Raja.fi news

Livex 2 of the Marsec EU 26 Exercise Concluded off Helsinki

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:40:00 GMT

The Border Guard's offshore patrol vessel Uisko, several fast boats, and two helicopters participated in the exercise. The French Navy took part in the side exercise last weekend.

– The deployed forces boarded the target vessel, the icebreaker Polaris, via helicopter and boats. The vessel was taken under control during the exercise, and the forces conducted, among other things, searches and investigative measures on board. Exercise themes also included encountering dangerous persons, first aid and evacuation, as well as rescue operations, says Commander Ilja Iljin from the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters, who led the exercise.

The goal of the exercise was to strengthen the cooperation between Finnish authorities and Baltic Sea partner countries in demanding maritime situations. Such a situation could be, for example, the damaging of critical maritime infrastructure.

Growing maritime threats in Europe

Dr Alison Weston, representing the European External Action Service, noted during her visit that, in addition to traditional maritime threats, Europe must be able to respond to new maritime vulnerabilities, such as the protection of critical underwater infrastructure. Therefore, the core activities of the exercise focused on both the common operational picture and information exchange among EU Baltic states, as well as boarding and inspection of vessel.

Recurring breaks in underwater cables in the Baltic Sea have provided a particular backdrop. The European Union's cable information system has strengthened cooperation to protect critical infrastructure. The ISM project (Integrated Surveillance Mechanism), led by Finland, improves the region's coastal states’ situational awareness, information exchange, risk assessment and coordinated response to maritime threats.

The Marsec EU 26 exercise builds interoperability and strengthens cooperation and maritime expertise among EU Baltic states. Finland, as the lead country for ISM, was a natural host for the exercise. The exercise also provided support for testing the CISE system, a tool for the maritime situational picture and information exchange.

Finland has developed special expertise that other countries seek to learn

Finnish authorities demonstrated strong readiness by deploying special forces capable of operating in demanding maritime situations. The Border Guard-led exercise included specially trained groups from the Defence Forces, police, emergency services and healthcare. The total strength of the exercise force was over three hundred participants.

The exercise force focused on the planning and practice of vessel detention and the security measures required for a detained vessel, such as taking over emergency steering. In Thursday's exercise, the icebreaker Polaris served as the target vessel, which was detained and inspected. The exercise forces arrived on the vessel via fast boats and Border Guard maritime search and rescue helicopters. Simultaneously, the apprehension of the target group on board and the controlled evacuation of injured persons were practiced.

The justification for the use of force is always based on law

The first part of the Marsec EU 26 exercise was a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) in the spring of 2026, where representatives from coast guards and navies, experts in maritime law and numerous other specialists practiced operational planning and maritime legal issues in various scenarios. Border and maritime security authorities from Baltic Sea states, as well as other actors such as the police and representatives from energy sector companies, participated extensively.

Information exchange creates situational awareness

In the Livex 1 information exchange exercise preceding Livex 2, a Finnish cargo ship, Finneco II of Finnlines, travelled from the North Sea to Hanko. In the exercise, deviations in the vessel's route were planned, which the participating states observed and reported to create a common situational picture. The EU Baltic states – Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland – received and shared situational information as the vessel progressed north through the Baltic Sea.

From international organisations, EU agencies Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and EMSA, European Maritime Safety Agency, participated in the Livex 1 phase.

From European security goals to joint action

A high-level visitor group from EU agencies such as Frontex, the European External Action Service and maritime authorities from other EU states visited the Marsec EU 26 Livex 2 exercise, observing the exercise force's demonstration on Wednesday.

Tom Hanén, Deputy Chief of the Border Guard, emphasized that regional actions in the Baltic Sea, from information exchange to other tools, support the European Union's maritime security strategy. Joint training like Marsec is a way to translate EU's common goals into actual practical cooperation in the Baltic Sea.

– Behind every satellite link, radar screen and technical mechanism are well-trained people. Although technology evolves, human action is the core of maritime security. The key is how well our people work together, Hanén summarised regarding the importance of training.

The Marsec EU 26 exercise was the first Marsec EU exercise in the Baltic Sea. The Marsec exercise has now been organized for the third time and for the first time led by a border guard agency. In 2024, it was practiced in Spain and in 2025 in Italy, led by the respective countries' navies.

The Marsec EU 26 exercise concluded with the Livex 2 part in Helsinki on Thursday. Despite challenging exercise tasks, the exercise was completed without any personnel or material damage.

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Maritime security calls for information exchange

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:01:00 GMT

Finland has taken a leading role in implementing the European Commission’s Action Plan on Cable Security in the Baltic Sea region. An integrated surveillance mechanism (ISM) project, financed by Digital Europe, will commence at the Finnish Border Guard, aiming to create a network of maritime security operations centres together with other EU Member States and NATO to identify and counter threats against critical maritime infrastructure.

Extensive and standardised international information exchange forms the core of maritime security operations centres’ work. The Border Guard’s objective with the project is to standardise the CISE environment, administrated by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), as the primary information sharing environment between the security operations centres.

MARSEC exercises and ISM-project

MARSEC EU 26 joint exercise in September 2026, led by the Border Guard, brings together EU law enforcement authorities, coast guards and navies, aiming to further joint operative readiness to control maritime security situations.

The intention is to increase and deepen the negotiations on CISE information sharing with the Baltic Sea countries during the ISM project. Information exchange is a vital part of the maritime security operations centres’ work, and utilising the CISE information sharing environment more extensively and systematically would further compilation of maritime situational awareness, cross-border cooperation and operative response.

CISE information sharing environment supports the overall security in the Baltic Sea region

Currently, the Border Guard is engaged in discussions on information exchange using CISE with other Baltic Sea countries. Especially Sweden is a key partner for the Border Guard in this, and co-development with the Swedish Coast Guard proceeds as planned. The objective is to start exchanging classified information between Finland and Sweden in CISE Classified Network environment in 2027. The Border Guard’s final objective is to share and receive information with and from law enforcement authorities and military operators within the CISE information sharing environment.

European Maritime Safety Agency EMSA provides information to the Finnish Border Guard. During 2026, the Border Guard has specified its expectations to EMSA regarding reports that support its operations. The first customised reports are ready, while the rest of these reports will be completed during the autumn.

Benefits of CISE information sharing

CISE enables the exchange of classified information (EU Restricted). Information received from partners complements the national maritime situational awareness and enables the compilation of better analyses.
Each actor can use their own information systems and software, into which data received from partners is delivered via CISE.
CISE information sharing promotes cooperation between law enforcement authorities and military actors among regional authorities and organisations responsible for maritime safety and coast guard functions in the EU, as well as between EU agencies.
CISE chat enables rapid, targeted and safe information exchange and sharing of files.

External funding supporting the development of Finland’s international maritime situational awareness

With the European Union participating in the funding, the Development of the International Maritime Situational Picture 2 project is receiving funding from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). With the EMFAF funding, the safety of the seas, inter alia, will be improved by supporting initiatives that increase the maritime area monitoring and ensure sustainable use of these areas. With the €1.4 million in EMFAF funding allocated to the Finnish Border Guard, the CISE information sharing environment is being designed and built to enable the sharing and receiving of maritime security-related information between EU Member States.

More on MARSEC EU 26 exsrcise Maritime security exercise Marsec EU26 Livex 2 begins next week | The Finnish Border Guard

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NBI and Border Guard conclude UAV investigations

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Finnish Border Guard have concluded their criminal investigations into four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that entered Finnish airspace and fell to the ground in spring 2026. The Border Guard investigated the incidents as suspected territorial violations, while the NBI investigated them as suspected grossly negligent endangerment and negligent endangerment.

The investigations found nothing that would have warranted pursuing criminal liability further. The prosecutor has therefore decided to conclude the investigations into the cases, following proposals from the NBI and the Border Guard. This does not change the fact that the UAVs entered Finnish airspace unlawfully.

UAVs came down in south-eastern Finland and Päijät-Häme

The first two UAVs fell to the ground in south-eastern Finland on 29 March 2026. One of the two UAVs was found north of Kouvola in Kymenlaakso, and the other was found in Luumäki, South Karelia. The third UAV was found at Pyhäjärvi in Parikkala on 31 March, and the fourth was found later in Iitti, Päijät-Häme, on 11 April 2026.

The Border Guard also investigated two UAVs sighted in the Virolahti area on 03 May 2026, flying in Finnish airspace close to the border before crossing the Finnish-Russian border into Russian territory. Each of the unauthorised entries by the UAVs met the constituent elements prescribed for a territorial violation. However, nothing came to light during the investigation into these events to indicate that the UAVs had been intended to violate Finnish airspace.

All the UAVs recovered were of the same type and built for military use. The authorities assessed that the UAVs which came down in Finland were carrying explosives; three of them were therefore rendered safe by controlled detonation.

The investigation established the UAVs' origin and the sequence of events

The sequence of events, namely the ways in which the UAVs came to Finland, was established through technical examinations, observation data and international exchange of information. The investigating authorities worked closely with international partners, including the Ukrainian authorities.

The investigation established that the UAVs originated in Ukraine and formed part of Ukraine's countermeasures in response to Russia's war of aggression. The UAVs had not, however, been targeted at Finland; instead, they were thrown off course by strong GNSS jamming detected in the eastern Gulf of Finland at the time, combined with the prevailing weather conditions. The wind was blowing almost directly from the south at the time of the incidents. These factors are assessed to have affected the UAVs' navigation and caused them to deviate from their original route.

The UAVs' arrival on Finnish territory caused no personal injuries or damage to property.

The NBI, the Border Guard, the South-Eastern Finland Police Department, the Häme Police Department and the Finnish Defence Forces worked closely together in investigating the incidents. The authorities operating at the scenes received support from local rescue services.

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Maritime security exercise Marsec EU26 Livex 2 begins next week

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 06:30:00 GMT

The Marsec EU26 exercise is part of the joint development of European maritime security. Participants will practice, in particular, vessel inspections together.

The final part of the exercise series, Livex 2, will be conducted in the maritime areas of Helsinki. Participants include the police, the Finnish Defence Forces, rescue services, and emergency medical services, as well as the Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna, SG). Additionally, visitors and observers from several countries will attend the exercise.

The Marsec EU26 exercise series

Marsec exercises are based on the EU Maritime Security Strategy. The two operational exercise phases in September were preceded by a tabletop exercise in the spring, where training scenarios regarding the damage of critical maritime infrastructure were simulated internationally and using a multidisciplinary approach. Participants included experts in the law of the sea, coast guards from several countries, and representatives from maritime EU agencies and NATO maritime command (MARCOM).

The operational phase of the exercise began with the Livex 1 exercise, which focused on the exchange of information between the command centers of coastal state authorities. Target operations were conducted in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea using a Finnish cargo vessel. Command centers exchanged information regarding the movements and activities of the target vessel.

The Marsec exercise develops the participants' capabilities to act effectively in demanding maritime situations, such as the detection and seizure of a vessel dragging its anchor.

The exercise is part of the actions defined in the EU Cable Action Plan to improve the security of critical underwater infrastructure. Joint training improves the readiness to respond to maritime security incidents. Practicing together also makes operations safer by ensuring that partners and their operating procedures are familiar. The sharing and exchange of information is an integral part of the training.

Three days in Helsinki

The exercise culminates in the three-day Livex 2 exercise in the Helsinki maritime area from September 15 to 17. Finnish authorities and the Polish Border Guard will participate in Livex 2. Poland will operate with its own patrol vessel, SG-301. The French Navy will participate in preparatory training from September 12 to 13 with a warship.

From Finland, participants include the Helsinki Police Department, Southern Finland’s Tactical EMS, the Helsinki City Rescue Department's MIRG team, the Utti Jaeger Regiment, Arctia, and the Finnish Border Guard's Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District, West Finland Coast Guard District, and the Air Patrol Squadron.

Joint surveillance in the background

The Finnish Border Guard coordinates the ISM (Integrated Surveillance Mechanism) project in the Baltic Sea region, which is based on the EU action plan for cable security. The project enhances the situational awareness and exchange of information, and develops maritime security risk analysis. EU coastal states in the Baltic Sea jointly develop technical and operational capabilities, which are also practiced in this exercise.

The exercise is co-funded by European Union.

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The Finnish Border Guard continues border security assistance to Estonia in September

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:40:00 GMT

The support provided by the Finnish Border Guard consists of four patrols and four patrol vehicles. The patrols will perform border security tasks within Estonian territory, an operation that simultaneously supports Finland's own border security.

This deployment is a continuation of the support operations initiated in August. The phenomenon of illegal immigration from Belarus to the Baltic states continues, and the possibility of it expanding to Finland remains. The Finnish Border Guard evaluates the volume and necessity of the support in cooperation with the Estonian authorities.

The Finnish Border Guard supports Estonian border security missions

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The eastern border fence is completed

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The in total 200-kilometre-long border fence was constructed to those areas where the operative need for it is the greatest, based on a risk assessment, and where the construction is cost-efficient. The border fence consists of a 4.5-meter-high fence, technical surveillance system, road network and a 25-meter-wide clearing.

– The state’s most important duty is to see to the safety of its nationals. The eastern border fence is a necessary part of an effective border surveillance system in these unpredictable times. Moreover, the project is also important on European scale, since Finland as a Schengen Member State at external border is, for its part, responsible for European border safety. Without credible surveillance at external borders, we have no preconditions for free movement, Minister of the Interior, Mari Rantanen, states.

The eastern border fence prevents illegal border crossings and raises an immediate alarm of all deviating activities. The road network allows patrols to swiftly arrive to the place. It strengthens control of serious disruptions significantly. This is a long-term investment with versatile new infrastructure. As an example, the technical surveillance can be developed and expanded cost-efficiently.

– The eastern border fence is necessary in the current security situation. Without the border fence, it is not possible to control instrumentalised migration in an efficient and credible manner ensuring occupational safety. Moreover, the border fence also furthers effective border surveillance, situational awareness and mobility of our patrols, Chief of the Finnish Border Guard, Vice Admiral Markku Hassinen, states.

The Eastern Border Fence project has been an exceptionally extensive infrastructure project in Finland. Hundreds of companies have participated in the project as suppliers, and up to 600 people and 150 machines have worked at the construction sites on a daily basis. Moreover, the response of the approximately 1 000 land owners has been constructive and cooperative throughout the project. Intecon Oy was in charge of the project management. – This project was completed according to the plan, in an exceptionally fast schedule and under the original budget. It has been possible, since the numerous parties of the project have worked with a solution-oriented mindset for the benefit of Finland’s safety, Operational Manager Miska Eriksson states.

The Finnish Border Guard’s Eastern Border Fence project

The border fence improves border surveillance capability and prevents and delays especially extensive and instrumentalised irregular migration – the border fence already prevents border crossings solely by existing.
The border fence consists of a 4.5-meter-high fence, technical surveillance system, road network and a 25-meter-wide clearing.
The 200-kilometre-long border fence consists of dozens of target areas.
The pilot targets were constructed in Imatra and Salla in 2023, and the entire border fence in 2024–2026.
The cost estimation is €356 million, which is 22 million less than the original budget.
The most important suppliers and interest groups include Intecon Oy, National Land Survey of Finland, KouMet Oy, Destia Oy, Oteran Oy and GRK Oy, Nordpel Oy, Vepe Security Oy, Heras High Security Oy and Suomen Laiturikauppa Oy, in addition to approximately 1 000 land owners.

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A Polish surveillance aircraft to Northern Baltic, including Finland’s maritime area

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 11:18:00 GMT

Poland conducts the said surveillance flights in connection with the Multipurpose Maritime Operation (MMO) 2026. These flights are a part of Frontex coordinated joint operation to enhance multinational maritime surveillance in the Baltic Sea. The flights will be conducted partially in the Finnish airspace. All flights are coordinated with Finnish Authorities.

Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency coordinates the cooperation between its Member States and supports the sharing of common situational picture. The EU Member States in the Baltic Sea region are engaged in continuous cooperation in surveillance of the Baltic Sea. The Polish Let L-410 surveillance aircraft is operated by the Polish Border Guard.

Finnish authorities will always be informed in advance of flights stretching into our territory. This surveillance will further the shared situational awareness concerning the maritime transport as well as the maritime environment in the Baltic Sea.

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Hunting season begins – important information for hunters and berry pickers near the border

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:21:00 GMT

A border zone has been established along Finland’s eastern border to monitor and maintain border security. On land, the zone can be up to three kilometres wide. Entering the border zone requires a permit obtained in advance.

The Finnish Border Guard wishes to remind hunting parties, berry and mushroom pickers, as well as other people moving in the area that staying and moving within the border zone always requires a permit.

Permits for hunting in the border zone have mainly been granted for moose battues. As a rule, permits are not granted for small-game hunting. Under Finnish law, hunting also includes tracking, driving or flushing game.

Trapping is also considered hunting.

Do not take hunting dogs to the national border

As the hunting season begins, the Finnish Border Guard wishes to remind hunters that hunting in areas close to the national border must be planned with particular care. Handlers of hunting dogs must pay special attention to minimising the risk of dogs entering the border zone or crossing into Russia. Cross-border movements by domestic animals shall, as a general rule, be prevented. Keep your dog on a leash near the border.

The Border Guard therefore urges hunters to avoid letting dogs run free near the border zone, as game animals often flee into Russia and dogs may cross the national border in pursuit of them. If a dog crosses to the other side of the border, contact with the Russian border authorities is required in each individual case. Both countries are committed to ensuring that domestic animals do not cross the border.

Getting hunting dogs back from across the border is not guaranteed. Dogs can return to Finland on their own or with the assistance of the Russian border authorities. In some cases, neither the dogs nor their tracking collars can be recovered and returned to Finland.

Border Guard patrols will take stray dogs found near the national border directly to an animal shelter. All dogs that have been in Russia will be reported to a veterinarian in Finland. The veterinarian will assess on a case-by-case basis whether the dog needs to be examined to prevent the spread of animal diseases. Veterinarians will determine any further measures required.

If a dog owner notices that their dog has gone missing near the national border, they shall contact the Border Guard command centre in the relevant area (see the contact details of the administrative units). Dog owners are also advised to put their contact details on the dog’s collar or harness.

Apply for a border zone permit in advance

Permits for entering and moving within the border zone must be applied for well in advance. Applications for border zone permits should primarily be submitted electronically. A permit can also be applied for at the headquarters of the border guard district responsible for the hunting area or at border guard stations.

The border zone permit must always be carried when moving within the border zone and presented upon request to Border Guard or police authorities. Possession and use of firearms and ammunition in the border zone also requires a permit.

A border zone permit for hunting is granted for a maximum of one hunting season at a time.

More information on border zone regulations and applying for a border zone permit is available at the Finnish Border Guard’s web page.

Increased monitoring of bear hunting

Monitoring related to bear hunting will be intensified in the Kainuu and Koillismaa regions as of 20 August. The monitoring will be carried out in cooperation with other authorities.

The Finnish Border Guard has launched an online tip service on its web page, where people can report observations concerning cross-border crime, offences against natural resources, environmental offences in maritime areas or preparations for such offences. The tip service is available at https://raja.fi/en/give-a-tip

Permanent information page for hunters

The Finnish Border Guard has a permanent information page for hunters at https://raja.fi/en/instructions-for-hunters. Save the page for future reference.

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Changes in the Border Guard Command in January 2027

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:11:00 GMT

Colonel Jaakko Olli will be promoted to Brigadier General on 1 January 2027 and appointed to Border Guard General’s post for the period 1 January 2027–31 December 2030. Olli is assigned as Chief of Technical Division at the Border Guard Headquarters as of 1 January 2027. Currently, Colonel Olli serves as Commander of the Southeast Finland Border Guard District. Olli has been in this position since 2025. Previously, Olli has been Head of the Planning and Finance Unit at the Border Guard Headquarters, as well as Chief of the Border Control and Readiness Unit at Border and Coast Guard Division. He completed the General Staff Officer’s Degree in 2009 and was promoted to Colonel on 21 March 2021.

Captain Jani Järäinen will be appointed to Captain’s post for the period 1 January 2027–30 September 2033 and assigned as Commander of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District as of 1 January 2027. Currently, Captain Järäinen serves as Head of International Affairs Unit of the Border and Coast Guard Division at the Border Guard Headquarters. He has been in this position as of 1 January 2024. Järäinen has completed the General Staff Officer’s Degree and was promoted to Colonel on 21 March 2026.

Lieutenant Colonel Tommi Tiittanen will be promoted to Colonel on 1 January 2027 and appointed to Colonel’s post for the period 1 January 2027–31 August 2033. Tiittanen will be assigned as Commander of Southeast Finland Border Guard District as of 1 January 2027. Currently, Lieutenant Colonel Tiittanen serves as Head of Intelligence Centre of Border and Coast Guard Division at the Border Guard Headquarters. He has been in this position as of 1 January 2025. Tiittanen has completed the General Staff Officer’s Degree and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 21 March 2020.

Commander Mikko Hirvi will be appointed to Captain’s post for the period 1 January 2027–30 September 2037 and promoted to Captain on 1 January 2027. Hirvi is assigned as Commander of the West Finland Coast Guard District as of 1 January 2027. Hirvi serves as Head of Maritime Safety Unit of Border and Coast Guard Division at the Border Guard Headquarters. He has been in this position as of 1 January 2025. Hirvi has completed the General Staff Officer’s Degree and was promoted to Commander on 21 March 2021.

Military posts of the Border Guard can be filled without announcing a vacancy.

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New Chief of Division for Technical Division in January 2027

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:11:00 GMT

The Border Guard General’s post and the position of Chief of Technical Division at Border Guard Headquarters became vacant, as Major General Jari Tolppanen retires on 31 December 2026. Military posts of the Border Guard can be filled without announcing a vacancy.

Currently, Colonel Jaakko Olli serves as Commander of the Southeast Finland Border Guard District. Olli has been in this position since 1 January 2025. Previously, Olli has been Head of Planning and Finance Unit at Border Guard Headquarters, as well as Chief of Border Control and Readiness Unit of Border and Coast Guard Division. He completed the General Staff Officer’s Degree in 2009 and was promoted to Colonel on 21 March 2021.

Colonel Jaakko Olli will be promoted to Brigadier General on 1 January 2027.

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The Finnish Border Guard supports Estonian border security missions

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:38:00 GMT

The support sent by the Finnish Border Guard comprises one border patrol and one patrol car. The patrol will be supporting border security missions in the harbour and airport of Tallinn, thus at the same time supporting Finland's border security.

The support, which is based on the Prüm decision of the Council of the European Union and an agreement between the Finnish Border Guard and the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, is related to the phenomenon of irregular migration from Belarus to the Baltic states, and from there on to Finland and other European countries.

The extent and necessity of the support is evaluated in cooperation with Estonian authorities. The support can be increased or continued, if necessary.

– International cooperation is important for Finland’s border security. Cooperation with neighbouring countries in particular is necessary for preventing irregular migration and cross-border crime. It is important for us to develop our ability to both offer and receive support, says lieutenant Markus Haapasaari, officer at the International Affairs Unit of the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters.

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Preparedness is a part of boating safety

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The Finnish Border Guard is in charge of maritime search and rescue. To support boating safety, we gather information and provide advice.

In recent years, the most typical challenges of boaters have been machine failure, running out of fuel, as well as lacking equipment. By following our advice, you can avoid challenges at sea and know how to call for help.

Before setting out to the sea

Check your vessel’s equipment and seaworthiness. Carry out departure checks always before departure. It is an effective way to prevent the boat trip from being interrupted and the situation possibly developing into an accident.

Safety equipment to have on board:

Oars, paddle or anchor with ropes, drainage device.
Approved life jackets for each person on board. Keep in mind that, in an emergency, life jackets can only help you if they are being worn.
Nautical chart for navigation. In areas where GNSS jamming has been observed, it is wise to have the traditional navigation aids, that is to say, nautical chart and compass, with you.
Sufficient amount of fuel and extra fuel. Check and ensure that the motor functions correctly.
Functioning communication devices and power or a spare battery.

Check the weather forecast and plan your route

Check the weather forecast. Tell your planned route to your family or friends and let them know if it changes. In addition, tell them how to identify your boat.

If you are in distress at sea

If you are in distress, you can always call the maritime search and rescue alarm number 0294 1000 or the European emergency phone number 112.

In certain situations, it is good to know which actions you should undertake immediately, should your boat be about to sink, for instance. When you notice signs indicating that your boat is about to capsize or sink, call for help and follow the following instructions.

If your boat risks capsizing, call for help, put on your life jacket and proceed to the outer deck.
It can be difficult to exit the boat if you are inside the boat when it sinks. Furthermore, a life jacket that goes off inside the boat may make it even more difficult to exit the vessel.
Do not stay to rescue any belongings, if there is a risk that the boat sinks.
Acquaint yourself with your boat’s emergency exits in advance and make sure there are no hinders before them.

Our recommendations

The Finnish Border Guard recommends that life jackets are always worn when travelling by boat. Remember to observe your position continuedly and watch other waterborne traffic. Being sober helps to ensure a safer journey.

Emergency number for maritime search and rescue services

0294 1000

European emergency number

112

More tips for safe boating

Guidelines for people on the waterborne traffic | Finnish Border Guard

Instructions for boaters – departure checks, among others Instructions for boaters | Finnish Border Guard

If the boat loses its stability, how to exit the boat? (YouTube link) Video in Finnish.

Video of emergency switches. (YouTube link) Video in Finnish.

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Baltic Sea countries trained maritime border surveillance cooperation in Latvia

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:55:00 GMT

Specialists from Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, Norway, Poland, Frontex and EMSA participated in the experts meeting. The Finnish Border Guard was represented by Commander Ilja Iljin together with Lieutenant, Senior Grade Nico Mäkelä.

To be more specific, the Border Guard participated in the RONIS 2026 exercise within the framework of Multipurpose Maritime Operation with Coastal Patrol Vessel 92, manned in two shifts as joint effort of both coast guard districts. In addition to Finland, also Latvia and Lithuania participated in the exercise with boat material.

Coastal Patrol Vessel 92 shots a jet of water to Bärta’s fore deck in order to ‘put out a fire’ in the exercise.

Baltic Sea Region Border Control Cooperation (BSRBCC Sea Border Surveillance) Experts Meeting discussed, inter alia

the use of unmanned surface vessels and unmanned air craft (drones) in border surveillance
protection of critical subsea infrastructure
utilising the assistance provided by EMSA and Frontex.

Furthermore, the aim of the experts meeting was also to further competence development, as well as to network with the specialists in maritime border surveillance from the other participating countries.

The RONIS exercise consisted of four parts with following themes:

Detention of a suspicious vessel, boarding, carrying out a vessel inspection and apprehension
Carrying out a search and rescue mission, acting as On-Scene Co-Ordinator, search measures on surface vessels, saving humans from water and from life raft
Fire protection, assisting a vessel in distress and assisting in fire protection
Emergency towing exercise.

Coastal Patrol Vessel 92 shots a jet of water to Bärta’s fore deck in order to ‘put out a fire’ in the exercise.

The aim of the exercise was, inter alia, to further the development of operative competence, to share and learn best practises, as well as to learn international cooperation practises.

Cooperation with the representatives of the other participating countries was excellent, both during the exercise and in the experts meeting. It was highly informative to compare operational measures, as well as identified strengths and challenges, with different systems and, on the other hand, with similar operational fields with the other participants.

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Multipurpose Maritime Operation concerning coast guard functions to commence in the Baltic Sea

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:14:00 GMT

The Border Guard acts as the national contact point in Finland and coordinates the participation of other Finnish authorities. In addition to the Border Guard, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom participates in the operation in terms of merchant vessel inspections, and the Southwest Finland Economic Development Centre, together with the Government of Åland, participate in the operation in terms of fisheries control.

One of the Border Guard’s goals for this operation is to develop European and regional cooperation concerning coast guard functions. Within the framework of the operation, we can also combine the services provided by EU agencies with our national capabilities. The services provided by the EU agencies consist of, inter alia, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems and other surveillance systems and satellite services that are used in enhancing maritime situational awareness.

The Baltic Sea is shallow, narrow and one of the most heavily trafficked sea areas in the world. The risk of a maritime accident is high due to the shadow fleet, the prevalent GNSS-jamming and spoofing of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions. Active cooperation helps with risk management. European Multipurpose Maritime Operations have been implemented in the Baltic Sea since 2023.

EMSA is the European Maritime Safety Agency. Frontex is the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. EFCA is the European Fisheries Control Agency.

Coast guard functions (Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/1222) refer to the following maritime measures of public authorities (a) maritime safety, including vessel traffic management; (b) ship casualty and maritime assistance service; (c) fisheries inspection and control; (d) maritime border control; (e) maritime environmental protection and response; (f) prevention and suppression of trafficking and smuggling and connected maritime law enforcement; (g) maritime search and rescue; (h) maritime monitoring and surveillance; (i) maritime customs activities; (j) maritime accident and disaster response; (k) maritime, ship and port security.

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The Finnish Border Guard’s drone response capability advances

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:32:00 GMT

The Finnish Border Guard is developing its counter-drone capability. In its target state the system will be based on a fixed surveillance and response system, drone countering equipment of the patrols, and protected vehicles and boats with counter-drone capabilities to be used nationwide. The system is designed to be compatible with the systems of other security authorities.

The Finnish Border Guard is initiating the procurement of patrol vehicles and boats with counter-drone capabilities with funding now to be granted. These vehicles and boats will be used in national border security duties, surveillance and protection of territorial integrity and safeguarding of critical infrastructure. The Finnish Border Guard will first procure evaluation versions of the patrol vehicle and boat, their intelligent network solution and a data integration with the management systems. The solutions will be evaluated during year 2027 and the beginning of year 2028. After the evaluations, preparations will be made to procure the patrol vehicle and boat production series. The financing of the procurement will be decided by the next government.

Both the patrol cars and boats will be fitted with same the capabilities, equipment and systems. The solutions will be prepared and supplied by a Finnish–Nordic industrial consortium led by the Finnish Border Guard. The protected patrol boats with counter-drone capabilities will be supplied by Marine Alutech Oy. The equivalent patrol cars will be supplied by Saab AB, and built on the frame of the Sisu GTP. The intelligent network solution will be supplied by Nokia Oyj. The integration of data with the management systems of the Finnish Border Guard and other security authorities will be supplied by the Finnish company 61N Solutions Oy.

The consortium had a joint meeting today, during which the Finnish Border Guard signed a contract with Marine Alutech Oy and a letter of intent with Saab AB and Nokia Oyj. The parties to the letter of intent agreed to aim to enter into a supply contract by the end of 2026. The Finnish Border Guard already has a contract with 61N Solutions Oy.

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The Finnish Border Guard receives 44 million euros for procurement of counter-drone capability

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:35:00 GMT

The Finnish Border Guard is developing its counter-drone capability. In its target state, the system will be based on a fixed surveillance and response system, drone-countering equipment of the patrols, and protected vehicles and boats with counter-drone capabilities to be used nationwide. The system is being designed to be compatible with those of other safety authorities.

The Finnish Border Guard has initiated the procurement of a fixed surveillance and response system for the eastern border and the coast of Finland. The Border Guard is building a fixed system in the principal areas during 2026 with funding now granted. The coverage and drone-countering capability of the system will be developed to the target state during 2027–2029. EU funding of approximately 36 million euros, which is currently being applied for, will also be used for this purpose. The systems of the Border Guard are being designed to be compatible with the systems of the Finnish Defence Forces and the Finnish police.

A mobile, nationwide observation and response capability is an essential part of a national multi-layered counter-drone system. The Finnish Border Guard is initiating the procurement of patrol vehicles and boats with counter-drone capabilities with funding now proposed. Additionally, the Border Guard is accelerating the life cycle update of the operational systems of the offshore patrol vessel Turva. This update includes acquiring more effective counter-drone systems.

The Finnish Border Guard will also be introducing two new offshore patrol vessels with effective drone observation and response capability into operational use during 2026 and 2027.

“The government proposal accelerates the ongoing development of the national counter-drone capability. The Finnish Border Guard is utilising national and EU funding to build a system that significantly increases our ability to effectively observe and counter drones and facilitates inter-authority cooperation and crime investigation. We, together with industry partners, must have high readiness to update our technologies and methods as needs change”, says Major General Jari Tolppanen, Chief of the Technical Division of the Finnish Border Guard Headquarters.

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The Border Museum welcomes visitors in the summer

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:04:00 GMT

You will find summer opening hours and instructions for visitors at Contact information and visitor instructions for the Border Museum | The Border Guard

The Border Museum’s main exhibition, Guardians of Finland – The Border Guard in the heart of border security then and now, has been updated, in other words, there is a lot to see for both new and old museum guests.

The exhibition presents border guard’s work throughout the Border Guard history. We tell about border security and linking phenomena and how they have changed the Border Guard’s operations throughout the years. Moreover, you have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the Border Guard’s aviation personnel as life savers, as well as with the history of war time border troops.

Welcome to the Border Museum!

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The Finnish Border Guard participated in the Clean Sea oil pollution response exercise

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:54:00 GMT

In the exercise scenario, an oil tanker ran aground, which resulted in a 1 500m3 oil spill into the sea, as one of the vessel’s oil containers broke down. During these two days, the participants practised international cooperation for recovering the oil, transferring the recovered oil between vessels (Ship to Ship transfer), as well as into a temporary storage in the harbour (Ship to Shore transfer). To control serious maritime accidents, international cooperation and support from the other coastal states in the Baltic Sea region is vital. These shared exercises further the development of shared operational models and let us gather experience of the methods and capabilities of our neighbouring countries, in order that we are ready for efficient cooperation when it comes to the crunch.

Louhi prepares for transfer of the recovered oil in the harbour.

Offshore patrol vessel Turva prepares for transfer of recovered oil in the harbour.

In total, 11 vessels from Estonia and Finland participated in the exercise. From Finland, the Finnish Border Guard’s offshore patrol vessel Turva, the Finnish Navy’s vessel Louhi, and the contract vessel for oil spill response, Grisslan, participated in the exercise. Furthermore, the Finnish Border Guard’s Dornier surveillance aircraft flew over the exercise area on both days to visually observe how the oil spread. Moreover, also specialists from the Finnish Border Guard took part in the exercise.

Offshore patrol vessel Turva and AG Louhi recover oil at sea using wing booms.

Common situational picture was used and shared in the exercise, using the Finnish Border Guard’s MERT information system. In addition, Finnish maritime pollution response arrangements were presented to the representatives of Estonian Climate Ministry and Estonian National Audit Office.

A group of representatives of Estonian ministries familiarising themselves with the exercise.

In Finland, maritime pollution response is carried out by multiple authorities, such as the Finnish Navy, state enterprises, as well as reference centres. In accordance with the Rescue Act, the Finnish Border Guard takes care of rescue operations in connection to maritime oil and chemical spills in Finnish territorial waters and in Finland’s exclusive economic zone, as well as coordinates readiness for them. The rescue departments of the wellbeing service counties are responsible for response actions along the coast and on the shores. Oil spill response volunteers participate in the cleaning of shores and oiled animals.

More information: media@raja.fi

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Rajamme Vartijat 1/2026 celebrates the one hundred years of Border Guard education

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:52:00 GMT

Border Museum Specialist Jani Loijas presents the first stages of Border Guard education in his article. Moreover, the Border and Coast Guard Academy talks about their current operations, as well as of officer’s education. Coast guards’ competence together with maritime safety education complete our situational awareness.

Furthermore, Rajamme Vartijat also presents today’s conscript training, as well as border guard and special forces education. Lapland Border Guard District presents their highly praised introduction programme in an article.

To continue, Petri Nevalainen sheds light to the implementation of our new physical performance programme – this is how the Border Guard furthers the capability and wellbeing of its employees. Finally, you can get to know the Border Guard of the Year 2025, First Lieutenant Sami Lappi.

Rajamme Vartijat, published twice a year, is the Border Guard’s own magazines discussing actual topics. We tell about our work at the Border Guard and enlighten current phenomena within the Border Guard’s field of operation. The magazine is always first published online.

Rajamme Vartijat magazine’s main articles are also published in English:

The early stages of training in the Finnish Border Guard
Special intervention units trust research data and intense training
Preparedness officer – coordinator of information and surprises

Open the magazine as PDF file.
Previous Rajamme Vartijat magazines are available on Rajamedia website.

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EMSA aircraft supports maritime situational awareness during the summer

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:36:00 GMT

EMSA's unmanned aircraft, RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), supports the Finnish Border Guard in maritime coast guard functions. Coast guard functions are a European broad concept that includes border control in the maritime area, maritime safety, maritime security, maritime search and rescue, fisheries control, customs control, law enforcement at sea and protection of the marine environment. The surveillance and performance of the unmanned aircraft system is utilized either by the Finnish Border Guard directly or in support of other authorities.

The focus of the operations is on the aforementioned coast guard operations in the Northern Baltic Sea, mainly outside the archipelago. The Coast Guards plan flights as part of their own operational activities. The Command Centre of Western Finland Coast Guard manages the flights carried out in Finnish airspace. The flights are carried out from June until autumn.

– Unmanned aviation has been part of the Border Guard's operations for several years. An RPAS of this size also offers a wide operating range on the open sea and improves our situational picture of the maritime area. The flights complement our patrolling at sea, which we do with boats, vessels, helicopters and surveillance aircrafts, says border security expert Lt. Commander Pekka Parkkali from the Border Guard's headquarters.

The contract supplier for RPAS flight operations is Airbus Helicopters and the flights are carried out using a Flexrotor aircraft. The remotely piloted aircraft is fixed-wing and can operate in the air for several hours over a wide operating range. The aircraft is a so-called VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) device, meaning it is capable of taking off and landing vertically using a rotor.

The operation improves situational awareness

The objective of the operation is to increase the Border Guard's performance in border and maritime safety and security tasks among other coast guard functions by utilizing EMSA's resources in the Finnish maritime area, coast and archipelago. The operation will help to maintain a better situational understanding of the sea areas. In addition to surveillance tasks, the aim is to uncover, for example, possible illegal oil spills from ships and cross-border crime and, if necessary, to support maritime rescue tasks.
In addition to Finland, Estonia and Latvia will participate in this year's operation. The RPAS system base is located in Estonia, on Saaremaa, from where take-off and landing will take place. A base has been established in Finland, which also enables operations in the Archipelago Sea area.

Flexrotor:

Wingspan 3 m
Length 2 m
Maximum takeoff weight approx. 28 kg
Flight time over 10 hours
Flight altitude approx. 1-3 km

The aircraft deployed by the EMSA to the Baltic Sea is a fixed-wing aircraft. It monitors the maritime situation and transmits near-real-time situational information to authorities in the Baltic Sea region.

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