| Agencyname: | Harbor Corps-Hellenic Coast Guard |
| Nativenamea: | Greek, Modern (1453-);: Λιμενικό Σώμα-Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή |
| Abbreviation: | HCG |
| Logocaption: | Hellenic Coast Guard badge |
| Badge: | File:Hellenic Coast Guard racing stripe.svg |
| Badgecaption: | Racing stripe |
| Flag: | File:Hellenic Coast Guard House Flag.svg |
| Flagcaption: | Flag |
| Formedyear: | 1919 |
| Employees: | 8,000 |
| Country: | Greece |
| Constitution1: | Law No. 1753/1919 |
| Constitution2: | Law No. 3922/2011[1] |
| Speciality1: | coast |
| Minister1name: | Christos Stylianides |
| Minister1pfo: | Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy |
| Chief1name: | Vice Admiral Georgios Alexandrakis |
| Chief1position: | Commandant |
| Chief2name: | Vice Admiral Alexandros Tselikis |
| Chief2position: | First Deputy Commandant |
| Chief3name: | Vice Admiral Aristeidis Pantazoglou |
| Chief3position: | Second Deputy Commandant |
| Parentagency: | Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy |
| Boats1: | 240 vessels |
| Aircraft1type: | Fixed wing aircraft |
| Aircraft1: | |
| Aircraft2type: | Helicopters |
| Aircraft2: | Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin |
| Person1name: | St. Nicholas |
| Person1type: | Patron |
The Hellenic Coast Guard (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Λιμενικό Σώμα-Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή|Limeniko Soma-Elliniki Aktofylaki|Harbor 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. The officers and the enlisted members of the Coast Guard are regarded as military personnel under Military's Penal Code.[2] 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.
Historically, it is very closely associated with the Greek shipping industry; many Coast Guard officers retire early to find employment in Greek and international companies owned by Greek ship-owners.[3]
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] [4]
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).[6] On land the Hellenic Coast Guard is equipped with 634 vehicles, including patrol vehicles, cars and motorcycles, buses and mini vans, trucks and tanker.[7] The Coast Guard also operate seven airplanes and six helicopters.[8]
The Hellenic Coast Guard is under the authority of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy,[9] which is headed by a commandant and assisted by two deputy commandants who all have the rank of vice admiral (Greek, Modern (1453-);: [[Antinavarchos]])., Georgios Alexandrakis serves as Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard..[10]
The Hellenic Coast Guard operates the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Piraeus and the Emergency Radio Communications Station SXE at Aspropyrgos (38.0368°N 23.5854°W). 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.
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 (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Σχολή Λιμενoφυλάκων|Sxoli Limenofilakon|) at Piraeus, for a duration of two years. With law Law 4029 of 2011, a volunteer Auxiliary Coast Guard was established.[11] 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.
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 tons displacement, six to twelve Patrol boats with lengths of 25–30 meters and more than fifty Coastal Patrol Vessels of various types with lengths of 14–20 meters.[12] [13] 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 240-250 vessels of all types.[14] [15] In August 2023 the Hellenic Coast Guard ordered 31 Munin S1200 patrol boats and three Metis high-speed RHIBs.[16] 5 Finnish-built fast patrol boats "Watercat 2000 Patrol" were ordered in early November 2023.[17]
| Model & Class | Photo | Type | Length (m) | Displacement (tonnes) | Origin | Year ofIntroduction | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stan Patrol 5509 / Class Gavdos | OPV | 58,5 | 565 | 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 / Class Fourni | OPV | 58 | 400 | 2003 | 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.[18] | ||
| Vosper Europatrol 250 Mk1 / Class Arkoi | OPV | 47.3 | 300 | 2002 | 1 | Vessel ΛΣ-050 was originally bought by Financial Crime Prosecution Authorities in 1994 and transferred to 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.[19] The boat can be armed with 40mm gun as main weapon system. Speed of 40 knots. | ||
| Cantiere Navale Vittoria P355 GR / Class Marinos Zampatis | OPV | 36.3 | 160 | 2020 | 4 | Three ships ordered in January 2019, with a plus one option, exercised in July 2019 (90% EU funding). The first two were received in December 2020 and the fourth in January 2022 and will replace the older Dilos (Abeking) class. They will be fitted with 2x0.50 LRCWS - Light Remotely Controlled Weapon Stations. Vessels ΛΣ-900, ΛΣ-910, ΛΣ-920 and ΛΣ-930. Speed of 40 knots. | ||
| Abeking & Rasmussen / Class Dilos (Δήλος) | Patrol | 29 | 86 | 1977 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 | 2015 | 2 | Vessels ΛΣ-617 and ΛΣ-618 have been delivered. The remaining four (4) boats (type POB-24G) of the initial order[20] 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. | ||
| Javelin-74 | Coastal Patrol | 19.2 | 27 | 2002 | 3 | Vessels ΛΣ-192, ΛΣ-193 and ΛΣ-194 Speed of 50+ knots. | ||
| LCS-57 (Lambro-57) Mk.II | Coastal Patrol | 19.2 | 27 | 2002 | 16 | Vessels ΛΣ-601 to ΛΣ-616. Built by Motomarine-Greece. Speed 50+ knots. | ||
| LCS-57 (Lambro-57) Mk.I | Coastal Patrol | 18.2 | 28 | 1998 | 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 | 1992 | 11 | Vessels ΛΣ-114 to ΛΣ-126. Built by Motomarine-Greece. Speed 33 knots. | ||
| Fabio Buzzi Design 56SF | Patrol / HCG Special Forces | 16,10 | 0/15 | 15 Fabio Buzzi 56F patrol boats have been ordered (Jan 2020), to be delivered by 2023.[21] [22] Speed over 50 knots. | ||||
| CB-90HCG | Patrol / HCG Special Forces | 15.9 | 18.5 | 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. | ||
| Olympic D65/74 | Coastal Patrol | 22.5 | 30 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 2004 | 1 | Donated by the USCG in 2004.Vessel ΛΣ-797 allocated to the HCG's Seals. | ||||
| Madera MRCD-1250 | Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces | 12,5 | 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 | 1997 | 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 | 1987 | 2 | Allocated to the HCG's Special Forces (Aegean islands) Speed of 52 knots | ||
| Halter Marine HSB | Patrol / HCG Special Forces | 11.6 | 2004 | 1 | Donated by the USCG in 2004 | |||
| MIL-38 Fabio Buzzi | Patrol / HCG Special Forces | 11.58 | 7 | 1997 | 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 | 2020 | 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.[23] | ||
| Naval Special Warfare (NSW) | Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces | 11 | 7.9 |  United States | 2022 | 2 | Donated by the US in May 2022 along with 4 more to the Hellenic Navy.Speed 45 knots. | |
| Magna 110 Hurricane Mk.I/II | Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces | 10,8 | 2013 | 2 | ΛΣ-1002, ΛΣ-1005 | |||
| System 33/Nemesis RIB[24] | Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces | 10.35 | 2014 | 10 | All vessels are donation by SNF having speed of 50+ knots. | |||
| Oceanic Interceptor | Patrol RIB / HCG Special Forces | 2004 | ? | Allocated to the HCG's Seals. | ||||
| Super Onda | Patrol / HCG Special Forces | 8.6 | 2.8 | 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 | 2004 | 3 | Allocated to the HCG's Special Forces at Piraeus.ΛΣ-798, ΛΣ-799 and ΛΣ-800. Donated by the USCG in 2004.[25] | ||
| Gibli-1025 | Coastal Patrol RIB | 10,25 | 2001 | 12 | Vessels ΛΣ-3xx | |||
| Mostro Top Gun 964 | Coastal Patrol RIB | 9.9 | 1.6 | 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 | 1998 | 18 | Vessels ΛΣ-3xx | ||
| Magna 31 | Coastal Patrol RIB | 8.6 | 2.8 | 2013 | 2 | ΛΣ-1003, ΛΣ-1004 | ||
| Viking Norsafe Munin S1200 Ext.Cabin | Ambulance Vessel | 12 | 7 | 2020 | 7/15 | Built by Viking Norsafe Hellas. Vessels ΛΣ-1064 to ΛΣ-1070 allocated to Greek islands.Speed of 40 knots. | ||
| Lambro Halmatic 60 | Lifeboat | 18 | 37 | 1999 | 10 | Vessels' series Ν/Γ-511 to Ν/Γ-520 | ||
| Arun Halmatic | Lifeboat | 16 | 37 | 1992 | 1 | Vessel Ν/Γ-510 | ||
| LMPA-29 | Pollution control | 29 | 240 | 1994 | 5 | Built by Motomarine - Greece. Designed by Astilleros Gondan - Spain.[26] [27] Vessels ΛΣ-413 to ΛΣ-417 | ||
| Pollcat | Pollution control | 19 | 85 | 1999 | 4 | Built by Manor Marine, Portland.[28] Designed by Desmi, Denmark. Vessels ΛΣ-418 to ΛΣ-421 | ||
| BSK Skipper 38 Patrol | Patrol Vessel | 12 | 2024 | 1 | Built by BSK Marine, Koropi, Attica.[29] | |||
The Hellenic Coast Guard operates a small fleet of fixed wing aircraft based at Tatoi (Dekelia) Air Base, (LGTT, 38.1098°N 23.7821°W).
| Aircraft | Photo | ID | Type | Versions | Origin | Year acquired | In service[30] | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin | HC-31 to HC-36 | Patrol helicopter | AS 365N3 | 2003 | 6 | Based at Kotroni Naval Air Station (LGKN) in cooperation with Hellenic Navy | |||
| Cessna 406 Caravan II | AC-21 to AC-23 | Maritime patrol | F406 | 2000 | 3 | Built by Reims | |||
| Socata TB | AC-3, AC-4 | Utility aircraft | TB 20 | 1985 | 2 | ||||
| Cessna 172 Skyhawk | AC-1, AC-2 | Utility aircraft | 172RG | 1981 | 2 | ||||
| IAI Heron 1 | UC-01 | UAV | Heron 1 |  Israel | 2022 | 1 | [31] |