FVE monitors fishing within the Faroese fishery zone and the marine environment in general, and possesses some equipment for pollution clean up operations, especially oil pollution. FVE cooperates closely with the Danish navy. The FVE has an assisting role in manning MRCC-Tórshavn (Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre). FVE’s headquarters are in Tórshavn, where all administration takes place.

FVE has two guard vessels and a patrol boat. The ships are fully equipped with modern navigational equipment and are specially equipped for rescue and service operations, such as fire, towage and diving. There are always several divers on board the vessels. Apart from the vessels FVE has two helicopters at its disposal (Bell 412 and Bell 212).

The vessels are on duty all year round in the Faroese fishery waters. Occasionally, according to an multilateral agreement, a vessel is dispatched for fishery inspection duties in NAFO (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization) and NEAFC (North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) regulatory area.

MRCC-Tórshavn
Emergency preparedness contingency planning management is divided into three main areas:

·  Air: RCC Reykjavík and RCC Kinloss. RCC (Rescue Co-ordination Centre)
·  Sea: MRCC Tórshavn. MRCC (Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre)
·  Land: Police

Search and rescue in air
Conventions under UN are the basis for planning of search and rescue involving air traffic. RCC Reykjavík and RCC Edinburgh have the responsibility of air rescue services in Faroese territory.

The air rescue centres are responsible for co-ordinating search and rescue with regards to air traffic. The procedures involve the corporation with MRCC Tórshavn, RCC Reykjavík and RCC Kinloss.

Search and rescue at sea
The Faroese Government is responsible for the SAR-service in Faroese waters. MRCC Tórshavn was established 1 April 2002 and operates under the authority of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, and is responsible for providing marine rescue service in Faroese waters.

MRCC Tórshavn co-operates with Search and Rescue Centres in Norway, Denmark, The United Kingdom, Iceland and in Greenland. The co-operation agreements involve management and resources. Conventions under the UN and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are the basis for the structure of MRCC. These structures include management of search and rescue operations, hereunder procedures for co-operation with police, RCC Kinloss and RCC Reykjavík
and for co-operation with other authorities. Tórshavn Radio is organised under Faroese Telecom and provides 24 hours listening with the responsibility for distress, urgency and safety in Faroese Territorial waters.

Search and rescue on land
The police are the co-ordinating management for search and rescue on land. The Chief Constable reports to the Danish Ministry of Justice. The Danish Law of Administration Justice §108 gives the general mandate to the police. The police’s emergency preparedness contingency planning include
procedures for co-operation with MRCC Tórshavn, other authorities and companies.

The police operate a 24 hour-manned alarm centre, (112).

Contact address:
The Faroese Fisheries Inspection /
Faroes Inspection & Rescue Service
Heykavegur 6

PO Box 347

FO-110 Tórshavn

Faroe Islands

tel. + 298 353030
fax + 298 353035
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Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre
MRCC Tórshavn

Tinghúsvegur 64 

PO Box 1150

FO-110 Tórshavn 

Faroe Islands 

tel. + 298 351300 

fax + 298 351301
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www.mrcc.fo