A blow for boaters setting sail in Greece this summer: at the end of July 2025, the government announced that the DEKPA (ΔΕΚΠΑ), a mandatory document for all pleasure boats over nine meters flying a foreign flag, must be renewed earlier than planned. The DEPKA is a kind of maritime “travel card” issued by the Greek port authorities which is part of the boat papers to be carried on board.
Greece: DEKPA must now be renewed every year
Since the summer of 2025, a discreet but significant regulatory change has shaken up the charter industry in Greece: The validity of the DEKPA license has been reduced from 4 years to 1 year. If it’s not renewed annually, the vessel will be banned from sailing.
This change caused major disruption this summer at charter bases such as Gouvia, Preveza, Lefkas and Alimos, the biggest marina in Greece. Approximately one in three boats was immobilized due to not having an up-to-date stamp. In the meantime, some boaters were transferred to other vessels via partners, but often in a hurry.
The concerned charter companies have to go to the Maritime Affairs offices or the port police to regularize the situation of their boats. This may take a few days, but the situation should be back to normal within the next few weeks at the latest.
For the moment, all GlobeSailor customers have been repositioned on sailboats that comply with the new measure. If you are affected by these changes, our team remains available to assist you and manage the situation with your boat rental company. Please do not hesitate to contact your advisor.
