hätäsukellusta

hätäsukellusta, Finnish for emergency diving, refers to underwater operations conducted to locate, rescue, or recover persons or objects in distress. The activity is typically performed by trained personnel such as lifeguards, coast guard, and specialized rescue teams, but also by civilians with certified emergency diver qualifications in regions where such skills are promoted.

The primary purpose of hätäsukellusta is to recover victims of maritime accidents, search for missing persons in swimming or boating incidents, and retrieve lost or occupied objects that present hazards to public safety. Because six or more incidents per year in Finland have been attributed to delayed or unsuccessful underwater recoveries, the practice has gained prominence since the early 2000s. Emergency divers are trained in rapid decompression, victim support, and safe extraction, and they regularly carry surface supply lines and recovery equipment.

Equipment for hätäsukellusta is specifically designed for speed and reliability. Standard gear includes a rebreather or mainsuit with a closed-circuit system, a snorkel line or ballast weight system, a personal locator beacon, and a recovery winch or rope. In addition, emergency divers carry a medical kit, waterproof communication devices, and a rescue ring to secure victims.

Regulation of emergency diving in Finland is governed by the Finnish Maritime Administration and the Finnish Rescue Society. Divers must complete certification courses that combine theoretical knowledge with practical drills that simulate real‑world emergency scenarios. Currently, a national registry of certified emergency divers is maintained to facilitate rapid deployment during incidents.