Life raft servicing and flares in Greece... What are the requirements

[daveg45]

Hi guys

I have a 5 year old life raft which is way over due a service and flares of a similar age that need replacing.

Can anyone advise me of the legal situation regarding requirements in Greek (and Turkish) waters for safety equipment and wether UK boats (12.9m) need to comply.

I tried emailing Ionian safety for a price for servicing the raft and fire extinguishers but got no reply. Has anyone had dealings with this company and have any idea of the turn around time?

Cheers

David


The boat is currently in Preveza

 

[Pea-nuts]

I've dealt with Ionian safety in Levkas.
Nikos Stamatakis is a lovely man & extremely helpful. I take it you have the correct email address, ioniansafety@hol.gr
He does take a while to reply to his email sometimes but will reply eventually.

 

[daveg45]

Thanks for that Pea-nuts. I will try another email. I sent one via his website a couple of weeks ago so will check the address I used.

 

[Carmel2]

Is it true that liferaft servicing in Greece is only valid for one year?

 

[pmyatt]

Forever Freedom was checked by the Port Police in Thassos last year; the rule seems to be that if the flares/liferaft are "in date" they are satisfied; if not, you have to buy new flares at the local chandlery and show the receipt to the Port Police - don't know what they would do if your liferaft was out-of-date.

 

[Tranona]

In theory if your boat is registered in the UK then it is UK rules that apply. In other words for your size of boat there are no requirements for any safety equipment, nor a requirement for flares and raft to be in date. However this might not top individual Greek coastguards or Port Police making up their own rules on the spot, or trying to impose Greek rules! Just one of the delightful uncertainties of cruising in other countries' waters.

I had my raft serviced by Cosmar in Piraeus. Regular collection and delivery from Corfu so I assume Preveza would not be a problem. Don't have an email address, but phone is 210 4318298 fax 4010657.

 

[daveg45]

Thanks Tranona

I will try and contact Cosmar. How much notice did they need and what was the cost? Yes it is a UK boat but I guess it is that age old question regarding innocent passage v cruising territorial waters issue.

 

[daveg45]

Thanks for the info Pmyatt what flares did they require?

 

[daveg45]

How many boats gunkholing their way around the Greek islands have life rafts I wonder. I am pretty sure the jag27 chartered from sailing holidays a few years ago didn't.

 

[Tranona]

How many boats gunkholing their way around the Greek islands have life rafts I wonder. I am pretty sure the jag27 chartered from sailing holidays a few years ago didn't.

Pretty sure it is a requirement for Greek charter coding, as is an EPIRB, multiple fire extinguishers, (but no fire blanket) and flotation devices (but no inflatable LJs!) plus lots of other bits of kit, some of dubious value!.

Anyway the charge was comparable to UK rates. Approx 250 Euros plus VAT and 30 euros transport Plastimo 8 man. It was done over a winter so not sure of time it took. Was delivered back in Corfu in mid April.

 

[duncan99210]

I've used Ionian Safety as well. IIRC charge were about the same as the Piraeus mob mentioned by Tranona. Took him about ten days to do the service: you might need to remind him how quickly you need the raft back. During the off season he is very busy with the local flotillas. Again, IIRC, the certificate he issues is based on the service interval of the make of raft but it is limited by the time lifed stuff he replaces as part of the service.

 

[Steve C Cronin]

Thanks Tranona

I will try and contact Cosmar. How much notice did they need and what was the cost? Yes it is a UK boat but I guess it is that age old question regarding innocent passage v cruising territorial waters issue.

For heaven's sake! You DON'T need to contact that lot in Athens. The guy in Levkas is perfectly capable - go to his office in the marina. There are similar in Preveza. We have been based in Gouvia Marina Corfu since 2003and use David Nash - he has my raft at the moment. Authorised for all makes of raft. As to flares buy you own new from any local chandler and get rid of the old ones like the Greeks do (ask anyone!) Marinas will take them off your hands especially just before easter! Your boat needs to comply with it's "flag" country's requirements.

David Nash & Partners O.E Thesis Matzorou, Potamos, davidnash1@ker.forthnet.gr 49100 CORFU (+30) 2661 046146

 

[Carmel2]

Steve, When Dave Nash does you LR is it good for 3 years or just 1? Does outboard Andy still work with him?

 

[charles_reed]

Thanks for the info Pmyatt what flares did they require?

They were uncertain themselves. I was told that the instruction had come from "on high" that they were to make sure "safety equipment was in order". My flares were 1 year over so I bought two replacement parachutes and showed them.
As far as the team-leader was concerned it was "typical psychotic behaviour by Thessaloniki". EPIRB was just 5 years since re-batterying and liferaft was 1 year over. They were very correct, and just asked for sight of flares. No threats of fines or boat impoundment.
Next time they ask I'll show them one of the two in-date flares.

We need to be aware that the PP are as reluctant to carry out these "inspections" as we are to be inspected.
They're actually a good bunch in Limenas, Thassos. In fact I've found no offensive PP during the 5 years I've been in Greece and frequently had small acts of kindness from them.

 

[sailaboutvic]

I have to say in the 13 odd years I sailed on both side of Greece I have never been ask to show flares or my life raft , and don't know any one who has ,
I am very surprise to hear any one has

 

[pmyatt]

Minimum of 3 red hand-held.

 

[charles_reed]

I have to say in the 13 odd years I sailed on both side of Greece I have never been ask to show flares or my life raft , and don't know any one who has ,
I am very surprise to hear any one has

Ah Vic, the world moves on. In Thassos they're definitely asking you to show your flares - probably due to happen in other places.

 

[sailaboutvic]

Ah Vic, the world moves on. In Thassos they're definitely asking you to show your flares - probably due to happen in other places.

That's for that Charles , thank god I am keeping away for a while , other wise I would have to dig out my John Bull printing set and change the dates .

 

[nigelmercier]

For heaven's sake! You DON'T need to contact that lot in Athens. The guy in Levkas is perfectly capable - go to his office in the marina...

Or go to Joe and Robyn at CYS in Lefkas.

 

[Ravi]

I am a bit confused by the responses?
Is a liferaft / flare set / EPIRB required on a UK SSR Part 3 registered boat under Greek law?
Is a liferaft more expense that I need to worry about?

I've never been asked to show these by the PP police but, until this year I have always been on charter or flotilla yachts, so, perhaps, they just assume that the charter companies are toeing the line.