Spot inspections of tourist vessels, coastal passenger ships, and vessels of all categories increased by 51% this year, at the orders of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Vasilis Kikilias to intensify inspections ahead of the summer season.More specifically, 515 emergency inspections were carried out until May 21, compared to 341 in the corresponding period of 2025.A significant increase was also recorded in the vessels forbidden to set sail, which rose to 50 this year from just 4 last year, with the rate reaching 9.7% compared to 1.2%.Regular inspections also increased, reaching 414 compared to 397 in the same period last year, marking an increase of 4.3%. The inspections cover, among other things, vessel safety, fire protection, lifesaving equipment, maintenance and proper operation of equipment and machinery, crew training and familiarisation with emergency response situations, as well as compliance with the prescribed rules for the safe transport of passengers and vehicles.The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, stated that “inspections in coastal shipping, tourist vessels, and all types of vessels increased by 51% compared to last year. This is because, first and foremost, we are concerned with the safety of all people at sea. Great care is required. We follow the rules and comply with safety regulations. We make no concessions when it comes to safety.”On his part, the Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral HCG Christos Kontorouhas, noted: “Safety is our first priority. Not only in coastal shipping and tourist vessels, but also the safety of bathers, the safety of our tourists, the safety of our seafarers, and every person who may need us at sea.For the Coast Guard, this is and will remain our top priority, and we focus all our efforts on it, both at the level of the ministry and across all port authorities throughout the country.”