Merivartio

Merivartio is the Finnish term for the coast guard, referring to the maritime safety and security functions carried out within Finland’s border- and coast-guard system. In practice, the coast guard is part of the Finnish Border Guard (Rajavartiolaitos) and operates to safeguard Finland’s seas, including the territorial sea and the exclusive economic zone, as well as critical maritime infrastructure and environmental protection.

Key duties include search and rescue (SAR) operations, navigational safety, vessel traffic monitoring and regulation, port and border security at sea, and enforcement of maritime, fisheries, and border laws. The merivartio conducts inspections, responds to environmental incidents such as oil spills, and can exercise police-like powers at sea within its mandate to ensure maritime order and safety.

Organizationally, merivartio functions are carried out by regional and coastal units that operate patrol vessels, aircraft (including helicopters), and advanced surveillance systems. Personnel coordinate with other authorities, notably the police and border-control agencies, for integrated maritime governance and law enforcement.

Internationally, the Finnish coast guard collaborates with neighboring countries and EU agencies. It participates in joint search and rescue arrangements, information-sharing networks, and interoperability initiatives with organizations such as EMSA and Frontex, as well as bilateral coast guard relationships in the region.

Etymology and usage: merivartio combines the Finnish words for sea (meri) and watch/guard (vartio). The term emphasizes the guard-like monitoring and protection role at sea within Finland’s broader security framework.