New law in scubadiving in Greece

[Mike Venios]

The law for recreational diving and diving tourism was voted in the Greek parliament last week. Official press releases from the Ministry of Mercantile Marine can be found here

http://egov.yen.gr/yen.chtm?prnbr=28357&locale=en

 

[marine521]

Yes we have seen that Mike thanks it is quoted at the previous link as well

thanks anyway

 

[marine521]

Exciting news... ummm.. IF I ever get to Greece!! I've never really understood why they would prohibit diving there if properly regulated. It's not like anyone can actually ENJOY the Underwater Ruins if they don't allow diving on them? Kinda like owning jewelery that one never wears, and keeps in a safe... pointless...

It's GREAT that the mighty $$$ has convinced them to open up the diving! My Greek dive Buddy who has family back there will be thrilled when I give him the news.

Basically diving was never prohibited in Greece. The old law basically was not constitutional and its validity was many times questioned till it reached the Greek General Counsil (one of the highest) legislative bodies. The council decided that this law was invalid and a diver caught diving in specific (forbidden) areas, could call upon this verdict. The problem was that everyone was messing with very bureaucratic and time consuming procedures and most of divers decided that it wasnt worth it.


Now with the new law things are much simpler. Diving is allowed everywhere (following ofcourse some standards regarding rating recognition and safety) apart from some few places that have been characterized archeological dive sites.

 

[mermaid8773]

Neat links:

http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/santorini/island/santorini-diving.htm

http://www.scubagreece.gr/index.php4

Big Hugs~

Alix

 

[lightguy]

Just thought I'd report back though somewhat delayed.
Got to dive Santorini one of the very last dives of the season. One shop was still open and I just showed up. Dive was not too bad but nothing spectacular.
Santorini itself is something to behold. Many of the "white sugar cube" house pictures are done there.