On 15/11/24, Two (2) Ministerial Decisions (MD) of the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy (GMMA&IP) on traditional vessels were published in the Government Gazette B' 6469/2024. MD no. 3153.7.1/82627/2024 on the definition of the criteria and the procedures related to the characterization of a ship as “traditional”, for ships other than pleasure boats and MD no. 3153.7.1/82626/2024 for pleasure boats whether professionally or privately operated.

In summary, the ship must comply with the documented types of traditional boats, as per the Greek/European international literature and the relevant specifications; the sail, the size of its superstructure, the length etc. The above MDs consider many types of traditional vessels such as frigates, sloops, clippers and others.

 A ship is classified as “traditional” by the issuance of a decision of the GMMA&IP, ("Traditional vessel under Category 1 or Category 2") after an on-site inspection and examination of the documentation; the ministerial decision is valid for five (5) years, and it may be renewed upon the request of the interested party.

 For the classification of a ship as "traditional", the following must be submitted to the department of the Ministry known as ΔίνεΔ (DINED): an application by the shipowner, photographs of the ship's facades, general layout plans, photocopies of the Certificates of Measurement, Registry, General Survey, etc. In addition, for the classification as "Traditional vessel of Category 2", either a copy of the decision by which the ship is characterized as a mobile item of cultural heritage, or

a documented description of the traditional method of the construction of the ship should be submitted. An electronic register of traditional ships is kept on the official website of the GMMA&IP, with the details of the ship’s name, the name of the shipbuilder etc.

Marina Aliferopoulou Lawyer-Mediator

https://www.aliferopoulou-law.gr/