After the serious Pernera accident, Cyprus’ modest penalty comes under scrutiny, with a new law set to raise the fine to €1,500.
After the serious accident involving a jet ski in Pernera, questions are being raised about how people with no operator’s license can legally rent and drive the high-speed vessels in Cyprus.
Under legislation in force since 2020, any adult can rent a jet ski or another high-speed boat from a licensed watersports business without holding an operator’s license, an official told the Cyprus News Agency.
Anyone under 18 may ride as a passenger but is not permitted to operate the vessel.
Before 2020, license-free rentals were available only to temporary visitors, meaning tourists. An amendment extended the same right to permanent residents of Cyprus, provided certain conditions are met.
Renters must show identification and provide their name, address, and contact details, which the business must record in its rental log.
Before handing over the vessel, an employee must explain how to operate it safely. The renter and the business representative must then sign a declaration confirming that the safety briefing was given.
The rental company is also responsible for monitoring the vessel and ensuring it is being used as intended.
The Pernera accident has nevertheless renewed questions about whether a short briefing is enough for someone with no previous experience to take control of a powerful vessel.
The official acknowledged that there is room to improve the safety framework. A new Pleasure Boats Law was passed in early 2026 after years of consultation, but it has not yet entered into force because the necessary regulations and administrative arrangements are still being prepared.
Once implemented, the law will introduce tougher penalties and give the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, police, and Port and Marine Police more tools to act against violations.
Under the present system, the out-of-court fine for operating a vessel without the required license is €85.43. Under the new law, it will rise to €1,500, while administrative penalties imposed by the Shipping Ministry could be even higher.
Water sports businesses must be licensed and operate from areas designated in local beach-use plans. Their managers and employees must also meet conditions covering boat-operation licenses, first aid, and lifeguard training. Local authorities are responsible for checking that businesses continue to comply.
The official said inspecting a rented jet ski while it is moving at sea is not always practical or safe, particularly when the operator is inexperienced and the rental lasts only a short time. That places greater responsibility on businesses to provide proper instructions and closely supervise their customers.
Jet skis must remain at least 100 metres beyond the buoys marking swimming areas. Inflatable rides such as “bananas” must stay at least 200 metres from the shore or another fixed point, while parasailing activities must remain at least 300 metres away.
“The important thing is that professionals implement the law and that those renting the vessels follow it,” the official said.
