Development of rescue operations in the Gulf of Finland (SE248)
Funded by South-East Finland - Russia ENPI 2007-2013

Objective of the project

The overall objective of the project was to enhance Finnish–Russian cooperation in the Gulf of Finland maritime area and reduce possible transboundary environmental risks through research, development and training of its search and rescue personnel. The project aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and sustainable economic development of the maritime transport system around the Gulf of Finland.

Main activities

- Probabilistic accident survey - Evaluation of expected oil outflow - Risk assessment and recommendation phase - Assessment of winter navigation for safety and SAR evaluation - Ship motion modelling, theoretical and experimental study - Crisis management simulator - Training and marine rescue coordination cooperation - Review of volunteers oil combating train - Guidebook preparation for oil spill related operations - Practical field training

Achievements

The final results of the implemented activities were: 1) The development of a probabilistic oil spill model, which can provide some information as to what accident potential is present in the Gulf of Finland; 2) The training programme including simulation scenarios for vessel traffic service (VTS) operators. This result was achieved in close cooperation with Russian and Finnish VTS authorities; 3) The availability of information and practices for maintaining future voluntary sea rescue training in Kronstadt; 4) The training of volunteer rescuers and university students in Russia and the availability of advanced training methods. More information of the concrete activities and their outcomes can be found at http://www.merikotka.fi/rescop.