What counts as a speedboat, and the licence to drive one
1The lesson in plain words
In Greece, engine power and hull type define a speedboat. To drive one or a jet ski, you need a valid operator licence; check foreign licences first.
Who makes the rules
The Hellenic Coast Guard (Λιμενικό Σώμα) writes the rules for small craft in General Port Regulations (ΓΚΛ, Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα). ΓΚΛ 20 covers speedboats, jet skis and other sea leisure craft. ΓΚΛ 50 covers the speedboat licence exam, instructors and schools. Each port authority may add a local port regulation for its own coast.
What is a speedboat
The hire rules (ΓΚΛ 38) define a speedboat (ταχύπλοο) by engine horsepower (HP) and hull type. Outboard (engine outside the hull): over 30 HP; petrol inboard (engine inside) or sterndrive (inside engine driving an external leg): over 40 HP; diesel inboard: over 70 HP. For inflatables, multihulls (two or more hulls) and V-shaped hulls: outboard, over 15 HP; petrol inboard or sterndrive, over 30 HP; diesel inboard, over 50 HP. Jet skis need the same operator licence.
The licence
Driving a speedboat without a valid speedboat operator licence (άδεια χειριστή ταχυπλόου σκάφους) is forbidden. You must be 18, healthy and able to swim. You first take at least 12 hours at an approved school: 6 of theory and 6 of practice. You book the exam online and file the papers through the Coast Guard's e-ΔΛΑ portal at least 7 days before.
The exam
The theory test has 20 multiple-choice questions; you pass with 18 correct. Candidates who cannot read Greek may take it orally through a certified interpreter, paid by them. The practical test covers handling, a knot such as the bowline or clove hitch, and basic chart reading. The licence is valid until you turn 65, then must be renewed on medical certificates.
Visiting skippers
Greece has no general list of accepted foreign licences. Ask the competent port authority whether your qualification is legally accepted for this boat; confirm the hire company's requirements separately. Check before you book. The licence comparison is on the boating-licence page.
2Key data
- Speedboat (hire rules)
- Outboards: >30 HP; >15 HP on inflatables, multihulls or V hulls
- Minimum age
- 18; must be healthy and able to swim
- School training
- At least 12 h: 6 theory + 6 practical
- Theory test
- 20 questions, 18 correct to pass
- Validity
- Until age 65, then renewal
3Key points
- 1
ΓΚΛ 20 governs speedboats and jet skis; ΓΚΛ 50 governs the licence exam.
- 2
A speedboat licence is needed for any ταχύπλοο and for jet skis.
- 3
Age 18, swimming ability, 12 hours at an approved school.
- 4
Theory: 20 questions, 18 correct; then a practical test.
- 5
Licence valid to age 65; local port regulations can add rules.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: A 25 HP outboard on a rigid inflatable is too small to be a speedboat.
Right: For inflatables and V hulls the outboard threshold is 15 HP, so 25 HP makes it a speedboat under the hire rules.
Wrong: Any foreign boating licence is automatically valid in Greece.
Right: There is no blanket recognition. Ask the port authority about legal acceptance for this boat; confirm the hire company’s requirements separately.
5Practice case & exam keys
You are 19, on holiday in Naxos, and want to hire a 5 m rigid inflatable with a 40 HP outboard for a day. You have no licence of any kind. Can the hire company let you drive it?
Show the answer
No. A rigid inflatable with an outboard over 15 HP is a speedboat, so the driver needs a speedboat operator licence, and since July 2026 the hire company must refuse people without the required qualification. Choose a smaller motor boat that is not a speedboat, or hire with a licensed skipper. Getting the licence takes school hours and an exam at the port authority.
Exam keys
- ΓΚΛ 38 outboard thresholds: over 30 HP; over 15 HP on inflatables, multihulls or V hulls.
- Speedboat licence: age 18, swimming, 12 h school (6 + 6).
- Theory exam 20 questions, pass mark 18; valid to age 65.
- Rules: ΓΚΛ 20 (craft use), ΓΚΛ 50 (licence), plus local port regulations.
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