Hellenic Naval Academy

Σχολή Ναυτικών Δοκίμων Hellenic Naval Cadets Academy
Coat of Arms of the Hellenic Naval Academy
Active	1845 – present
Country	Greece
Branch	Hellenic Navy
Type	Military and Academic Education
Role	Training Naval Officers
Motto(s)	Αεί τη Ελλάδι θαλασσοκράτορας παιδεύει ναυμάχους "Nationwide we educate combatants, commanders of the high-seas"
Commanders
Current commander	Rear Admiral Ioannis Konstantinidis

The Hellenic Naval Academy (Greek: Σχολή Ναυτικών Δοκίμων, abbr. ΣΝΔ (SND), lit. "School of Naval Cadets") is a military academy with university status and has the responsibility to educate and suitably train competent Naval Officers for the Hellenic Navy. Its full name is Hellenic Naval Cadets Academy and was founded in 1845. The academy is one of the oldest educational institutions in Greece.

The academy educates Deck and Engineering Naval cadets. It may also educate Supply Officer cadets as well as Coast Guard Officer cadets. Foreign nationals are also accepted to study as naval cadets in the academy.

The academy has a long history in naval education. Its presence is closely associated with the foundation and evolution of the Hellenic Navy, covering a period of 150 years of educational work. The Academy was founded in 1845 as a naval training school on board the HN corvette Loudovikos. For 50 years, it operated unofficially on board various combat ships, stabilizing its position and improving its work.

In 1884, the academy was officially reorganized by the Greek State and new facilities were built to house its operations. At the time, the academy's quarters were on board the HN corvette Hellas.

In 1905 it was transferred to Piraeus, where it has remained ever since. The academy's base was transferred to a new and permanent installation beside the harbour of Piraeus, by the entrance of the main port. The operating conditions were greatly improved by the new quarters and this better facilitated its operation. New cadets were accepted and new Navy ships were appointed to help in the educational process.

Since then, during its 150 years of operation, the Hellenic Naval Cadets Academy has evolved into one of the most prestigious institutions in Greece. More than 5,000 Naval Officers have graduated and led the Hellenic Navy, while many others have distinguished themselves in science, technology and politics. The organization and structure of the academy has made great reforms, always according to the needs of the Hellenic Navy.

The Academy's organization is divided into two main branches. The first branch deals with education and training and includes four Directorates: The Naval Cadet Administration, the Nautical and Military training, the Athletics and the Academic Studies direcrorate. The second branch is responsible of base support and everything that needs to be done for the academy's proper function.