About this Summary
This summary was created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to help readers quickly understand the key points of the article.
It has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication. For complete information and full details, please read the full article.
- Under-18s may ride as passengers on such vessels, but they cannot operate them.
- Since 2020, the licence exemption has also applied to permanent residents, not only temporary visitors.
- The new Recreational Vessels Law has passed but is not yet in force; it will raise fines for unlicensed operation to €1,500.
- Jet skis must stay 100 metres offshore, while banana boats and parasails must keep 200 and 300 metres away respectively.
Jet ski rules in Cyprus allow adults to rent and operate jet skis and other high-speed vessels without a boat operator’s licence, provided specific conditions are met, an authorised official source told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Monday.
The clarification follows the recent jet ski accident in Pernera and comes as authorities prepare to implement new legislation governing recreational vessels.
People under the age of 18 may be on such vessels as passengers, but they cannot operate them.
Until 2020, renting a high-speed vessel without an operator’s licence was limited to temporary visitors, such as tourists. A legislative amendment in 2020 extended the provision to permanent residents of Cyprus, provided they meet the required conditions.
What renters must do
Anyone wishing to rent and operate a jet ski must be an adult and present identification. Their personal and contact details, as well as information about the rental, must be recorded in the company’s rental log.
Before handing over the vessel, the company’s manager or employee must provide the renter with full instructions on its safe operation and use.
The renter and the company representative must then sign a binding declaration confirming that the required information has been provided.
The business is also responsible for supervising the vessel’s use and must be able to ensure that it is being operated as required.
New law brings tougher penalties
The official source said the new Recreational Vessels Law was passed in early 2026 following years of public consultation. However, it has not yet entered into force as the necessary regulations and arrangements are still being completed by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and other authorities.
Once the preparations are completed, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping will submit a proposal to the Cabinet for the legislation to take effect.
The new framework is expected to strengthen enforcement and address several existing gaps. It will also allow the Deputy Ministry of Shipping to impose administrative fines, while the Police and Port and Marine Police will be able to issue out-of-court fines.
For operating a vessel without the required licence, the current out-of-court fine is €85.43. Under the new legislation, this will rise to €1,500, while an administrative fine imposed by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping could be even higher.
Requirements for water sports businesses
Water sports businesses must be licensed and operate at locations designated under Beach Use Plans. Their operation is also subject to a public tender organised by the relevant local authority.
Managers and employees must meet specific requirements, including holding a high-speed vessel operator’s licence and appropriate first-aid and lifesaving certification.
Local authorities are responsible for monitoring whether businesses continue to comply with their operating conditions.
Safety distances at sea
Authorities carry out patrols and intervene when they identify an immediate danger to swimmers or other sea users.
However, the source noted that fully inspecting a rented jet ski while it is at sea is not always practical or safe, particularly when dealing with inexperienced operators and short-term rentals.
For this reason, prevention, proper safety instructions and supervision by water sports businesses remain particularly important under the current jet ski rules.
Jet skis must operate at least 100 metres offshore from the buoys marking designated swimming areas.
For towed surface equipment, such as banana boats, the required distance is at least 200 metres from the shore or another fixed point. For towed airborne equipment, such as parasails, the distance is at least 300 metres.
The official source stressed that businesses must comply with the law and ensure that renters also follow the applicable rules.
Also read: Protaras jet ski crash: Greek Cypriot family members were aboard inflatable
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
