Hellenic Coast Guard
The Hellenic Coast Guard Force (Greek Ελληνικό Λιμενικό Σώμα - lit. "Greek Harbour Corps") is the national coast guard of Greece. Like most other coast guards, it is a paramilitary organization that can augment the naval services in wartime, but resides under separate civilian control in times of peace. It was founded in 1919 by Eleftherios Venizelos who was at that time the Prime Minister of Greece. In general it's role has to do in peace time with search and rescue, naval environment, pollution prevention, fishery patrolling and prevention of the illegal immigration. In order to achieve those roles Coast Guard Operate a vast number of Patrol Boats of various sizes (6m to 60m) and types such as RIB'S Coastal Patrol Boat, Offshore Patrol Boats and antipollution ships. In addition to that they use Cars, Jeeps and Bicycles in order to be in place wherever needed.
As for the personnel most of them in the recent years has graduated from Higher and highest class schools including Engineering and Captain Maritime academies Graduates.
The Hellenic Coast Guard Force is under the authority of the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Mercantile Marine and Maritime Policy headed by the Minister for Mercantile Marine and Island Policy and the Oldest in Rank Coast Guard Officer who normally has the rank of Vice Admiral.
Role and Responsibilities
Main objectives, that determine Ministry of Mercantile Marine and Hellenic Coast Guard actions are clearly defined in the present Legislation and specified within it's institutional framework of operation. These objectives have as follows:
- Implementation of legislation concerning sea, ports and coasts
- Police Surveillance of ships, ports, sea space and boarders
- Protection of the human life and property at sea
- Search and Rescue
- Safety of navigation
- Protection of the marine environment
- The provision of sea communication services
- Port Policy implementation
- Seafarers’ Training
- Seamen’s Labour
- Shipping Policy
- Supervision of organization, institutions and social welfare and insurance funds
- Supervision of administration, organization, operation and utilisation of ports
- Support of maritime tourism Merchant Ships and Shipping Companies control
- Country’s Representation in International Organization and European Union Instruments
Aircraft inventory
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Versions | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172 Skyhawk | USA | utility | 172RG | 2 | |
| Cessna 406 Caravan II | FRA | utility | F406 | 3 | built by Reims |
| Eurocopter AS 332 Cougar | FRA | rescue helicopter | AS 332C | 4 | operated by the Hellenic Air Force |
| Aérospatiale AS 365 Dauphin | FRA | rescue helicopter | AS 365 N3 | 6 | Operated in Cooperation with Hellenic Navy |
| Socata TB | FRA | utility | TB 20 | 2 |
References
External links
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