_{Left: Greek minister Vasilis Kikilias. Right: Chief of Hellenic Coast Guard, vice admiral HCG Christos Kontorouchas.}

Emergency inspections of ships have increased by 51% this year, following an order from the Greek minister of maritime affairs and insular policy, Vasilis Kikilias, to further intensify inspections ahead of the summer season.

More specifically, by May 21, 2026, 515 emergency inspections had been carried out, compared to 341 during the same period in 2025.

A significant increase is also noted in the number of sailing bans, which rose to 50 this year from just 4 last year, with the percentage standing at 9.7% compared to 1.2%.

There has also been an increase in regular inspections, which reached 414 from 397 during the corresponding period last year, marking a 4.3% rise.

The inspections cover, among other things, ship safety issues, fire safety, lifesaving equipment, maintenance and proper operation of equipment and machinery, crew training and familiarization with emergency response situations, as well as compliance with established rules for the safe transport of passengers and vehicles.

Greek minister of maritime affairs and insular policy, Vasilis Kikilias, stated that “emergency inspections of coastal shipping, tourist boats, and all types of vessels have increased by 51% since last year. And this is because, first and foremost, we are concerned with the safety of everyone at sea. We follow the rules; we adhere to safety regulations. We make no compromises on safety issues.”

For his part, the chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral HCG Christos Kontorouchas, stated: “Safety, as the Minister also mentioned, is our top priority. Not only in coastal shipping and on tourist ships, but the safety of swimmers, the safety of our tourists, the safety of our seafarers, and every person who needs our help at sea. For the Coast Guard, this is and will remain our top priority, and this is where we are focusing all our efforts, both at the Ministry level and in all Port Authorities around the country.”