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The Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) is an agency of the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications, and is responsible for services related to maritime safety, maritime infrastructure, transport planning and efficiency, and emergency response to acute pollution and drifting vessels. NCA has five regional Vessel Traffic Service centres. Of those, Vardø VTS has the special task of monitoring high-risk maritime traffic in Norwegian territorial waters, including the sea areas around Svalbard. Based on the history of ship incidents in Norwegian waters and lack of commercial tug resources in Northern Norway and the Svalbard area, the government decided in 2005 to establish a national emergency towing service. The establishment and coordination of this service was assigned to the Norwegian Coastal Administration. This paper briefly describes the development of the Norwegian Emergency Towing Service (NETS), how the service has changed over the years and plans for the coming years. Some cases involving emergency towing vessels are described. The paper also reviews the development of a national competence plan for senior officers on vessels employed by the Norwegian Emergency Towing Service. ; publishedVersion

Emergencies on large passenger ships in the remote High North may lead to a mass rescue operation with a heavy strain on the emergency preparedness systems of the Arctic countries. This study focuses on the need for competencies related to large-scale Search and Rescue operations (SAR operations) amongst the shipping companies, vessels and governments involved. A SAR operation is the activity related to finding and rescuing people in distress. Several international standards, in particular the conventions by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), provide direction for education and training of seafarers and rescue staff. This study elaborates on the operational competence requirements for key personnel involved in large scale SAR operations. Findings from real SAR incidents and exercises provide in-depth understanding on the operational challenges. The chapter gives directions for competence programs, beyond obligatory international standards, and recommendations for further research. ; publishedVersion

Emergencies on large passenger ships in the remote High North may lead to a mass rescue operation with a heavy strain on the emergency preparedness systems of the Arctic countries. This study focuses on the need for competencies related to large-scale Search and Rescue operations (SAR operations) amongst the shipping companies, vessels and governments involved. A SAR operation is the activity related to finding and rescuing people in distress. Several international standards, in particular the conventions by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), provide direction for education and training of seafarers and rescue staff. This study elaborates on the operational competence requirements for key personnel involved in large scale SAR operations. Findings from real SAR incidents and exercises provide in-depth understanding on the operational challenges. The chapter gives directions for competence programs, beyond obligatory international standards, and recommendations for further research.