Hovedredningssentralen

Hovedredningssentralen, often abbreviated as HRS, is the Norwegian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre. It is responsible for coordinating all maritime and aeronautical rescue operations within Norway's extensive search and rescue (SAR) regions. These regions extend far into the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea, covering a vast area due to Norway's long coastline and its responsibilities for maritime safety.

There are two main Hovedredningssentralen centers, located in Bodø and Stavanger. The Bodø center primarily covers the northern part of Norway, while the Stavanger center handles the southern and western regions. Both centers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, staffed by experienced personnel from the Norwegian Coast Guard, Air Force, and other relevant emergency services.

The primary role of HRS is to receive distress alerts, assess the situation, and deploy the most appropriate rescue resources. This can include aircraft, vessels, helicopters, and specialized rescue teams. They work closely with various agencies, including the police, medical services, and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, to ensure effective and coordinated rescue efforts. HRS also plays a crucial role in maritime traffic control and in responding to environmental emergencies at sea.