Yachts threatened with fines over new Greek tax rules
New tax rules for yachts cruising in Greece are now being enforced after several years of uncertainty, the Cruising Association (CA) has warned. All yachts in the country must comply by September 2017 or face fines, the Greek government has said. The amount an owner could be fined is not yet clear.
Greek authorities have finally released a new form to replace the previous DEPKA paperwork, and local Port Police forces are now implementing the policy. The move ends a protracted process in which a new tax was proposed but never implemented, and it clarifies what will be required of yachts and crews from September.
To obtain the new DEPKA, owners must present original documents to the Port Police including registration and insurance certificates (in Greek), an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) and a passport for each person named on the registration certificate.
The Cruising Association said this could be problematic for shared yachts and ownership syndicates. Greek authorities have agreed to accept notarised copies of passports for syndicated boats where not all owners are present. Some yacht clubs have also arranged mass-registration events to help owners to comply.
CA member Chris Robb, who has been liaising with the Greek authorities, warned: ‘If you present an RYA Yachtmaster certificate, there must be an authorised explanation in Greek that the certificate has sufficient standing. Instead, just get an ICC. Owners who cannot be there at renewal must employ an agent to act for them, and any lapses will be penalised.’