Communications

VHF Channels

The key VHF channels for mariners in Greece are:

• Channel 12: The standard channel for contacting Port Authorities.
• Channel 16 (Olympia Radio): Used exclusively for distress, urgency, and safety calls.

Below is a list of the Communication nautical channels and the channels for meteorological broadcasts.

Mobile Coverage at Sea

Mobile phone reception is generally excellent throughout the Greek seas. As a rule of thumb, you can expect a signal up to about 10 nautical miles from the mainland or inhabited islands. This range may vary depending on the location of land-based antennas, but thanks to the abundance of islands, there are very few areas where coverage is limited.

Navtex

NAVTEX is an international, automated service for disseminating vital maritime safety information directly to vessels at sea. It broadcasts navigational warnings, meteorological forecasts, and urgent safety messages in text form, covering designated coastal areas.

As most private sailing yachts are not equipped with a NAVTEX receiver, the essential information is available digitally. The Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service publishes all active messages on this live-updating online map.

They commonly announce firing practice areas, so it’s pretty important not to enter these active zones… unless you fancy a sudden, unscheduled fireworks display.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

If you can remember only one number, this must be 112.

It is the Single European Emergency Number, used to call all emergency services in the EU countries, free of charge, even when a phone is locked or with no SIM card present (in Greece and most EU countries). They will transfer your call to the respective agency that can deal with the emergency. The only reason not to call 112 immediately is if you know the number of the specific service and can save a few valuable seconds.

Here is the list of the most essential emergency telephone numbers in Greece: