU yacht must get its DEKPA stamped at the first Greek port.
Right: The DEKPA was abolished in 2020. Keep the signed passenger list on board instead; the port does not stamp it.
Wrong: A Transit Log is needed by every foreign yacht.
Right: It is for non-EU flags or boats whose EU duties are unpaid. EU yachts with taxes settled do not need one.
5Practice case & exam keys
You sail a 12 m UK-flagged yacht (owner resident in the UK) from Montenegro to Corfu. A friend says you must buy a DEKPA at the port office. What papers do you need?
Show the answer
There is no DEKPA any more. After border and customs clearance, the yacht needs a Transit Log from customs, filed through myAADE, because the UK flag is non-EU; where TEPAI is due, first pay for the month and keep the proof. Keep a passenger list signed by you, the UK registration, insurance meeting Greek minimums (certificate in English is fine), any required skipper qualification and the radio station licence and required operator certificate if VHF is fitted.
Exam keys
- DEKPA abolished by Law 4676/2020; replaced by a skipper-signed passenger list.
- Employed crew from outside the EU/EEA: separate crew list stamped at first and last Greek port.
- Transit Log: non-EU flag or unpaid duties; myAADE since Aug 2024; show TEPAI payment proof first where due.
- Compulsory third-party insurance; certificate in Greek or English.
Finish this unit
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