FAQ - Search and rescue

The Swedish Maritime Administration has five helicopter bases and seven helicopters. In addition, it has other resources such as pilot boats and workboats, which can be used for maritime rescue operations when needed and available.

One. The JRCC is a national coordination centre located in Gothenburg, from which all operations are led and coordinated.

The Swedish Maritime Administration has agreements with the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) and dispatches the nearest station (sometimes several) during an operation. In addition, what we call a resource inventory is carried out. This means that a call is broadcast on VHF radio channel 16 in the area to identify available resources that could assist. If, for example, a Coast Guard vessel or a police boat hears the call and is able to participate, they can respond. If they are assessed to be a suitable resource, they may be directed to the scene or asked to remain on standby until the exact needs are determined.

The best way is to call 112. The SOS operator will then connect the call to the JRCC, along with ambulance services and emergency services.
This means that the entire chain of responders is involved from the start, creating good conditions for quickly dispatching the right resources, both to assist you and to take care of any injured persons.
In most cases, your position is also obtained when you make the call, allowing responders to quickly determine your location.

If you raise the alarm and describe your situation, and the rescue leader assesses that there is or could be a danger to your life, a maritime rescue operation will be initiated.

That operation does not cost you anything, it is funded through other means.

You can call 112, but if the rescue leader at the JRCC assesses that there is no danger to your life, a maritime rescue operation will not be initiated. This is because maritime rescue services do not cover property.

However, other actors such as the Coast Guard and municipal rescue services may be interested if there are environmental risks, for example fuel leakage. If that is not the case and you need assistance salvaging your boat, you will need to contact your insurance company and/or any assistance coverage you may have that can help recover the vessel.

To work as an Air Rescue Controller, you should have education and/or experience from the civilian or military aviation sector, such as air traffic control, fighter control, pilot training, or other helicopter crew roles.

For a Maritime Rescue Controller, there is a formal requirement to hold a Master Mariner certificate.

Among current staff, there is a broad range of experience and expertise across both maritime and aviation fields, with backgrounds in professions such as the Police, Coast Guard, merchant navy, and other maritime-related roles. In addition, many, on both the maritime and aviation side, have a strong personal interest in vessels operating at sea and in the air.