"The new era of digital reforms in shipping comes in an emphatic way, through reforms that meet the real needs of the industry and upgrade the services to our sailors," said the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, during the presentation of the new electronic application for the submission of applications for the issue and visa of Evidence of Naval Capacity, Certificates of Attainment and Certificates of Validation of Greek sailors, held today at the Ministry.
As he pointed out, the new digital service solves a chronic problem of seafarers, as it reduces the bureaucracy and makes the processes more flexible, faster and more transparent. This means that our sailors will now be able quickly, easily and without inconvenience, to submit their documents, to know what is needed to complete their dossier and to be served effectively."
He added that these interventions are directly linked to the Ministry's effort to support the maritime profession, strengthen the Greek flag and attract more young people to the sea.
He also made a special reference to the efforts of the departments of the Ministry and the Greek Coast Guard, congratulating the officials and political staff for their response. As he said, "this proves that everything can be done in the Port Corps – the Greek Coast Guard and the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, as long as there is a will. The goal is to move things forward. This effort will continue in the best possible way and in cooperation with all the people of the sea, respecting their views, appreciating their effort, their contribution and continuing on the same road, without deviations.".
The new application, implemented by the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Governance and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, is an integrated information system for the electronic management of applications for Certificates of Shipping Capacity, Certificates of Succession and Validation of Certificates (Endorsements) to seafarers, with the aim of reducing bureaucracy, minimising the physical presence of seafarers in services, speedily processing of applications and enhancing transparency and traceability at all stages of the process.
Through the e-mail address ani.gov.gr, seafarers and their authorised representatives will be able, with safe authentication through TAXISnet codes, to submit electronic applications for the issue and visa of Certificates of Succession, as well as for the validation of certificates. At the same time, the system provides the possibility of electronic posting of supporting documents, payment of irregulars, monitoring the course of each real-time request and automatic creation of a unique reference number.
The new application uses critical national digital infrastructure, such as authentication via TAXISnet, the Interoperability Centre, the National Communication Register, the Single Digital Gov.gr portal and e-Parabolon services. At the same time interoperability is envisaged with services such as Criminal Register, Recruitment and Digital Certificates, while service users will be able to send automated notices of deficiencies, corrections, subsequent steps and approvals or rejections of applications.
In the first phase, the implementation will be put into productive – pilot operation, accepting forty (40) applications daily: twenty-five (25) for the specialties of the masters and fifteen (15) for the specialties of the Engineers. The new digital process will work alongside the existing physical file process and the e-rantevou, which has been operating since December 2025.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Stefanos Gikas, the Secretary General of Shipping and Ports, Manolis Koutoulakis, the Chief of L.S. – EL.AKT., Vice Admiral L.S. Christos Kontorouchas, the L.S. Deputy Chiefs – EL.AKT, Vice Admirals L.S. Photios Kiamos and Efstratios Drakoulis, representatives of the maritime community and other senior and senior L.S. officers – EL.AKT.