US embassy cable - 05ATHENS592

UNCLAS ATHENS 000592 
 
SIPDIS 
 
COAST GUARD FOR MANAGER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAINING 
DZIMMERMAN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EWWT, GR 
SUBJECT: HELLENIC COAST GUARD REQUESTS TRAINING WITH U.S. 
COAST GUARD 
 
 
1.  (U) This is an action request.  Please see para 4. 
 
2.  (U) Summary:  During a February 23rd meeting with 
Ambassador, Greek Minister of Merchant Marine Kefaloyiannis 
presented a list of training requests for the Hellenic Coast 
Guard (HCG).    Ambassador informed Kefaloyiannis that Post 
would coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). End 
Summary. 
 
3.  (U) During a February 23rd meeting with Ambassador, Greek 
Minister of Merchant Marine Kefaloyiannis (other issues 
reported septel), Kefaloyiannis indicated his desire that the 
HCG to receive training with the USCG in a variety of areas 
(para 5 infra).  The HCG is structurally very similar to the 
USCG and could greatly benefit from the opportunity to 
receive extended training through USCG programs. 
 
4.  (U)  Action Request.  Post requests USCG assistance in 
establishing a training program to meet the initial basic 
requests of the HCG, with the option for more advanced 
training to follow. Post would appreciate all assistance in 
determing the timing and cost of training possibilities so as 
to be able to provide the HCG with options and pricing 
information for such training.  End Action Request. 
 
 
SPECIFIC TRAINING REQUESTS 
-------------------------- 
5.  (U)  The HCG requested the following areas for training: 
Safety of Navigation; Protection of Life at Sea; Search and 
Rescue; Maritime Law enforcement (illegal immigration 
control, narcotics interdiction and interdiction of terrorist 
infiltration); Port security (ISPS code); training in the use 
of communications gear, night vision equipment, aids to 
navigation, aviation, boat/ship operations, health and 
safety, machinery maintenance (helicopter in particular), 
port safety and pollution response, professional leadership, 
ship transfer training and weapons maintenance. 
 
6.  (U) The HCG is also requesting the opportunity to send 
six HCG personnel to the 11th USCG district training facility 
in Petaluma, CA for an intensive course of training to be 
determined by consultations between the HCG and USCG. 
 
7.  (U) The HCG is also suggesting an exchange of officers, 
with an HCG officer serving as liaison with the USCG 
headquarters in Washington, and a USCG officer to serve in 
Athens. 
RIES