Our aircrafts are effective tools in the work for a better marine environment. With their help, the agency can work for cleaner seas, better maritime safety and sustainable fishing in the future. The home base is Skavsta airport in Nyköping.
Main tasks of the air patrol
The main mission of the Coast Guard air patrol is to carry out maritime surveillance along the whole of the Coast Guard's area of operations. It is the single most important sensor for creating an up-to-date maritime situational picture, and it covers very large areas in a short time. Maritime surveillance includes a number of other tasks, which are listed below. One of the main strengths of the Coast Guard air patrol is its ability to carry out several different missions at the same time.
We maintain a high level of preparedness to save lives and the environment. From the air, we locate people in distress and guide vessels correctly during complex search and rescue operations. We can also drop life rafts from the air to people in distress in the water.
With advanced sensors, we detect oil spills and chemicals, even in darkness and bad weather. We are often first on the scene and lead the clean-up work.
We combat smuggling and environmental crime. We are an important player in the work against serious organised crime, in cooperation with Swedish Customs and the Swedish Police Authority.
We also monitor the sea borders and react immediately to deviations, for example if a vessel switches off its positioning system (AIS) or suddenly changes course.
We check that fishing rules are followed over open sea areas and in Lake Vänern and Lake Mälaren, to contribute to sustainable fishing.
We share our situational picture in real time with the Swedish Navy to strengthen total defence. The Coast Guard air patrol also carries out regular international missions under various agreements, mainly concerning environmental and fisheries control.