Norwegian Work on Search and Rescue in Barents Sea

Abstract

Increased shipping and offshore activities in the Barents Sea need improved emergency response capability in Norway and Russia. In both countries there are several projects and initiatives that aim towards mitigating the consequences from small accidents and larger catastrophes, some coordinated across borders, others not. In this paper we aim towards giving an overview of the current and near future state of emergency response in the Barents Sea. First we describe the emergency response preparedness that is fully operational today. Then we give a brief description of operations and activities we see today and in the foreseen future, and discuss types of challenges and risks associated with them in this particular environment. Using this as a background, we look on Norway’s ambitions for future search and rescue preparedness in the Norwegian Arctic waters and the ways emerging technologies can improve emergency response operations. Finally we give some recommendations on what needs to be done by Norway, Russia and the industrial operators in order to achieve an improved level of emergency response preparedness.