Merchant Marine Affairs

The competent authorities on shipping matters are the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the domestic and foreign Port Authorities, and Maritime Attaché Posts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via the H2 Directorate for Consular Affairs, cooperates with the following Authorities:

Upon receiving a relevant notification, in order to assist Greek seafarers and arrange their rescue in case of a shipwreck, the H2 Directorate for Consular Affairs informs the Ministry’s Foreign Service Authorities.

Through the Ministry’s Foreign Service Authorities, the H2 Directorate for Consular Affairs arranges the repatriation of stranded Greek merchant seafarers in collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy.

The Consular Authorities of the Foreign Service are responsible for the validation of the merchant seafarer’s documents.

The transportation of body remains of deceased Greek merchant seamen is arranged by the Foreign Service’s Authorities, in cooperation with the H2 Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In case of maritime accidents or shipwrecks involving Greek flagged vessels or vessels sailing within the jurisdiction of the Greek Authorities, the H2 Directorate for Consular Affairs informs foreign Diplomatic and Consular Authorities in Greece regarding their seafarers serving on the aforementioned vessels.

The H2 Directorate for Consular Affairs forwards requests of Greek Authorities to the competent Authorities of foreign countries (e.g. reports of forced seizure, auction of vessels etc.)