Cyprus
- Who issues it
- Υφυπουργείο Ναυτιλίας [Shipping Deputy Ministry]
- Minimum age
- 17 years
Do you need a licence?
Yes, for a powered boat up to 15 metres capable of at least 15 knots.
You don't need one for:
- a qualifying adult hire using a declaration
There is no horsepower threshold. You may learn from 17 with a licensed operator, and the full licence starts at 18; bareboat charters have separate rules.
Άδεια μαθητευόμενου χειριστή ταχύπλοου σκάφους · High-speed small vessel learner operator's licence
From 17
- What it lets you do
- You can use powered boats up to 15 metres that can make at least 15 knots, as long as a licensed operator is always with you. Your learner permit lasts six months.
- How you get it
- You apply with a photo and identity documents. The published learner application process does not list an exam.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Δεσμευτική δήλωση · Binding declaration for unlicensed hire
From 18
- What it lets you do
- You can privately hire Category B high-speed boats within 6 nautical miles of the hire point or designated sea area. Extra conditions apply to jet skis.
- How you get it
- There is no licence exam. The owner must check your knowledge and countersign the prescribed declaration.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Άδεια χειριστή ταχύπλοου σκάφους · High-speed small vessel operator's licence
From 18- What it lets you do
- You can operate powered boats up to 15 metres that can make at least 15 knots, including jet skis, subject to local navigation restrictions.
- How you get it
- You take a written theory test and a practical exam at sea. Some existing qualifications exempt you.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Άδεια κυβερνήτη ιστιοφόρου σκάφους · Sailing boat skipper licence for bareboat charter
- What it lets you do
- For a bareboat sailing charter, you need a skipper licence that covers the boat's length and its cruising area.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Professional deck titles
Πιστοποιητικό επάρκειας πληρώματος που αποτελεί μέρος φυλακής ναυσιπλοΐας
STCW II/4- What it lets you do
- You are qualified to form part of a navigational watch as a rating.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Πιστοποιητικό επάρκειας ειδικευμένου ναυτικού καταστρώματος
STCW II/5- What it lets you do
- You can work as an able seafarer deck, carrying out qualified deck-rating duties.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Πιστοποιητικό ικανότητας ανθυποπλοιάρχου
STCW II/1; II/3- What it lets you do
- You can serve as a watch officer on ships of 500 GT or more. Separate certificates for ships under 500 GT may cover waters within 20 nm of Cyprus.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Πιστοποιητικό ικανότητας πλοιάρχου σε θαλασσοπλοούντα πλοία ολικής χωρητικότητας μέχρι 500
STCW II/3- What it lets you do
- You can be master on seagoing ships of up to 500 GT, within the limits of the certificate.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Πιστοποιητικό ικανότητας υποπλοιάρχου
STCW II/2- What it lets you do
- You can serve as chief mate under separate qualifications for ships of up to 3,000 GT and ships of 3,000 GT or more.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Πιστοποιητικό ικανότητας πλοιάρχου
STCW II/2- What it lets you do
- You can be master under separate qualifications for ships of up to 3,000 GT and ships of 3,000 GT or more.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Radio certificates
GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate
ROC- What it lets you do
- If you hold a foreign restricted-operator certificate, it can be covered by Cyprus recognition arrangements.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
GMDSS General Operator Certificate
GOC- What it lets you do
- You gain a GMDSS radio qualification under STCW IV/2. Qualifying foreign certificates can also be recognised.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Ready to study for it?
The Academy is free with an account: lessons for every topic, timed mocks marked like the real exam, and your progress saved.
Official sources: Shipping Deputy Ministry — High Speed Small Vessels Laws 1992–2020, ministry English translation, sections 2 and 4 · Shipping Deputy Ministry — Small Vessels: learner licences, operator licences and examinations · Shipping Deputy Ministry — Issue and Recognition of Certificates and Marine Training Laws 2008–2023, ministry English translation, sections 9 and 12–21 · Shipping Deputy Ministry — Circular 22/2022: bareboat charter, paragraph 12 · Shipping Deputy Ministry — Circular 33/2014, recognition application listing GMDSS general and restricted operators · Shipping Deputy Ministry — Frequently Asked Questions: recognition of foreign seafarer certificates