As you metion the Ionian ...

OK, in 'use it or lose it' mode, here's a question:

I'm a few years away from the Liveaboard life but when I get there my wife and I would love to run a day passenger stinkpot (neither of us sail) in the Ionian (fallen for Kefalonia).

We've started by getting a boat here in the UK for general boating experience - but where do we go from here?

We figure we'd need to progress our experience so that we were able to take charge of a large enough vessel but what do the Greek authorities require?

Specific qualifications?
What about trading there as a company?
What about mooring charges?
Insurance?
Is it a cut-throat business?

We'd just be looking for enough business to cover our day-to-day needs and hopefully have a UK-property income to take care of the rest.

Any advice would be welcome.

Great forum by the way - very interesting.

[tcm]

greece is in the EU so shouldn't be impossible to work there at all. I saw lots of big day-tripper boats out of Nidri, and I suppose that getting hold of the tourist market via hotels would be important. Bty october the boats were almost all dormant.

Whilst still in ooer bettr use the forum mode...i can't help feeling that this wd put you off boating for life. The good days wd have to be repeated ad nauseam. And you'd stil have to go during the iffy days , as the holidaymakers only stay for a week or maybe only a few days, and have booked, otherwise you'd be "unreliable". Years ago as motorbike enthusiast, I did despatch riding on fabulous motorbikes, but grew to hate it, so when didn't need the money I gave it up and never went on bikes again. Can't anothr idea be hatched?

[ToMo]

Wow this little lot probably needs a crystal ball to help answer.
I would suggest that you find and befriend a local person who you can trust. for starters.
Then try to forcast what legislation the EU is going to come up with in the mean time that would either enhance or scupper your future plans; you will also need a very good feel for how the local populace feel about 'incomers' starting businesses......etc, etc.
I'm sure others will find plenty more to add - good luck!
TôMö

[Sinbad1]

Lets be realistic. If you think that you can go and live in an island community and take business/income away from the local families (which is what you would be doing) and that they would welcome you...forget it!

How would you or your employer feel if a Greek or Spaniard or other EEC community member moved into your town and started to take business away from you. Your first port of call would be to your friend Bill the bobby and you would tell him that you think that his car/bus/boat/tractor isn't up to standard. Next thing he would be down at plod shop answering questions in a foreign language and wondering what the hell was going on.

You will only succeed in this or a similar venture if you are an accepted part of that community....until you become successful and envious eyes are turned on you.

Either ditch the missus and marry a local or go there for hols!