Hellenic Coast Guard

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Hellenic Coast Guard
Λιμενικό Σώμα-Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή
Limeniko Soma-Elliniki Aktofylaki
Hellenic Coast Guard badge
Hellenic Coast Guard badge
Racing stripe
Racing stripe
Flag
Flag
AbbreviationHCG
Agency overview
Formed1919
Employees8,000
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionGreece
Constituting instruments
  • Act of Parliament (Law No. 1753/1919)
  • Act of Parliament (Law No. 3922/2011)[1]
Specialist jurisdiction
  • Coastal patrol, marine border protection, marine search and rescue.
Operational structure
Elected officer responsible
Agency executives
  • Vice Admiral Theodoros Kliaris, Commandant
  • Vice Admiral Nikolaos An. Isakoglou, First Deputy Commandant
  • Vice Admiral Georgios Alexandrakis, Second Deputy Commandant
Parent agencyMinistry of Shipping and Insular Policy
Facilities
Boats240 vessels
Fixed wing aircraft
Helicopters
Notables
Person
Website
www.hcg.gr
Colors : Cyan, White & Gold    

The Hellenic Coast Guard (Greek: Λιμενικό Σώμα-Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή, romanized: Limeniko Soma-Elliniki Aktofylaki, lit. 'Harbour Corps-Hellenic Coast Guard') is the national coast guard of Greece. Like many other coast guards, it is a paramilitary organization that can support the Hellenic Navy in wartime, but resides under separate civilian control in times of peace. It was founded in 1919 by an Act of Parliament (Law No. 1753/1919) and the legal framework for its function was reformed in 1927. Its primary mission is the enforcement of Greek, European and International law in the maritime areas.[2]

Role and responsibilities

The main activities of the Hellenic Coast Guard are defined in the present legislation and specified within its institutional framework of operation. These activities are the following:[1][2]

In order to perform these roles, the Coast Guard operate a number of patrol boats of various sizes (6m to 60m) and different types (RIBs, coastal patrol boats, offshore patrol boats, lifeboats and pollution control vessels).[4] On land the Hellenic Coast Guard is equipped with 634 vehicles, including patrol vehicles, cars and motorcycles, buses and mini vans, trucks and tanker.[5] The Coast Guard also operate seven airplanes and six helicopters.[6]

Organization

Flag of the Hellenic Coast Guard flown in front of the Coast Guard offices in Rethymno Harbour.

The Hellenic Coast Guard is under the authority of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy,[7] which is headed by a commandant and assisted by two deputy commandant who all have the rank of vice admiral (Antinavarchos). As of 2021, Theodoros Kliaris serves as Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Nikolaos An. Isakoglou as first deputy commandant and Georgios Alexandrakis as second deputy commandant.[8]

The Hellenic Coast Guard operates the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Piraeus and the Emergency Radio Communications Station SXE at Aspropyrgos (38°02′12.5″N 23°35′7.5″E / 38.036806°N 23.585417°E / 38.036806; 23.585417). The Hellenic Coast Guard also operates the Vessel Traffic Service (V.T.M.I.S.) at busy sea lanes, currently around the ports of Piraeus, Elefsis, Lavrion and Rafina.

Between May 21, 1964 and 1980 the Hellenic Coast Guard had its own special flag, which was derived from the Greek Ensign with the addition of the crossed anchors badge on the center of the white cross.

Personnel

Most officers in recent years are graduates from higher education establishments, including the Merchant Marine Academies. After recruitment new officers study for four years at the Hellenic Naval Academy. Petty officers are trained for two years at Palaskas Naval Training Centre and lower rank enlisted men are trained at Scholi Limenofylakon at Piraeus, for a duration of two years. With law Law 4029 of 2011, a volunteer Auxiliary Coast Guard was established.[9] The Officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard have the same ranks as the Officers of the Hellenic Navy and similar insignia, replacing the curl with two crossed anchors. The Petty Officers (Ratings) also use rank insignia similar to those of the Hellenic Navy, replacing the speciality symbol with the crossed anchors badge.[10]

Ranks and insignia

Commissioned officers

NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1 OF(D) Student officer
Hellenic Coast Guard[10]
Vice Admiral
Αντιναύαρχος
Antinavarchos 		Rear Admiral
Υποναύαρχος
Yponavarchos 		Commodore
Αρχιπλοίαρχος
Archiploiarchos 		Captain
Πλοίαρχος
Ploiarchos 		Commander
Αντιπλοίαρχος
Antiploiarchos 		Lieutenant Commander
Πλωτάρχης
Plotarchis 		Lieutenant
Υποπλοίαρχος
Ypoploiarchos 		Sub-Lieutenant
Ανθυποπλοίαρχος
Anthypoploiarchos 		Ensign
Σημαιοφόρος
Simaioforos

NCOs and enlisted

NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1
Hellenic Coast Guard[10]
Warrant Officer
Ανθυπασπιστής
Anthypaspistis 		Master Chief Petty Officer
Αρχικελευστής
Archikelefstis 		Chief Petty Officer
Επικελευστής
Epikelefstis 		Petty Officer
Κελευστής
Kelefstis 		Harbor-guard
Λιμενοφύλακας
Limenofylakas

Fleet

As of 2015, the structure of the Hellenic Coast Guard predicts a fleet consisting of five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) sized 45–60 metres in length and of 300-450 tonnes displacement, six to twelve Patrol boats with lengths of 25–30 metres and more than fifty Coastal Patrol Vessels of various types with lengths of 14–20 metres.[11][12] In addition the Hellenic Coast Guard operates a large number of fast Rigid-Inflatable Boat (RIB)/Special Forces vessels as well as eleven Lifeboats. Currently the Hellenic Coast Guard fleet in its totality consists of approximately 240 vessels of all types.[citation needed]

Model & Class Photo Type Length (m) Displacement (tonnes) Origin Year

acquired

In service Notes
Stan Patrol 5509 / Gavdos OPV 58,5 565  The Netherlands 2015 1 Vessel ΛΣ-090, built by Damen shipyards and delivered in October 2015 with more than 82,5% funding of EU's External Borders Fund. Weapon systems of choice to be installed are still unspecified.
Speed of 27-30 knots.
Sa'ar 4.5 / Fourni
OPV 58 400  Israel Greece 2003/2004 3 Vessels ΛΣ-060, ΛΣ-070 built in Israel (2003) and ΛΣ-080 built in Greece (2004) are weapon-downsized/modified FACs, each fitted with an OTO Breda 30mm/70 gun as main armament and two remote controlled 0.50" heavy machine guns but without anti-ship missiles. Acquired prior to the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Speed of 34.5 knots.

[13]

Vosper Europatrol 250 Mk1 / Arkoi OPV 47.3 300  United Kingdom 2002 1 Vessel ΛΣ-050 was originally bought by Financial Crime Prosecution Authorities in 1994 and transferred on HCG in 2002, in which remained decommissioned due mechanical problems. In 2014 underwent significant maintenance and repairs and entered active service again following donations from "Aikaterini Laskaridi" Foundation.[14] The boat can be armed with 40mm gun as main weapon system.
Speed of 40 knots.
Cantiere Navale Vittoria P355 GR / Marinos Zampatis OPV 36.3 160  Italy 2020/ 2/4 Three ships order on January 2019, plus one option on July 2019 with 90% EU funding. Two of them were received at December 2020, starting replacement of the older Dilos (Abeking) class. They will be fitted with 2x0,50 LRCWS -Light Remotely Controlled Weapon Stations.
Vessels ΛΣ-900 and ΛΣ-910. Speed of 40 knots.
Abeking & Rasmussen / Class Dilos (Δήλος)
Patrol 29 86  Greece 1977/1978

under decommissioning

6 Vessels ΛΣ-010, ΛΣ-015, ΛΣ-020, ΛΣ-025, ΛΣ-030 and ΛΣ-040, all six boats are currently under decommissioning by Marinos Zampatis class; design by Abeking & Rasmussen built by ENAE shipyards.
Speed of 27 knots.
POB-24G / Class Faiakas (Φαίακας) Patrol 24.6 50  Croatia 2015 2 Vessels ΛΣ-617 and ΛΣ-618 have been delivered. The remaining four (4) boats (type POB-24G) of the initial order[15] will not be delivered following legal action of HCG against the manufacturer. Vessel ΛΣ-618 is equipped with an EMILY robotic SAR device. Each of the boats of the class will bear a .50" heavy machine gun.

Speed of 32 knots.

LCS-57 (Lambro-57) Mk.II
Patrol 19.2 27  Greece 2002/2003 16 Vessels ΛΣ-601 to ΛΣ-616.
Built by Motomarine-Greece.

Speed 50+ knots.

Javelin-74 Coastal Patrol 19.2 27  Greece 2002 3 Vessels ΛΣ-192, ΛΣ-193 and ΛΣ-194
Speed of 50+ knots.
LCS-57 (Lambro-57) Mk.I
Coastal Patrol 18.2 28  Greece 1998/1999 19 Vessels ΛΣ-137 to ΛΣ-151 and ΛΣ-169 to ΛΣ-172.
Built by Motomarine-Greece.

Speed 44 knots.

LCS-53 (Lambro-53 Guardian) Coastal Patrol 16.8 21  Greece 1992/1994 11 Vessels ΛΣ-114 to ΛΣ-126.
Built by Motomarine-Greece.

Speed 33 knots.

Fabio Buzzi Design 56SF FB 56SF Image Patrol / HCG Special Forces 16,10  Italy 0/15 15 Fabio Buzzi 56F patrol boats have been ordered (Jan 2020), to be delivered by 2023. [16][17]

Speed over 50 knots.

CB-90HCG Patrol / HCG Special Forces 15.9 18.5  Sweden 1999 3 Combat boats by Dockstavarvet, each armed with two twin remote controlled 0.50" heavy machine guns and carry level IV armor plates.
Vessels ΛΣ-134 to ΛΣ-136. Allocated to the HCG's Special Forces (Ionian Islands)

Speed of 45 knots. [13]

Olympic D65/74 Coastal Patrol 22.5 30  Greece 1973 - under decommissioning 4 Olympic line is under decommissioning. Unknown number of boats still in service for secondary tasks / ΛΣ-102 series
Olympic D-45M Coastal Patrol 13.9 25  Greece 1973 - under decommissioning 5 Olympic line is under decommissioning. Unknown number of boats still in service for secondary tasks
Olympic D-45 Coastal Patrol 13.9 25  Greece 1973 - under decommissioning 4 Olympic line is under decommissioning. Unknown number of boats still in service for secondary tasks
Olympic D-44 Coastal Patrol 13.4 25  Greece 1973 - under decommissioning 3 Olympic line is under decommissioning. Unknown number of boats still in service for secondary tasks / ΛΣ-153 series
Wellcraft Coastal Patrol / HCG Special Forces  USA 2004 1 Donated by the USCG in 2004.

Vessel ΛΣ-797 allocated to the HCG's Seals.

Madera MRCD-1250 MRCD-1250 Image Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces 12,5  The Netherlands 2 Military grade boats for HCG's Seals, able to carry 10-12 troops each. Armed with 0.50" gun and two 7.62mm machine guns. Speed of 49 knots.
MIL-40 Fabio Buzzi Patrol / HCG Special Forces 12.2 7  Italy 1997/1999 2 Vessels ΛΣ-132 and ΛΣ-133. Allocated to the HCG's Special Forces (Ionian islands)
Speed of 50-55 knots.
Magna Onda Patrol / HCG Special Forces 11.7 5.4  Greece 1987 2 Allocated to the HCG's Special Forces (Aegean islands)

Speed of 52 knots

Halter Marine HSB Patrol / HCG Special Forces 11.6  USA 2004 1 Donated by the USCG in 2004
MIL-38 Fabio Buzzi Patrol / HCG Special Forces 11.58 7  Italy 1997/1999 2 Vessels ΛΣ-129 and ΛΣ-130 allocated to the HCG's Special Forces (Aegean islands)
Speed of 50-55 knots.
Rafnar 1100 Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces 11,5 4  Greece Iceland 2020/2021 10 Donation from the 'Union of Greek Shipowners'. Icelandic design, built by RAFNAR Hellas under licence. Vessels ΛΣ-1054 to ΛΣ-1063.

Speed of 50+ knots.[18]

Magna 110 Hurricane Mk.I/II Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces 10,8  Greece 2013 2 ΛΣ-1002, ΛΣ-1005
System 33/Nemesis RIB[19] Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces 10.35  Greece 2014 10 All vessels are donation by SNF having speed of 50+ knots.
Oceanic Interceptor Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces  Greece 2004 ? Allocated to the HCG's Seals.
Super Onda Patrol / HCG Special Forces 8.6 2.8  Greece 1987 2 Allocated to the HCG's Special Forces (Aegean islands)

Speed of 52 knots

Boston Whaler, Outrage-280
Patrol / HCG Special Forces 8.34 3  USA 2004 3 Allocated to the HCG's Special Forces at Piraeus.

ΛΣ-798, ΛΣ-799 and ΛΣ-800. Donated by the USCG in 2004.[20]

Gibli-1025 Coastal Patrol RIB 10,25  Greece 2001 12 Vessels ΛΣ-3xx
Mostro Top Gun 964 Coastal Patrol RIB 9.9 1.6  Greece 1997 8 Vessels ΛΣ-2xx
Mostro Top Gun 864 Coastal Patrol RIB 9.3 1.4  Greece 1992 11 Vessels ΛΣ-2xx
Oceanic 9000 Stealth Coastal Patrol RIB 9 2  Greece 1998/1999 18 Vessels ΛΣ-3xx
Magna 31 Coastal Patrol RIB 8.6 2.8  Greece 2013 2 ΛΣ-1003, ΛΣ-1004
Viking Norsafe Munin S1200 Ext.Cabin Ambulance Vessel 12 7  Greece Norway 2020/ 5/8 Built by Viking Norsafe Hellas.

Vessels ΛΣ-1064 to ΛΣ-1068 allocated to Greek islands. Speed of 40 knots.

Lambro Halmatic 60
Lifeboat 18 37  Greece 1999 10 Vessels' series Ν/Γ-511 to Ν/Γ-520
Arun Halmatic Lifeboat 16 37  United Kingdom 1992 1 Vessel Ν/Γ-510
LMPA-29 Pollution control 29 240  Greece  Spain 1994 5 Built by Motomarine - Greece. Designed by Astilleros Gondan - Spain.[21][22] Vessels ΛΣ-413 to ΛΣ-417
Pollcat Pollution control 19 85  Denmark 1999 4 by Desmi, Denmark. Vessels ΛΣ-418 to ΛΣ-421

Aircraft fleet

The Hellenic Coast Guard operates a small fleet of fixed wing aircraft based at Tatoi (Dekelia) Air Base, (LGTT, 38°06′35.1″N 23°46′55.5″E / 38.109750°N 23.782083°E / 38.109750; 23.782083). Its four AS 332 Super Puma Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters are operated by the Hellenic Air Force 384 Squadron, based at Elefsis Air Base (LGEL), with mixed Air Force and Coast Guard crews.[citation needed]

Aircraft Photo ID Type Versions Origin Year acquired In service[23] Notes
Eurocopter Super Puma
SAR helicopter AS 332C  France 4 The aircraft belongs to the Hellenic Air Force and is also used by the Coast Guard

[13]

Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin HC-31 to HC-36 Patrol helicopter AS 365N3  France 2003 6 Based at Kotroni Naval Air Station (LGKN) in cooperation with Hellenic Navy

[6][13]

Cessna 406 Caravan II
AC-21 to AC-23 Maritime patrol F406  France 2000 3 Built by Reims

[6][13]

Socata TB
AC-3, AC-4 Utility aircraft TB 20  France 1985 2 [6][13]
Cessna 172 Skyhawk AC-1, AC-2 Utility aircraft 172RG  USA 1981 2 [6][13]

HCG facilities

  1. New headquarters and VTMIS operations centre (Pireaus): 37°56′33″N 23°37′35″E / 37.94250°N 23.62639°E / 37.94250; 23.62639
  2. Old headquarters and SAR coordination centre (Pireaus): 37°56′23.5″N 23°38′55″E / 37.939861°N 23.64861°E / 37.939861; 23.64861
  3. Mooring for Open Sea Patrol Vessels (Keratsini): 37°57′25.7″N 23°36′39.7″E / 37.957139°N 23.611028°E / 37.957139; 23.611028
  4. Coast Guard apron at Tatoi Air Base: 38°06′35.1″N 23°46′55.5″E / 38.109750°N 23.782083°E / 38.109750; 23.782083
  5. Aspropyrgos Maritime Communications Radio Station SXE: 38°02′12.5″N 23°35′7.5″E / 38.036806°N 23.585417°E / 38.036806; 23.585417
  6. Piraeus Central Port Authority: 37°56′23″N 23°38′24″E / 37.93972°N 23.64000°E / 37.93972; 23.64000
  7. Enlisted men training facility (Σχολή Λιμενοφυλάκων): 37°56′10.3″N 23°37′40.4″E / 37.936194°N 23.627889°E / 37.936194; 23.627889
  8. Piraeus VTMIS AIS receiver 002393200 37°56.369′N 023°38.381′E / 37.939483°N 23.639683°E / 37.939483; 23.639683
  9. Psyttaleia Island VTMIS AIS receiver 002391100 37°56.620′N 23°35.664′E / 37.943667°N 23.594400°E / 37.943667; 23.594400
  10. Patras VTS 38°14′46″N 21°43′44″E / 38.24617°N 21.72886°E / 38.24617; 21.72886
  11. Thessaloniki VTS 40°38′17″N 22°55′31″E / 40.63802°N 22.92522°E / 40.63802; 22.92522
  12. Corfu Island VTS 39°37′37″N 19°54′20″E / 39.62708°N 19.90554°E / 39.62708; 19.90554
  13. Igoumenitsa VTS 39°29′17″N 20°15′32″E / 39.48799°N 20.25899°E / 39.48799; 20.25899
  14. Lavrion VTS 37°42′50″N 24°03′45″E / 37.71394°N 24.06252°E / 37.71394; 24.06252
  15. Rafina Port 38°01.347′N 24°0.522′E / 38.022450°N 24.008700°E / 38.022450; 24.008700

References

  1. ^ a b Σύσταση Αρχηγείου Λιμενικού Σώματος - Ελληνικής Ακτοφυλακής και άλλες διατάξεις [Establishment of the Coast Guard Headquarters - Hellenic Coast Guard and other provisions] (Law 3922) (in Greek). 2011.
  2. ^ a b "Roles and Responsibilities". hcg.gr. 9 March 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  3. ^ "Greece, Coast Radio Stations, Hellenic Coast Guard MRCC and MRSC" (PDF). The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 October 2008. Retrieved 2 July 2008.
  4. ^ "Vesells". hcg.gr. 8 March 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Vehicles". hcg.gr. 8 March 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Aircraft". hcg.gr. 8 March 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  7. ^ "102 Χρόνια από την Ίδρυση του Λιμενικού Σώματος (1919-2021)". hcg.gr (in Greek). 14 October 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  8. ^ "The Leadership of HCG". hcg.gr. 8 March 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  9. ^ θελοντισμός στο Λιμενικό Σώμα − Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή και στο Πυροσβεστικό Σώμα και άλλες διατάξεις [Volunteering in the Coast Guard - Hellenic Coast Guard and the Fire Brigade and other provisions] (Law 4029) (in Greek). 2011.
  10. ^ a b c "Grade/rank insignia of the Hellenic CG (Ministry of Merchant Marine)". Archived from the original on 3 October 2008. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  11. ^ "Ο Στόλος του Λιμενικού Σώματος /Ελληνικής Ακτοφυλακής το 2015". 21 December 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  12. ^ Επιχειρησιακά μέσα Εκτύπωση (Business Media Printing)Archived 2010-12-02 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ a b c d e f g E. Pagotsis, ed. (May 2011). Ετήσια Ανασκόπηση Ισορροπία Δυνάμεων 2011-2012 (Annual Review Balance of Power 2011-2012. Athens, Greece: Dyros Ltd. p. 77.
  14. ^ "Τελετή Απόδοσης σε Ενέργεια του Πλοίου Ανοιχτής Θαλάσσης Λιμενικού Σώματος (ΠΑΘ/ΛΣ)050". 10 December 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  15. ^ "Greek coastguard orders six coastal patrol craft". janes.com. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  16. ^ "New FB 56' SF model for the Hellenic Coast Guard". www.fbdesign.it. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  17. ^ Archus, Dorian (2 February 2020). "FB Design to build 15 patrol boats for Hellenic Coast Guard". Naval News. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  18. ^ "Shipowners donate 10 high-speed boats Rafnar to Greek Coast Guard". Keep Talking Greece. 23 November 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  19. ^ "ELMON - DEFENCE SYSTEMS". www.elmon.com. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  20. ^ "U.S. Donates Patrol Boats to Hellenic Coast Guard for 2004 Olympics=We're sorry, that page can't be found". www.state.gov. 4 June 2004. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  21. ^ "Antipollution vessel ALPHA" (PDF). Astilleros Gondan shipbuilders. 1994.
  22. ^ "Astilleros Gondan Alfa". Astilleros Gondan shipbuilders. 2011.
  23. ^ "World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, Aviation Week & Space Technology, January 15, 2007.

External links

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