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Athens 5th of February 2006Â

From the day that the new law that frees all Greek seas to divers came into effect, feelings of hope and joy filled all the divers in the country.
In order to celebrate the effect of this new law, all divers were gathered at Kavouri bay near Vouliagmeni in Athens and organized a diving celebration event. Dive centers provided their rib boats, and everybody brought their diving gear in order to conduct a symbolic dive to a place that until now it was forbidden to dive.

The event was covered by the Greek Media with the presence of politicians from the government and the Opposition parties and representative from the Department of Underwater Antiquities.

The symbolic dive was followed by beach cleaning activity showing the sensitivity and concern of Greek divers about environmental issues.

The event closed with a banquet at the beach.

This brand new start symbolizes the beginning of a new period for the diving lovers either from Greece or from abroad promising a new experiences to those interested finding new and interesting dive destinations.

Source: http://www.huts.gr

The new bill prepared by the Ministry of Mercantile Marine regarding recreational diving in Greece, is the outcome of the Hellenic Government’s Strategic Plan for positioning Greece prominently into the world’s scuba diving industry, and in addition for boosting the country’s alternative tourism.

The new diving law is fully in accord with the EU Standards regarding recreational diving, which have actually been in force since early 2004. Moreover the unreasonable restrictions imposed in the past by archeologists are now being successfully modified and the concept of Diving Parks has been firmly established.

Notably, the legislative framework provides adequate environment protection, ensures the appropriate respect for the underwater precious antiquities, as well as the safety and adequate professional skills of the divers, who will enjoy clear waters, plus unique marine life and other hitherto unutilized underwater attractions.

An accreditation system consonant to EU directives is being established for the Scuba Divers Training Programs, for the appropriate certification of various Diver Training Organizations, as well as for the Diving Services Providers. The Diving Services are classified according to their type, they are certified on an individual basis by an accredited products certification agency and each of them will be licensed by the competent Port Authority. There are now clear requirements as specified.