Law No. 3409 on recreational diving and other provisions.

Aim of this law is to regulate underwater activities in marine areas, the monitoring of which falls under the competence of the Marine Merchant Ministry. The provisions of the law provide for any underwater activity with respiratory appliances for recreational or athletic purposes. Among other provisions, article 11 (general prohibitions – obligations) prescribes that practicing underwater activities are prohibited: a) in marine protected areas as defined by the current legislation; b) in ascertained ecologically sensitive marine ecosystems according to laws Nos. 1650/1986, 3044/2002 and Ministerial Decree No. 33318/3028/1998. Also, divers carrying compressed-air diving appliances (scuba divers) are prohibited from fishing with spear guns or any other means. It is prohibited the collection, or destruction of individual elements of micro-fauna and micro-flora species and generally to destroy the fauna and flora of the area, as well as all activities that may disturb the ecological balance in the ecosystem of the specific areas of diving.