The Norwegian Coast Guard is an element of the Royal Norwegian Navy and under military command and control. This is an organizational form not often found in western navies, but for Norway, it provides synergies both with respect to operational matters and economy. The primary mission is to maintain Norwegian sovereignty and sovereign rights and enforce applicable laws in accordance with the Coast Guard Act, in order to secure Norway`s interests and obligations as a costal state.
The Coast Guard operates 15 vessels. The vessels are a mixture of offshore and arctic capable patrol vessels and costal patrol vessels. Four vessels can carry helicopter for embarked operations. One vessel is an icebreaker (PC 3). The Coast Guard Training Centre in Bergen is responsible for the education of personnel serving on board the fleet and at the Coast Guard Head Quarter.