Swedish Maritime Administration seeks to retain maritime rescue services

The Swedish Maritime Administration has urged the government to allow it to retain responsibility for maritime and air rescue services following an official inquiry into restructuring Sweden's emergency response system.

In a consultation response, the agency addressed proposals in an inquiry titled: "A new domicile strengthens maritime and air rescue services in Sweden".

The inquiry recommends transferring operational maritime and air rescue duties to the Swedish Coast Guard, while responsibility for training, operational development and environmental rescue development would move to the Swedish Civil Defence Agency.

The administration opposed transferring operational duties, arguing that decisions on agency responsibility should prioritise Sweden's wider interests and the life-saving mission.