SYKE's officer on duty

SYKE has a 24/7 duty officer for environmental incidents. When an incident has happened, the SYKE's officer on duty:

• represents the Finnish Environment Institute and acts on SYKE authority until otherwise prescribed;
• calls for executive assistance from other authorities;
• dispatches recovery vessels and equipment;
• initiates and co-ordinates and is in charge of recovery efforts and appoints the leader for the response operation;
• acquires other necessary materials or staff;
• is responsible for informing about the incident according to international agreements (e.g. HELCOM) and informing in general;
• requests international assistance;
• initiates required investigations.

When an oil spill is observed at open sea, the report may be given to the nearest Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC/MRSC) via coastal radio, pilot or Coast Guard stations; they will further inform SYKE's officer on duty.