The Cyprus Government is moving to introduce a boat sailing ban when dangerous weather conditions prevail, following the severe weather phenomena that affected several areas of the island on August 29.
Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis said the issue was discussed at a meeting held on September 1 at the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, attended by the Ministers of Justice and Public Order and Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, as well as officials from the services involved.
The meeting examined the parameters for imposing a sailing ban during adverse weather conditions.
New legislation planned
The issue is expected to be regulated permanently through legislation currently being prepared for the establishment of the Coast Guard Service of the Republic of Cyprus. The Council of Ministers approved the creation of the service on March 16.
Until the new legal framework is implemented, the Government has decided to introduce transitional arrangements through amendments to existing legislation or the issuance of relevant regulations.
The aim is to allow authorities to prohibit vessels and boats from sailing and require them to move to a safe shelter or port when dangerous weather conditions prevail.
The Council of Ministers instructed the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, in cooperation with all relevant bodies, to prepare an amending bill or draft regulations based on existing legislation.
Rules to cover private boats
A Committee on Anchorage Areas was also approved, chaired by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and involving the relevant state and other services.
The committee will examine issues including safety, conditions for vessels remaining at anchor, and the collection and proper management of waste. Its goal is to improve coordination between services operating at sea and clearly define their responsibilities.
According to Hadjimanolis, authorities want the process to move quickly by making use of existing legislation and regulations.
A boat sailing ban already applies to certain categories of vessels, while the 2026 navigation legislation also addressed a previous gap concerning rented vessels, including jet skis and other recreational craft.
However, a gap remains regarding privately owned boats, both in terms of prohibiting them from sailing and requiring them to return to or move to a safe shelter or port when weather conditions deteriorate.
Weather warnings to trigger restrictions
The Deputy Ministry intends to link sailing restrictions to official bulletins issued by the Meteorological Service.
The regulations are expected to establish specific criteria, including wind strength and sea conditions in different areas. The aim is for the appropriate measures to be activated immediately when a specific meteorological bulletin is issued.
The new measures are intended to further strengthen the legal framework for protecting human life at sea and improving navigational safety.
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