The Swedish Maritime Administration is the authority responsible for aeronautical and maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) in Sweden. The functions include the operational Mission Co-ordination as well as administrative tasks to evaluate and develop the SAR service.
The administrative function is called SAR Co-ordination and Management. In the Swedish Maritime Administration SAR this function is organized within the department of Maritime Policy and Public Affairs - in the unit for Search and Rescue and - where we maintain continuous co-operation with other authorities and organizations involved in rescue services, participation at international conferences and meetings together with representatives from other countries.
To improve the national co-operation, follow-up and improve the Swedish SAR service, a National SAR Co-ordination Committee is established, chaired by the Maritime Administration and with representatives from the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, Coast Guard, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, National Board of Health and Welfare, Association of Local Authorities, Police, Defense Forces and Coast Radio.
In the international SAR co-operation, the Swedish SAR Management function are attending annual meetings with IMO Sub Committee for Radio Communication and Search and Rescue (COMSAR), Baltic and Barents Sea Regional Co-operation on GMDSS (BBRC), IMO/ICAO Joint Working Group.
International SAR exercises are also held as a part of the co-operation with neighboring countries and according to bilateral SAR agreements.