Unscheduled ship inspections have risen by 51% this year following instructions from Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Vasilis Kikilias to intensify checks ahead of the summer season.
By 21 May 2026, 515 unscheduled inspections had taken place, compared with 341 in the corresponding period of 2025.
Sailing bans also increased markedly, reaching 50 compared with four the previous year. Their share rose to 9.7%, from 1.2%.
Regular inspections increased by 4.3%, from 397 to 414 over the comparable period.
The checks cover ship safety, fire protection, life-saving equipment, maintenance and proper operation of machinery and other equipment, crew training and familiarity with emergency procedures, and compliance with rules for safely transporting passengers and vehicles.
Mr Kikilias said:
“Unscheduled checks on ferries, tourist vessels and boats of every kind have increased by 51% from last year.
“That is because, above all, we care about the safety of everyone at sea. We must be very careful. We follow the rules and observe safety rules. We make no compromises on safety.”
Hellenic Coast Guard Chief Vice-Admiral Christos Kontorouchas said:
“Safety, as the Minister also mentioned, is our first priority. Not only on ferries and tourist ships, but the safety of swimmers, our tourists, our seafarers and every person who needs us at sea.
“For the Coast Guard, this is and will remain our first priority. We focus all our efforts on it, both at ministry level and at every port authority around the country.”
