Last year, the Swedish Maritime Administration went 600 million kronor into the red after financial net and to resolve the economic crisis and manage this year's budget, the costs must be reduced.
And significantly.
Extended Rescue Time
Two out of five helicopter bases will be closed – and it is expected to affect both defense and sea rescue. Something that worries the Swedish Cruising Association, which is one of the world's largest boat clubs with over 40,000 members.
Totally, there are seven helicopters at five locations today, of which five helicopters are always available. If the Swedish Maritime Administration goes down to three locations, some coastal area will be left without a rescue helicopter. Those who want to replace helicopters with boats often forget the helicopter's unique ability. For example, evacuation in high seas is impossible from boat to boat, says the Swedish Cruising Association's general secretary Fredrik Norén to TT.
Sea rescue helicopters can quickly be on site in the event of incidents, and the time aspect can be crucial in rescue operations.
We are concerned about the extended times that will occur, says Norén.
It will clearly be possible to get a helicopter from another base, but it will likely need to go down and refuel before it can reach the distressed person. We have gotten used to help arriving within 60 minutes in 90 percent of the cases, if the helicopter goes down and refuels, it will likely take an additional 20 to 30 minutes before the helicopter is on site. Time is crucial.
Has Good Dialogue
Fredrik Norén tells that the Swedish Cruising Association was caught off guard by the Swedish Maritime Administration's statement about closing helicopter bases, but that the dialogue with the authority is usually very good.
We have a good dialogue with the management. I perceive it as if this is not something the Swedish Maritime Administration really wants, but rather a way to highlight a problem issue about financing, he says.
The Social Democrats recently went out and said that they demand the government to allocate more money to stop the closure of helicopter bases.
I think one should look at the whole and see what becomes best. Five bases, as it is today, is a minimum, not a ceiling. If necessary, several authorities must cooperate, so that we have a state sea rescue that actually works, says Fredrik Norén.
