Contact details Greece - DONA
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Ship Inspection Directorate
Contact details
Summary of functions
The Ships' Inspection Directorate is responsible for handling issues of regular inspections of Greek-flagged ships and shipbuilding in the thematic fields of construction, mechanical equipment, pollution and cargo prevention, shipping and telecommunications equipment, firefighting and rescue equipment, renewal of the provided safety certificates and licenses of the ships, through the following Departments:
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Construction And Accommodation Inspection Department
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Mechanical-Electrical Inspections And Small Boats Department
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Equipment Inspections Department
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Ship Coordination And Archive Department
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Safety of Navigation Directorate/ Port State Control Head Office
Contact details
ADDRESS: Akti Vasiliadi, Gates E1-E2; Piraeus - 18510; Greece
Summary of functions
Unit D' of the Safety of Navigation Directorate is the Competent Authority for coordinating the port State control inspections of foreign ships calling Greek port/anchorages in accordance with the provisions of the Directive 2009/16/EC
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Operations Directorate
Contact details
ADDRESS: Akti Vasiliadi Gate E1-E2; Piraeus 18510; Greece
+30 213 137 1508 or 1627, 1703, 1704, 1126, 1325
Summary of functions
The Operations Directorate (OD) of the Hellenic Coast Guard has in its capacity the following responsibilities:
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planning, coordinating and -as required- conducting operations within the Hellenic Coast Guard's responsibilities, including the coordination of SAR operations, through the Joint Rescue Coordination Center of Piraeus (JRCC Piraeus),
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cooperation with other operational stakeholders for SAR issues, including SAR communications,
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setting – up, operation and maintenance of infrastructure for the provision of distress and safety communications for GMDSS, including COSPAS-SARSAT
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issues related to weaponry, armament and special units of the Hellenic Coast Guard
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Directorate for the Verification of Safety and Security Management of Ships and Port Facilities
Contact details
Summary of functions
The Directorate for the Verification of Safety & Security Management of ships and Port Facilities is responsible for:
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the verification of the safety management of companies and ships according to Chapter IX SOLAS (ISM)
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the verification of the maritime security of ships, ports and port facilities according to Chapter XI-2 SOLAS (ISPS).
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the inspection of ships according to Regulation 5.1.3 and 5.1.4 of the MLC Convention
Organigram
Hellenic Bureau for Marine Casualties Investigation
Contact details
ADDRESS: 150 Grigoriou Lambraki Str (5th floor); Piraeus, 18518; Greece
Summary of functions
The Hellenic Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (HBMCI) is the competent authority to conduct safety investigations and is an impartial entity under a centralized structure, with its own decision-making system and permanent personnel.
Marine Casualty Investigators operate in compliance with IMO CIC and Directive 2009/18/EU (L. 4033/2011 as applied). The HBMCI is located in Piraeus and deploys an investigation team within Greece’s jurisdiction or overseas when required.
The Bureau has specific obligations and responsibilities, objectives to achieve and strategy to follow. Cooperation with the competent Directorates of the Administration is established only in terms of facilitating HBMCI’s operational requirements or needs, such as accident notification (Art. 6), budgetary issues (art.9), evidence collection and cooperation in drafting legislative acts.
Art 4 of L. 4033/2011 stipulates the independent status of Safety Investigations; Investigators are vested with equal competences as other Authorities which carry out investigations (e.g judicial or administrative Authorities). Moreover, L. 4033/2011 (art. 10.2.1) sets out the Investigators΄ competencies; duties and responsibilities framework. In addition, P.D. 61/2018 (art. 5) defines further Investigators’ competencies related to HBMCI cooperation with the Administration for marine accidents notification; participation in the consultation process of IMO Committees΄ Agendas pertinent to marine casualties’ investigation sector. Articles 9 and 10 of P.D. 61/2018 have adopted more explicit investigative duties and responsibilities. Art. 12, establishes the HBMCI’s Procedures΄ Manual by which Investigators΄ duties and responsibilities are stipulated in greater detail.
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Regulations and Control of Organizations Directorate
Contact details
ADDRESS: 150 Grigoriou Lambraki Str, Piraeus, 18510, Greece
Summary of functions
The Regulations and Control of Organisations Directorate (RCOD) is the competent Authority for:
- control of statutory inspection and certification services provided by Organizations -classification societies within the scope of their respective bilateral agreements,
- supplementary inspections of ships flying the Greek flag,
- training of auditors/inspectors, acting within the scope of the General Directorate competencies,
- imposition of administrative sanctions for infringements of legislation applicable within the scope of General Directorate competencies.
Organigram
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Department for Control of Recognised Organisations
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Department for the Control of Ships’ Inspection Units
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Department for Coordination, Research and Regulations
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Seafarers' Training Directorate
Contact details
ADDRESS: Akti Vasiliadi, Gates E1-E2, Piraeus, 18510, Greece
Summary of functions
The Seafarers’ Training Directorate is responsible for the supervision and administration of all the Maritime Education and Training Institutes, the making of the training programs, instruments and curricula, financing matters, the budget planning, the provision of large scale equipment, the admission proceedings and the embarkation of cadets on Greek ships for on board training.
Moreover, the Seafarer’s Training Directorate is responsible for the certification of all the categories of Merchant Marine Officers.
a. Regulations and Educational Programs
a) Introduction of measures for the organization, improvement and modernization of seafarers’ basic education, further education and post training.
b) Study about the establishment, abolition, integration and territorial distribution of the Merchant Marine Schools.
c) The determination of the preconditions of new entry to Merchant Marine Schools, as well as the process of data concerning the entry, the evolution and the retirement from the marine profession of the Merchant Marine officers and ratings, which are under training and examination. Furthermore the planning and taking of measures in order to meet the needs of Merchant Marine shipping on qualified seafarers.
d) Development of Operational Regulations and Educational Programs of the Merchant Marine Schools and provision of relative instructions.
e) Selection or edition, reformation and modernisation of educational texts, books and supplements for the teaching courses in the Merchant Marine Schools.
f) Proposals for the necessary posts of administrative, educational and supporting staff of the Merchant Marine Schools.
g) Recommendations for training of the educational personnel of Merchant Marine Schools, in cooperation with the competent Directorate.
h) Defining timetables and analytical schedules of the students’ case studies, the form, the duration and the conditions of their onboard training.
i) Handling issues of equivalent diplomas and trainings of Merchant Marine Schools from abroad.
b. Οrganization and Operation of Merchant Marine Schools
a) Study and measures implementation aiming at attracting young people to the maritime profession and promotion of the maritime profession.
b) Care for the admission, distribution and transfer of students to the Public Merchant Marine Units.
c) Supervision and inspection of operation of Merchant Marine Schools, compliance with the Educational and Internal Service Regulations, application of timetables and analytical schedules.
d) Planning and monitoring of onboard training.
e) Validation and checking of the official books, documents, diplomas and certificates issued by private Merchant Marine schools.
f) Monitoring and assessment of private Merchant Marine schools, especially concerning issues of educational personnel, educational equipment, educational programs and certification.
g) Maintenance of the archive of private schools that have stopped operating and issuance of certificates and attestations.
h) Handling issues relating students’ funding.
i) Planning of the necessary educational and technological equipment of the Merchant Marine Schools, elaboration of technical and financial standards, monitoring of the supply procedures and care for the disposal and census of the items.
j) Preparation and monitoring of the implementation of seafarers’ training programs funded by the European Union.
k) Performance of regular and extraordinary educational audits at Merchant Marine Schools and care for the implementation of a quality system.
l) Operation of the Career Office, according to the provisions of the article 23 of the Law 4150/2013 (A 102).
m) Monitoring of the number of undergraduates at the Merchant Marine Schools.
n) The constitution of the Maritime Training Council and the adjustment of issues concerning its organization and operation.
Seafarers’ Training Directorate (STD) is the competent Authority for the transposition into the national legislation and the implementation of the I.C. STCW ’78, as amended, via Department C.
c. Seafarers’ Education and Post Training
a) Collection of data on a national and international level, studies and proposes measures concerning the prerequisites, the qualifications and the procedure for the acquisition of certificates of competency and the confirmation of new certificates.
b) Defining the examination periods regarding the issuance of Certificates of Competency.
c) Care for the composition of examination committees, the examination carrying-out, the results and their ratification.
d) Following up work of international organizations and cooperation with domestic and foreign institutions concerning issuance of C.o.C.
e) Defining labour rights provided to holders of seafarers' C.o.C, in cooperation with the Directorate of Maritime Labour.
f) The recognition of C.o.C and other qualifications not issued by Greece, concerning seafarers onboard ships entitled to fly the Greek flag.
d. Seafarers’ Certification
a) The issue of Certificates of Competency, as well as the issue of licenses, certificates and copies.
b) Keeping individual files, registers, nominal indexes and data related to the holders of Certificates of Competency and continuous care for their updating.
c) Care for the examination carrying-out, for the acquisition of C.o.C.
d) The issue of certificates in accordance with the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for the Seafarers.
e) The collection of funds from the disposal of priced documents and stamps and their attribution to the Seafarers' Retirement Fund and other entities, the compliance and monitoring of all the accounting books and documents and other income.
Additionally, according to Article VIII of the STCW Convention, as amended, dispensations are issued in accordance with the relevant requirements by Port Authorities. Port Authorities report annually to STD the number of dispensations issued and through the Maritime Attaché in London, I.M.O. is informed accordingly.
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Marine Environment Protection Directorate
Contact details
ADDRESS: Akti Vasiliadi, Gates E1-E2; Piraeus - 18510; Greece
Summary of functions
The Marine Environment Protection Directorate (MEPD) supervises, monitors and coordinates the Port Authorities for the prevention and response to pollution of the sea and the coasts, ensures the strengthening and modernization of the available means and materials for the fight against pollution both in Ports and in general, ensures continuous training of H.C.G. staff in matters within its competence and monitors and participates in the work of international organizations and the EU in matters of protection of the marine environment through the following Departments:
a) Pollution Incident Prevention -Treatment Department
b) Technical Means Department
c) International Cooperation Department
MEPD is also responsible for article 19 and reporting obligations under article 21(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 on ship recycling and amending Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 and Directive 2009/16/EC
Organigram
General Chemical State Laboratory
Contact details
ADDRESS: 16, Tsocha Str, PC 11521, Athens, Greece
Summary of functions
The General Chemical State Laboratory (GCSL) is operating under the Independent Public Revenue Authority (IPRA) at the level of a General Directorate. The GCSL mission is to provide to the public authorities and citizens with high quality technical services aiming to:
- assure the flow of public revenues
- the protection of public health, the environment and the interests of consumers
- the scientific support of the judicial, police and other state authorities and public services.
- support the sound operation of the internal market and strengthen competitiveness and innovation of the chemical industry
- utilize and promote national products for the benefit of the national economy
- provide national background of chemical metrology
The GCSL was founded in 1929 by L. 4328 which united all the laboratories operating in the public sector at that time. This decision resulted in the creation of a strong scientific-laboratory unit, which quickly managed to develop and evolve into the backbone of the product control system of Greece. The current responsibilities of of the GCSL can be found in PD 111/2014 (GG A 178).
In order to fulfil its mission, the GCSL operates on several levels by:
- suggesting legislative and administrative regulations
- participating in regulatory processes of the EU and other international organizations, supporting national positions
- performing chemical, physical, microbiological, organoleptic and other laboratory tests
- exercising control and supervision over production and processing units of products
- carrying out inspections of premises for the manufacture, standardization, packaging, bottling, storage, distribution and marketing of products
- carring out sampling, independently or in cooperation with other authorities
- issuing operating licenses for production units and laboratories, as defined by the relevant legislation
- issuing certificates, attestations, etc.
- preparing studies and research papers
- designing and implementing programs and projects
- providing expertise and opinions
- acting as a technical advisor to state authorities or as a third party
- collaborating with public or private scientific bodies of the country or abroad
- collecting information and data on the objects of its competence and keeps records.
- organizing and participating in the organization of conferences, workshops as well as educational or informative programs
- providing knowledge and information through printed or electronic publications, as well as by any other appropriate means
- participating, through its representatives, in collective bodies of other bodies
- carring out work, in general, that utilizes scientific knowledge for the purpose of law enforcement, as well as monitoring compliance with the requirements of bilateral or international conventions.
As regards the maritime field the GCSL assists the Hellenic Maritime Administration to fullfil its obligations under Directive (EU) 2016/802 on Sulphur Content in Fuels
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
General Directorate of Ports, Ports Policy & Maritime Investments/ Port Policy Directorate
Contact details
Summary of functions
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
General Directorate of Ports, Ports Policy & Maritime Investments / Directorate of Port & Building Infrastructures
Contact details
Summary of functions
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Drugs and Contraband Enforcement Directorate
Contact details
Summary of functions
The Drugs and Contraband Enforcement Directorate is responsible for the prosecution of drugs and financial related crime in the areas falling under the responsibility of the HCG as well as for the coordination, support and supervision of the work of the HCGs regional branches
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Fisheries Control Directorate
Contact details
Summary of functions
The Fisheries Control Directorate consists of 3 Units:
1. Control of Fishing Activities
- Monitoring of the implementation of national, European and international fisheries legislation
- Supervision and coordination of local Coast Guard Authorities
- Planning and coordination of fishing inspections
- Issuing of circulars and guidelines to local Coast Guard Authorities
- Consideration, evaluation and enhancement of enforcement measures and best practices
- Planning and implementing of training on fisheries control and inspections
- Proposals to the planning of the deployment of operational means for control purposes in cooperation with competent Hellenic Coast Guard Directorates
2. Fishing Control Applications & Fishing Vessels Monitoring
- Organization, supervision and operation of Fisheries Monitoring Center (FMC)
- Monitoring of fishing vessels and issuing of infringement mandates to the local Coast Guard Authorities, based on the relevant vessel data position history
- Implementation and updating of national Fleet Registry database and all relevant IT applications (e.g. Infringements Database, web page etc.)
- Analysing and evaluation of the available IT data and exchanging with Commission, EFCA and other Member States
- Issuing of circulars and guidelines to the local Coast Guard Authorities concerning the FMC and Fleet registry database
3. International Cooperation
- Cooperation of HCG with European Commission, EFCA, fisheries control Authorities of other Member States and Regional Organizations upon control maters
- Ensuring the participation in international and EU meetings, congresses and seminars and proposals on control enforcement issues and implementation of relevant decisions
- Ensuring, in cooperation with competent HCG Directorates, the implementation of joint control and inspection activities in the EU context
- Monitoring of EU funding programs on fisheries control in cooperation with the other national competent authorities and submission of proposals for the implementation of projects in the context of European funding (e.g.: EMFF)
Organigram
Hellenic Republic - Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters
Directorate of Security and Sea Borders Protection
Contact details
Summary of functions
The Directorate of Security and Sea Borders Protection through the search, collection, analysis and exchange of information and through police co-operation in matters of public, state security and national interest in general, is the competent Authority for tackling crime, in particular organized crime, delinquency, acts of violence and terrorism, as well as illegal migration in the areas of responsibility of the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Organigram
Department A: Public Security
Department B: State Security
Department C: Sea Borders Protection
Department D: Operational & Strategic Analysis