Drones and mini-subs strengthen Norway’s Coast Guard’s preparedness

The Coast Guard’s slogan is “Always present, every day, all year, along the entire coast” of Norway. Its search and rescue (SAR) area of responsibility stretches from the North Pole to an area west of Denmark and to the northeast of Kirkenes near the border with Finland and Russia.  

Thermal imaging camera

The Coast Guard’s ships now have drones with infrared cameras. This makes it easier to get an overview of search and rescue areas.

“The drones make getting an overview a far more efficient process. It is particularly beneficial that the drones allow us to get an overview of far larger areas far quicker than before. A rescue operation can be life or death,” says commanding officer Erlend Vågenes.

Erlend Vågenes, Kim-Daniel Nilsen and Marius Ulvin Erlandsen are in charge onboard the KV Heimdal.

We are onboard the KV Heimdal. The ship is one of five that make up the “Inner Coast Guard”. The Norwegian Coast Guard has vast resources at its disposal. Ten of its 15 vessels operate under the “Outer Coast Guard” and patrol the seas. Four of these have their own helicopters.

Kim-Daniel Nilsen is the deputy commanding officer on KV Heimdahl. He explains more about how the drones are being used. 

“The drones can be flown through a ship’s exhaust fumes. This allows us to measure and control whether the sulfur level in the exhaust is correct. All vessels must run on diesel when we are near land. It is better refined and emits less sulfur than heavy fuel oil. Heavy fuel oil is cheaper and only allowed to be used at sea,” says Nilsen.

Five of the Coast Guard’s ships have had this equipment for about six months, so the experience and knowledge is getting better. 

Finding deceased people

Around 60 people drown each year in Norway. It is not always easy to find the deceased. This is also one of several reasons why the Coast Guard have invested in ROVs – remotely operated vehicles. These are small submarines that are controlled through a cable from a Coast Guard vessel. 

“The search for deceased people is now more efficient. When we can find them, it is good for families and friends to get a grave they can visit,” explains Vågenes.

Erlend Vågenes and Kim-Daniel Nilsen from the Norwegian Coast Guard test and train for better preparedness in critical situations.

The Coast Guard are also involved in what they call resource control. They are monitoring fisheries.

“Today, everything is calm, but we inspect professional and private fishers. Rather than dragging fishing equipment like traps and nets onboard, we send the ROV down and use its camera to see if the equipment has the right dimensions and is legal. That way we disturb the fishing far less than what used to be the case when we had to haul it up.

ROVs are also used in critical situations to keep an eye on underwater activity. 

Good for the police

KV Heimdal patrols the sea between the Nordmøre region and up to the north of Trøndelag county. 

Some of the other tasks they perform together with the police include alcohol testing of boat owners, the use of safety vests, boating certificate checks and more. The Coast Guard also work alongside the Norwegian Customs Service, the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

Section leader Åge Andersen with the Trøndelag police confirms that they benefit from good cooperation with the people onboard KV Heimdal.

“We collaborate with our partners, and the fact that they now have even better equipment to do even more and better work is a positive thing. It is advantageous for all, including the public when it becomes easier to solve tasks,” says Andersen.