What happens if a Greek ferry encounters bad weather?

The captain has full authority to alter course, reduce speed, or return to port in bad weather — and does so regularly. High-speed catamarans are typically cancelled when wind exceeds Beaufort 6. Large Blue Star-type ferries continue in Beaufort 6–7 but may be delayed or rerouted. In Beaufort 8+, even large ferries may stay in port. If your ferry is cancelled for weather, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking at no extra cost.

Where are the life jackets on a Greek ferry?

Life jackets are stored in overhead lockers above seats in indoor passenger areas, in cabin closets, and at dedicated life jacket stations throughout the vessel — usually marked with green signage. On boarding, take a few minutes to locate the nearest station to where you're sitting or sleeping. Muster stations are clearly marked and shown on safety diagrams posted throughout the ship.

Can I be on the open deck during rough weather?

During severe weather the crew will close outer deck areas and you will be directed inside. In moderate conditions (Beaufort 4–5), the deck is open but can be wet with spray and very windy. Hold handrails, stay away from the bow rail in any swell, and be aware that deck furniture may not be secured. If you feel at all unsure about conditions on deck, go inside — the indoor seating areas are stable and safe throughout any crossing where the ferry is permitted to operate.

What should I do if I feel seasick on a Greek ferry?

Get outside and on deck as quickly as possible — fresh air and a fixed horizon are the most effective non-medication remedy. Focus on the line where sea meets sky, not the boat's motion. Sit or stand at the midpoint of the vessel (amidships) where motion is least pronounced. If you have motion sickness tablets (cinnarizine, hyoscine, or dimenhydrinate), take them 1–2 hours before boarding — they are much less effective once nausea has started.

Teleporio™ — Greek Island Travel Intelligence

Greek Ferry Safety Guide

Q: Are Greek ferries safe?

Greek ferries operating today are safe. All vessels on scheduled routes comply with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) international conventions and are inspected regularly by the Hellenic Coast Guard and classification societies. The 2000 Express Samina disaster prompted a thorough overhaul of safety regulations, inspections, and operator licensing. Newer vessels meet current EU and international safety standards. The Aegean's challenge is weather, not vessel safety: Beaufort 7–8 conditions create uncomfortable crossings, which is why high-speed catamarans cancel and large ferries reduce speed.

Are Greek ferries safe? SOLAS compliance, life jacket locations, rough weather protocols, seasickness advice, and what happens when the Meltemi blows hard.

Reviewed by Georgios — Teleporio™ route intelligence guide — Updated 2026-06-23

How Safe Are Greek Ferries?

Greek ferries are operated under European Union maritime safety regulations and are regularly inspected by the Hellenic Coast Guard and the recognised classification societies. Modern Greek ferry operators run vessels that meet current EU passenger safety standards. The major operators — Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Seaways, Minoan Lines, ANEK — maintain modern fleets with regular safety drills and equipment inspections. For context: ferry travel in EU waters is statistically one of the safest forms of transport per passenger kilometre.

Understanding Beaufort Cancellations

Greek ferries are cancelled in high Beaufort conditions not because the vessels cannot technically sail, but because passenger comfort and regulatory compliance require it. The Hellenic Coast Guard issues navigation bans for certain vessel types above specific Beaufort thresholds — typically Beaufort 7 for most catamarans and high-speed vessels, with conventional large ferries having higher operational thresholds. When a cancellation is announced, it is a safety decision, not a business one. Travellers who try to charter alternatives or insist on sailing in banned conditions are creating risk, not solving it.

Lifeboat and Emergency Drills

EU maritime regulations require lifeboat muster drills on vessels with crossings exceeding a certain duration. On longer Greek ferry routes (Piraeus to Crete, Piraeus to the Dodecanese), a lifeboat announcement with station assignments is made at departure. Locate the life jacket storage under your berth or seat when boarding any vessel — this takes thirty seconds and is the single most useful safety preparation. Count the deck and doors between your cabin and the muster station before the ferry departs.

What to Do If You Feel Seasick

Move to the middle of the vessel, at or below the waterline — this is the most stable point on the ship. Focus on the horizon if on deck. Avoid reading or looking at a screen. Take seasickness medication (meclizine, dimenhydrinate) at least one hour before the crossing begins — it is largely ineffective once nausea has started. Ginger tablets and wristbands have some evidence of mild effectiveness. On conventional ferries, the large lower-deck lounges near the waterline are where experienced travellers go in rough conditions.

Children and Elderly Passengers on Greek Ferries

Greek ferries generally have accessible boarding ramps for the main vehicle decks, though older vessels at smaller ports may require managing a gangway with handrails. Priority boarding for families with young children and elderly passengers is announced on most major operators. Confirm accessible cabin availability when booking for passengers with mobility requirements — not all vessels have accessible cabin configurations, and availability varies by route.