CYPnaval 2015 Conference e-Booklet enhancing the protection of Blue Economy | Page 16

Vice Admiral Athanasios Athanasopoulos
Commandant,

Hellenic Coast Guard

Born in Tsipiana of Ilia prefecture on 10-03-1960.
He is graduate of the Panteion University (Political Science). In 1982 he joined the Army and served his
term in Samos. In 1984 he joined the Hellenic Coast Guard and in 1985 graduated from the Naval
Academy.
From 1986 to 1992 and 1994 - 2006 he served as Head of Unit for Merchant Shipping. During this time
he handled issues attracting pertaining to shiping activities in Greece, strengthening the
competitiveness of the Greek flag ships and shipping companies, development of sea tourism. He also
provided a long lasted service as Head of the Office of Shipping Companies Registry and had an active
role in the establishment of the legal framework for companies operating recreational vessels. He
served as Harbour Master in Lefkada (1992-1994), Maritime Attaché in Sydney, Australia (2006-2008)
and Harbour Master in the Central Coast Guard Station of Patras, (2008-2010) where he focused mainly
in tackling the problem of illegal immigration at the port and the city of Patras, a field in which he
undertook critical initiatives. With his promotion to the rank of Commodore H.C.G. in 2010, he was
appointed Director of Security and in 2011 Director of the Security General Directorate. During his term
in these positions, he promoted the interagency cooperation of law enforcement agencies of the
country, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the H.C.G. in combating drug trafficking,
prosecution of trafficking and dismantle organized networks trafficking of aliens in Greece. Also, from
these posts he represented the H.C.G. in many bilateral, international meetings and contributed
essentially to develop further the international cooperation of H.C.G. With departments and agencies
(FRONTEX) of the European Union and other countries. In October 2011 he was promoted to the rank
of Rear Admiral and in February 2012, in addition to the duties of the Director of Security General
Directorate, he was appointed Inspector of the Aegean Sea. On 04-09-2012 he was appointed Inspector
General of the H.C.G. During his term has taken initiatives to improve and modernize the internal
control procedures of regional Coast Guard stations, and the development of an electronic based
assessment system of their activities. Also he actively involved in shaping the institutional framework
for the restructuring of the Regional Services of the H.C.G. After the Governments’ Council for Foreign
Affairs and Defense decision of 19-02-2014, he was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral and assumed
the duties of the Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard.
He speaks English and has been awarded with the following honors:
(A) Decorations:
Commander’s High Cross of the Order of Honor
Commander’s High Cross of the Order of Phoenix
(B) Medals of:
Military Merit A Class
(C) Awards:
Commendation Medal of the Hellenic Coast Guard Command
Star of Merit and Honor
Meritorious Command Medal A Class
Meritorious Staff Officer Commendation Medal A Class
Medal of multiannual Service A Class
He is married and father to two daughters.