CYPnaval 2015 Conference e-Booklet enhancing the protection of Blue Economy | Page 18

However, it is not only the seas but port infrastructure has to be continuously monitored thus
appropriately investments to be made in order to respond appropriately to the trend of Jumboization of
ships and their cargoes handling. Infrastructure at ports, specializing in cruise liners are even more
demanding. However, immaterial of the port whether receiving or exporting dry or wet cargoes or
those specializing in cruise industry, are obliged to implement all the necessary security plans.
Greece is a country with particularities concerning security at sea and along the coastline. For your
information in 2014 over of 20 million tourists visited Greece with the majority of them spending their
time on various islands. Taking into account these particular circumstances, Greece has developed and
constantly upgrades, a maritime safety industry not only on board a vessel but also along the coast line.
Within this perspective, emphasis has been given in the training of the 7.500 personnel of Hellenic
Coast guard for a solid response in the search and rescue field in Greece. In 2014 H.C.G. Supported by
the Hellenic Navy and Hellenic Air Force responded successfully within the F.I.R. of Athens to 1,600
incidents and rescued 13.182 people.
With offshore explorations of Gas/Oil in South-Eastern Mediterranean security already develops issues
come up at the top of the agenda. This is evident by the various agreement signed between Greece,
Cyprus, israel and Egypt. These agreements ensure both the security energy routes and benefits of the
countries.
Someone has also to take seriously into account, that our area has to face also two major challenges.
Firstly, the increasing flows of immigrants which is the consequence of wars, religious conflicts and the
deteriorating economic conditions in the Middle East and Africa regions. These are issues which will
continue and for the coming years so actions must be taken by European Union and International
Institutions.
Last but not least it is the maritime environment protection which is of vital importance in the Med
basin. For a country like Greece, a country surrounded by islands and 16.000 km of coast line, an
effective marine environment protection is at utmost impartance as this affects culture and economy.
Thank you.
___________

Captain Charalambos Bournias
Hellenic Coast Guard

Captain of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Charalampos BOURNIAS was born in 1966 to the island of Chios in
Greece. After his graduation from the High School he entered at the Merchant Marine Academy for
Captains where he graduated in 1987 and started then to serve to the merchant vessels as deck officer.
In 1992 he joined the Hellenic Navy Academy as a Cadet of the H.C.G. During all these years he has
served as Officer, Harbour Master and Director to the Port Authorities and the Headquarters of the
H.C.G. He has also gained a master degree from the University of the Aegean on Shipping,
Transportation and International Trade. Nowdays is a Maritime Attache at the Greek Embassy in Cyprus.

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