Greek Transit Log time restriction on skipper

[meirriba]

I have a normal TL from Greek authorities. (Non EU boat, VAT not paid)
What puzzles me is a note on the TL stating that the operator (i.e. skipper) can use the boat only for a period of 6 months.
It is not the same time frame as the validity of the Transit Log document that is longer - in my case the TL expires 5months after the deadline date for the operator.

I was told, that after 6 months, I need to replace the name of the skipper on the TL and may continue sailing. This is a solvable nuisance as my wife holds a skipper's certificate, but still a nuisance if we need to sail separately for some reason.

Anyone can shed light on this rule?
Validity?
Reason for?

[Dtm67]

It’s my understanding that you become tax resident in Greece after 6 months which makes the boat VAT payable and no longer eligible for a transit log.

[Palarran]

It's been 4 years ago, but I had one port authority mention this. It was a quick blah blah then I went on my way. The Greeks, who knows where they are going.

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by Dtm67

It’s my understanding that you become tax resident in Greece after 6 months which makes the boat VAT payable and no longer eligible for a transit log.

Makes sense.
Will try to check with a knowledgeable agent.

[sepharad]

Franz Amundsen on his Podcast WWW.themedsailor.com discusses this issue as well as dealing with Schengen. It's well worth a listen. I understand that he needs to move his boat out of the E.U. on a scheduled basis to avoid VAT.

Precisely WHY any country in Europe deserves to collect VAT on a 25 year old registered US vessel eludes me. I guess when you own the casino you get to make the rules.

I suspect most here who sail the med know about this podcast, but in case you don't It's chock full of VERY detailed and specific information about the med.

[ArmyDaveNY]

Originally Posted by sepharad

Franz Amundsen on his Podcast WWW.themedsailor.com discusses this issue as well as dealing with Schengen. It's well worth a listen.

The link you posted does not work. I believe the correct link is Sailing in the Mediterranean and beyond - Sailing in the Mediterranean: Stories and Information.



Cheers,


Dave

[sepharad]

Thanks for the correction dave.

[Leee]

DTM67 is correct on the six month rule. Generally one's visa runs out after three months so it is seldom an issue unless you have a visa extension. I've been in Greece in my non EU boat for four seasons and this rule remains the same. Not all port authorities or customs officers will provide the correct information so ask a few. Every 18 months of active boat use requires an exit and re-entry to Greece which involves turning in yourGreek transit log, going to Turkey and returning with evidence your boat was out of Greece. Never forget to do this as it can cost you a lot.

The cruising tax is the only thing that is new as of 2019 but is not much money and, considering all the inexpensive moorage available in Greece, a small price to pay.

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by ArmyDaveNY

The link you posted does not work. I believe the correct link is Sailing in the Mediterranean and beyond - Sailing in the Mediterranean: Stories and Information.



Cheers,


Dave

Thanks. Anyway I am well versed in the Schengen visa rules and the 18 month VAT issue. These matters are also easily found on the Internet and CF.
However the 6 months restriction is obscure and I could not find it on the suggested site (it has 28 pages of several posts each, and the search function did not help much...).
As written in above posts,it makes sense that 6 month turns one into Greek tax subject, but I would like to see a formal confirmation to that.

[Leee]

In 2019 I looked into the question of how to a) stay in Greece longer than three months at a time and b) keep sailing my non EU boat during that extended time. I employed a lawyer to do this with the above requirements as her brief. This immigration and maritime (odd combination, I know) lawyer started the process to allow a longer stay in Greece but unfortunately did not take into account the resulting obligations of temporary citizenship. I only discovered the downside during a casual conversation with a very knowledgeable customs officer on Patmos. I inquired again on Leros with another customs officer whom I also knew to be competent (some, like too many port police officers are not up to date on new(ish) rules and regulations). I put a stop to the lawyers efforts as a result. If I had obtained a temporary residency, I would have been allowed a maximum of 30 days sailing my non EU boat with a discretionary option to add another week. These are the facts on the ground as of 2019.



If I can get back into the EU (Canadians are currently on the wrong side of the covid list at present) in 2021 I may apply for an extension to the standard 90 day visa. I have obtained those twice before through the Greek embassy here in Vancouver. One can only apply a maximum of 90 days prior to going to Greece however.


I hope this helps with your question. Good luck.