General information on high speed small vessels
High speed small vessel means a mechanically propelled vessel of a length not exceeding fifteen (15) meters which can attain a speed of at least fifteen (15) knots.
Jet ski means a High Speed Small Vessel, which is propelled by an outboard engine or an inboard jet propulsion system and in which one, or more persons can by carried either seated or standing on it.
Regulation 3-(1) / P.I 121/199 - Categories of usage of high speed small vessels
High-speed small vessels are classified in the following two categories according to their use:
Category A: these are the high-speed small vessels of private use, which are used exclusively for the purposes of entertainment.
Category B: these are the high-speed small vessels of public use, which are offered by the registered owners to third parties for a fee.
Regulation 3-(2) / P.I. 121/199- Categories of usage of high speed small vessels
The classification of high speed small vessels into categories in accordance with paragraph (1) of this Regulation, shall be made by the competent authority after inspection either upon registration in accordance with the Emergency Powers (Control of Small Vessels) Regulations or any other legislation amending or substituting the same or upon application by the owner:
Marking of vessels
1. High-speed small vessels must carry the distinctive letters and the registration number of the Register of Small Vessels on the either side of the stern of the vessel and in the case of high-speed small vessels of category "B", the letter "B" will be written after the registration number.
2. The marking of high speed small vessels provided in paragraph (1) of this Regulation shall be made as follows:
a. each digit must be at least 20 centimeters in height and have a proportional width;
b. if the implementation of the above subparagraph is not possible because of the small size of the vessel, then each digit may be at least five centimeters in height and have a proportional width;
c. the number shall be placed above the middle of the height of the freeboard of the vessel;
d. the color of the number must be intensely in contrast with the color of the careen so as to be easily distinguishable from a long distance;
e. in case the competent authority deems it expedient, it may request the marking of the vessel on a different place and with different dimensions.
Operator license and learner's license
Learner's license
With reference to Regulation 12 (1) of P.I. 121 of 1999
Every person who has completed seventeen (17) years of age may acquire a learner's license and may operate a high speed small vessel on the condition that he shall always be accompanied by a person who has an operator's license.
Application forms for High Speed Small Vessel Learner's License (Form 1) from persons over the age of seventeen (17) years should be submitted with:
a. A passport size (3X4 cm) photograph.
b. Photocopy of Identity Card or passport.
c. Application fee of €17,09.
d. In case of foreign nationals, the alien card and/or the permit to stay from the immigration authorities.
Operator's license
According to Regulation 13 (1), every person who has completed the eighteen (18) years of age and he / she is already a holder of a valid learner's license can apply to obtain an operator's license.
Unless a person is a holder of a certificate or a diploma as per the provisions of Regulation 21, every person wishing to obtain an operator's license will undergo both practical and theoretical exams (Regulations 19 and 20 respectively). These exams are carried out by nautical clubs (regulations 14 and 15) which are appointed by the Shipping Deputy Minister.
The nautical clubs inform all applicants whose forms are accepted and forwarded to them by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping of the date, time and place of both the practical and theoretical examinations.
Practical examinations are carried out with vessels provided by the nautical clubs.
In order to apply for an examination, every person should submit an application form (Form 2) with:
a. A certificate of physical fitness issued by a doctor within six months prior to the date of application (Form 3).
b. Application fee €76,88 (€8,54 for the processing of the application form and €68,34 examination fees).
Persons to be exempted from the obligation of sitting the examinations should also submit the application form (Form 2) accompanied with:
a. A copy of the certificate or diploma as these is described in Regulation 21.1.
b. A copy of their passport or identity card.
c. A passport size photograph.
d. The application fee of €8,54 for the processing of the application.
Upon completion of both the practical and theoretical examinations, a certificate of success is issued by the club (Form 4) Â valid only for three (3) months from the date of issue.
All applicants are urged to forward this certificate (Form 4) together with the application form (Form 5A) for the issuance of the operator's license. Form (Form 5A) is on the back of every certificate of success and should also be used by all applicants either successfully succeeding an examination or exempted from the obligation of sitting an examination.
Note
Temporary visitors staying in Cyprus for a period of less than thirty days (30) and that are not holders of the above licenses, can operate a hired high speed small vessel provided they have signed a binding declaration with the owner of the vessel who is responsible to examine whether the temporary visitor possesses the necessary knowledge for operating a High Speed Small Vessel according to the requirements of the High Speed Small Vessel Regulations of 1999.
What to do
All forms and documents should be forwarded (in person or by post or postal services) to the Offices of the Shipping Deputy Ministry in Limassol. All cheques should be paid to The Director General of the Shipping Deputy Ministry.
Circulation License
According to Regulation 8(2) of P.I. 121 of 1999, vessel inspections are classed as follows
• Initial inspections [Regulation 8(2) (a)]
• Periodical inspections for all category B vessels on a yearly basis for the renewal of their licenses [Regulation 8(2) (b)]
• Periodical inspections for all category A vessels every five (5) years for the renewal of their licenses [Regulation 8(2) (c)]
• Additional inspections in case a vessel has been damaged or has undergone a construction modification or whenever the competent authority deems appropriate (cases like engine changes, ownership transfer etc) [Regulation 8(2) (d)]
Please be informed that all periodical inspections are carried out with in the first six (6) months of every year [Regulation 8(3)].
Circulation Licenses
According to Regulation 10 (1), all high speed vessels should be furnished with a valid circulation licences when operated. This license is issued after a vessel has undergone a successful inspection.
All vessel owners can apply for inspections using the appropriate form (Form 6) which should be accompanied by
a. The fee of €51,26 for every vessel
b. In the case of a category "B" vessel, a copy of the shore usage permit issued by the Local Authority.
The fees for issuance of Circulation License are the same as for Renewal.
Safety Equipment
For the instructions to the owners of high speed small vessels in accordance with the provisions of the High Speed Small Vessels Laws 56(I) of 1992 and 60(I) of 1999 and Regulations P.I. 121/99 please click here.