To date, there have not been enough good communication options in the situation emergency or crisis. Between the Main Rescue Center (Hovedredningssentralen) / coastal radio stations on the continent (fastlandet). And between ships traveling in the polar regions and in the northern regions.
– Therefore, the government allocated NOK 6 million and established HF radio coverage in the north marine areas. The aim is to strengthen emergency communications for shipping in these areas. Says Minister of Justice and crisis management Monica Mæland.
In recent times, as the ice retreats northward, the northern sea areas have experienced increased traffic and increased excursion tourism.
Rescue readiness
– Taking care of our rescue readiness for Norwegian maritime areas is a priority task for the government, continues Mæland.
The main emergency center and coastal radio stations will now be able to have two-way voice communication. Along with the help center and rescue measures in the area, which is crucial for a successful rescue operation.
XNUMX/XNUMX service
Coastal radio stations they will have 24/7 HF service throughout the year. This means that emergencies that are reported by the HF are picked up from land. Thanks to this, the Main Rescue Center can quickly implement measures. One advantage of using an HF radio for emergency communications is that the warning is also heard simultaneously by all ships with such a radio. When using a satellite phone, you can only communicate with one ship at a time.
– Incident in Hinlopen in Christmas 2018 in Svalbard, when a fishing vessel crashed (Northguider shipwreck) showed that emergency communication in these areas is a big challenge(er en stor utfordring). Therefore, the government has improved coverage in this area. Effective communication helps save lives, states Minister of Justice and Crisis Management Monica Mæland.
Two base stations
Establishing HF coverage in the northernmost ones areas was achieved by establishing a base station (en basestasjon) in Svalbard and a base station in Hammerfest. Two base stations provide good coverage in the area and reduce number of weak points.
