Environmental damage prevention

The prevention of environmental damage at sea is based on cost-effective multi-purpose vessels. The Finnish Border Guard’s patrol vessels are such multi-purpose ships. The vessels have their own daily tasks, and they are also capable of rapid oil spill response. They are permanently equipped with the necessary oil spill response equipment.

Finland’s current response preparedness to oil and chemical damage from vessels is good, but not sufficient. We are aiming for a situation in which, together with neighbouring countries, we can respond to major oil damage of 30,000 tonnes in the Gulf of Finland, 20,000 tonnes in the Archipelago Sea and 5,000 tonnes in the Gulf of Bothnia. The figures are based on the size of tankers operating in these marine areas. 

Efficient prevention measures require good preparedness for leadership. Duties for preventing environmental damage under the Border Guard’s responsibility are managed by the Command Centres of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District or the West Finland Coast Guard District. Maritime SAR missions are managed from the same centres also.

In addition to the actual prevention measures, we also ensure the maintenance of a broader national response capability. In practice, this means that we are developing response preparedness to meet the specific conditions, risks and changes in maritime transport in the Baltic Sea. We fulfil Finland’s international obligations. In addition to preparing for accidents, we also work on a daily basis to prevent environmental damage. 

Several different actors participate in the prevention of maritime environmental damage. The number of authorities involved in such prevention measures varies depending on the location and extent of the accident.

The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for the general guidance, monitoring and development of the prevention of oil and chemical spills at sea. In practice, the Finnish Border Guard ensures that adequate response preparedness is obtained and maintained and provides vocational further and supplementary training in the field.

If an environmental accident occurs in the open sea in the Finnish exclusive economic zone or territorial waters, the Border Guard is responsible for heading prevention measures. If an accident takes place closer to the shore or originates from a structure on the shore, the rescue department is in charge. The boundary of management responsibility is agreed in detail in the joint plans of the Coast Guard Districts and regional rescue departments. In Åland, the Government of Åland is responsible for the prevention of environmental damage.

Other actors involved in the prevention of environmental damage include the Finnish Defence Forces, the Finnish Environment Institute, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, Metsähallitus, ELY Centres, and private businesses with which the Finnish Border Guard has signed a service agreement. Voluntary actors also play an important role. Prevention of an extensive oil or chemical spill from a vessel also requires international cooperation. Such cooperation is agreed on by international agreements.

An area affected by environmental damage may require long-term restoration measures. This post-prevention is led by municipalities. An ELY Centre guides and coordinates post-prevention work if the actions extend to several municipalities.