Northern Sea Rescuers

Navigating digital transformation sometimes feels like sailing through rough waters. And sometimes, you get soaked. They call that learning—assuming nothing worse happens beyond the drenching.

This year, we’ve sailed through storms and fair weather alike, docking safely in port countless times—sometimes a little damp.

A huge thank you to the incredible people at our customer organizations for these adventures.

During these tough times we’ve lived through, we’ve been privileged to be part of the journey, with no shortage of work. After this year’s expeditions, we’re stronger than ever, ready to help with digital leaps and new adventures. Thank you.

As I write this, the thermometer is deep in the minuses, and off the coast of Oulu, the weather and ice cover are slowly shifting—soon, getting wet won’t be a concern. The winter darkness will give way, the sun will warm us again, and the northern waters will call once more.

In Kiviniemi Harbor, the northern sea rescuers stand ready. They spring into action when the risk of getting wet isn’t just about learning something new. To support their invaluable volunteer work, we donated our customers’ Christmas gift to them. Read more about the story of the northern sea rescuers and Jyrki Stranius’s thoughts.

With the introduction of the Kiviniemi Sea Rescue Association, we wish you a peaceful Christmas and fantastic adventure weather for the coming year.

Jyrki Stranius / Kiviniemi Sea Rescue Association:

Openness, Professionalism, and Respect in Volunteer Sea Rescue Work

The Kiviniemi Sea Rescue Association is part of the Finnish Lifeboat Institution’s nationwide network, which includes nearly 60 local associations from Hanko to Inari. The Finnish Lifeboat Institution operates on a volunteer basis and handles about one-third of all rescue and assistance operations in Finnish waters annually. The Kiviniemi Sea Rescue Association is a vital part of the Oulu region’s maritime rescue system and an indispensable partner for local authorities.

Even though our work is based on voluntarism, our tasks often parallel those of official authorities, setting high standards for quality and safety. Our three core values—Openness, Professionalism, and Respect—guide everything we do, from training to demanding rescue missions.

Moving Forward with an Open Mind

For us, Openness is not just a word—it’s a way of operating. It means transparency among volunteers, as well as in our cooperation with authorities and local communities. Sharing knowledge and experiences openly builds trust and helps us improve our operations. This principle is the foundation of the trust that our volunteer work requires to succeed.  

A Professional Attitude in the Spirit of Voluntarism

Volunteering does not mean compromising on quality. Our work demands careful preparation and the ability to operate safely and efficiently—even in extreme conditions. That’s why Professionalism is one of our most important values, visible in every detail of our operations, from pre-departure checks of rescue vessels to executing rescue missions.

Professionalism is a promise that our expertise remains at a high level—especially when help is needed quickly and under challenging conditions. It is extremely important to us that all our volunteers feel prepared to face even the most demanding situations that can arise in sea rescue operations.

New Dimensions of Digitalization

Technology has made our rescue work safer and more efficient. Advanced navigation systems, real-time reporting tools, operational management, and up-to-date weather and water level data support our rescue efforts.

However, using these tools requires significant expertise. While modern equipment enhances safety and precision, human skills and teamwork remain at the heart of our operations.

Training and Education, Come Rain or Shine

Every member of our volunteer crew is committed to continuous learning and skill development. Year-round training ensures that we are always ready to help.

Digitalization has enabled more diverse and effective learning through simulations and remote training. With simulators, we can replicate various conditions and scenarios, practicing rescue missions without waiting for favorable weather. This allows us to maintain and develop our readiness safely, regardless of external conditions, so we are prepared when reality strikes.

The Human Core of Rescue Work

While technology makes our operations more efficient, the most important element remains human contribution. Respect—for every volunteer, partner, and person in need—is the cornerstone of our work.

In our demanding rescue missions, expertise matters, but so does a genuine desire to help. Every time our boat leaves the dock, we know we might face a critical rescue operation where lives are at immediate risk. This brings our crew great responsibility but also immense motivation to do our best.

Toward New Waves

As Christmas approaches, we, too, take a moment to breathe. In January, we’ll begin planning the next season, followed by weekly training to maintain and expand our skills.

The Kiviniemi Sea Rescue Association will continue developing its operations, but our core values—Openness, Professionalism, and Respect—remain unchanged. Thank you to all volunteers, supporters, and those who stand with us in spirit, making our vital work possible. Together, we ensure that the Kiviniemi Sea Rescue Association’s efforts continue to bear fruit in the future.

Follow us on the digital waves—find us on social media at @sarkiviniemi.

The author is the Chair of the Kiviniemi Sea Rescue Association

— and a sea rescuer.