Abstract
The rising level of industrial activity in the Barents Sea region will result in more SAR operations. Oil and gas companies develop their own emergency response organizations in order to obtain the governmental permits required to operate. Where commercial shipping and fisheries are concerned, emergency response operations will depend on the availability of governmental resources and vessels of opportunity when an accident occurs. Low sea and air temperatures require rapid response in the event of a maritime emergency. Transit speed of rescue units, improved search technology and improved technology for transfer of personnel from lifesaving appliances to rescue units all affect the probability of survival of personnel involved in a maritime emergency in the Barents Sea region
