merivartiosto

Merivartiosto, meaning Coast Guard in Finnish, is the maritime safety and border-control authority of Finland. It forms part of the Finnish Border Guard (Rajavartiolaitos), under the Ministry of the Interior, and is responsible for safeguarding Finland's maritime interests in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

Its duties include search and rescue (SAR) operations, maritime safety and security, environmental protection and pollution response, and enforcement of laws related to shipping, vessel safety, fisheries, and border control at sea. It conducts inspections, boarding of ships, and coastwise surveillance to ensure compliance and prevent illegal activities.

The merivartiosto operates a fleet of coast guard vessels and aircraft, supported by regional command stations along the Baltic coast. It cooperates closely with the Finnish Navy, the police, customs, emergency services, and international partners. Through bilateral and multilateral arrangements, it participates in coast guard and SAR operations with neighboring states and EU agencies, and participates in regional arrangements in the Baltic Sea.

The authority operates under national maritime and border legislation and adheres to international conventions such as UNCLOS, SOLAS, MARPOL, and international search and rescue agreements. It serves as a key component of Finland's approach to maritime safety, border security, and environmental protection.