Vakthold

Vakthold is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to denote a period of surveillance or guard duty during which personnel are assigned to monitor, respond to events, and maintain safety or security. The word combines elements meaning watch or guard (vagt or vak) and a period of duty or shift (hold, in the sense of a roster or commitment). In practice, vakthold refers to the organized assignment of staff to continuous coverage or specific monitoring tasks.

The concept appears across many sectors, including law enforcement, corrections, healthcare, industry, and maritime operations. In police stations, prisons, hospitals, and security services, vakthold outlines who is on duty, what duties are expected, and the timeframe of the shift. In maritime contexts, vakthold describes watchkeeping on board vessels, where crew members are allocated to watches to ensure navigation, safety, and communication.

Scheduling and structure are typical features of vakthold. It is usually organized as part of shift work or a duty roster, with rotations that aim to provide around-the-clock or targeted coverage. Responsibilities during vakthold can include monitoring environments, responding to incidents, recording events, and coordinating with other teams or authorities.

Related terms include vakt (guard or watch), vaktliste or vaktplan (duty roster), and vakthold versus on-call arrangements. The use and exact rules of vakthold can vary by country, organization, and sector, but the core idea remains a planned period during which personnel are assigned to watch, protect, or manage a workload.