Adults may legally rent and operate jet skis and other speedboats without an operator’s licence, provided they are at least 18 and meet the conditions introduced in 2020. New legislation passed earlier this year, but not yet in force, will introduce substantially heavier penalties and wider enforcement powers.
An official source told CNA on Monday that the existing fixed penalty of €85.43 for operating a vessel without the required licence will rise to €1,500 under the new framework.
Referring to the recent jet ski incident in Pernera, the source said there was always room to improve safety measures. The new legislation was expected to address several existing gaps and make enforcement more effective.
Who may rent a jet ski
Until 2020, only temporary visitors, namely tourists, could rent a speedboat from a water sports business without holding an operator’s licence. An amendment introduced that year extended the exemption to permanent residents of Cyprus, provided all legal requirements are met.
Renters must be adults and present identification. Anyone under the age of 18 may travel as a passenger but cannot operate the vessel.
The business must record the renter’s details in a compulsory rental log. These include the person’s full name, accommodation and contact details, as well as information relating to the rental.
Safety briefings and supervision
Before handing over the vessel, the business manager or an employee must give the renter full instructions on its safe operation and use.
The renter and the business representative must then sign a binding declaration confirming that the required safety briefing 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 in accordance with the rules.
New law and tougher penalties
The Republic’s Recreational Craft Law was passed in early 2026 following several years of public consultation. Its provisions remain inactive until the Shipping Deputy Ministry and other competent authorities complete the necessary arrangements.
Once this process is concluded, the Shipping Deputy Ministry will submit a proposal to the Council of Ministers to bring the legislation into force.
The new framework will allow the Shipping Deputy Ministry to impose administrative fines, while the Police and the Port and Marine Police will be able to issue substantially higher fixed penalties.
Under the existing rules, the fixed penalty for operating a vessel without the required licence is €85.43. Under the new legislation, it will rise to €1,500. Administrative fines imposed by the Shipping Deputy Ministry could be even higher, the source said.
Licensing water sports businesses
Water sports businesses must be licensed and operate only at locations designated under Beach Use Plans. Their operation is subject to a public tender conducted by the relevant local authority.
Specific requirements also apply to business managers and employees, including holding a speedboat operator’s licence and certifications in first aid and lifeguarding.
The relevant local authorities are responsible for ensuring that businesses continue to comply with their operating conditions.
Sea patrols and safety distances
Patrols are conducted at sea, with authorities intervening on the spot when an immediate danger to swimmers or other sea users is identified.
The source noted, however, that conducting a full inspection of a rented jet ski while it is at sea is not always practical or safe, particularly when the operator is inexperienced and the rental period is short.
For this reason, emphasis is placed on prevention, proper safety briefings and supervision by the businesses themselves.
Jet skis must remain at least 100 metres seaward of the buoys marking designated swimming areas.
Surface-towed equipment, such as banana boats, must remain at least 200 metres from the shore or another fixed point, while airborne towed equipment, such as parasails, must remain at least 300 metres away.
“The important thing is for professionals to implement the provisions of the legislation and ensure that those renting the vessels also comply with them,” the official source said.
Source: CNA.
