1. Certified dive guides for safe tours in underwater sites
Diving centers (i.e., recreational diving service providers) must have dive guides certified by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, in accordance with the Joint Ministerial Decision of the Ministers of Culture and Tourism (see paragraph 5, article 6, Law 4688/2020), for them to be familiar with the archaeological site, the permitted underwater route, and the points of interest. This ensures that they can accompany divers in the AUAS in a way that safeguards the monuments and enhances the experience of both divers and visitors.
2. Scheduling of visits based on the operating regulations
Visits occur at predetermined times throughout the day. The Ministry of Culture schedules the hours and days of visits for each AUAS based on the site’s operating hours, bottom time, and the total time required for the visit. The specific terms and conditions for each AUAS or group of AUAS, such as the maximum number of visitors, permitted distances, etc., which may vary depending on the nature and location of each site, are detailed in the Operating Regulations for each AUAS or group of AUAS, issued by Ministerial Decision of the Ministry of Culture (paragraph 8, article 6, Law 4688/2020).
3. Departure and arrival procedure for diving vessels
The site’s security and operating personnel, part of the EUA staff, are stationed at the designated departure and arrival point of each AUAS. Boats used by recreational diving service providers are required to arrive at the departure point, where EUA staff will verify the number of divers and the vessel. They must depart for the dive from the specific point and return to the same point (this is the designated AUAS-specific departure-arrival point), and are not permitted, during their stay at the AUAS, to approach any other part of the mainland or another vessel.
4. Inspection and supervision by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities
EUA staff may conduct physical checks and inspect the belongings of visitors and their guides at any time, as well as the boats used for recreational diving, at their discretion. The supervision of dive visits is achieved through an underwater visual monitoring system. EUA staff may intervene at any time or contact the relevant Port Authority, depending on the nature of any violation that may be observed.
