The number of SAR (search and rescue) operations carried out annually by the Sysselmannen and Red Cross has increased to 60-80. Less carefull planning, potentially due to the availability of modern communication technology (satellite phone etc) may have contributed to this development.
Non-residents are obliged to apply for permission for visits to most parts of Svalbard. Insurance cover for potential SAR costs is compulsory to obtain any permission. In practice, the Sysselmannen has, so far, usually not claimed costs back from the rescued person(s). As the costs have increased with the number of operations, the bill from now on not be paid anymore by the Norwegian tax payer, but by those responsible for the operation. This has, in theory, already been the case, but it has usually not been applied, a practice that has now been announced to be changed. Most SAR operations involve helicopter flights, which quickly involves a bill of 100.000 NOK (currently ca 12.700 Euro) or more.
This applies for any trips that require permission and insurance. Where this does not apply, that is for tourists within administration area 10 (Nordenskiöld Land, Dickson Land, Brøggerhalvøya), the rescued person(s) will also in the future have to carry the costs only in cases of gross carelessness.
This and other publishing products of the Spitsbergen publishing house in the Spitsbergen-Shop.
Norwegens arktischer Norden (1): Spitzbergen
Photobook: Norway's arctic islands. The text in this book is German. [shop url="https://shop.spitzbergen.de/en/polar-books/70-norwegens-arktischer-norden-1-aerial-arctic-9783937903262.html"] ← Back
Lofoten, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen from the air - Photobook: Norway's arctic islands. The text in this book is German, but there is very little text, so I am sure that you will enjoy it regardless which languages you read (or not).
The companion book for the Svalbardhytter poster. The poster visualises the diversity of Spitsbergen‘s huts and their stories in a range of Arctic landscapes. The book tells the stories of the huts in three languages.
Comprehensive guidebook about Spitsbergen. Background (wildlife, plants, geology, history etc.), practical information including travelling seasons, how to travel, description of settlements, routes and regions.
Join an exciting journey with dog, skis and tent through the wintery wastes of East Greenland! We were five guys and a dog when we started in Ittoqqortoormiit, the northernmost one of two settlements on Greenland’s east coast.
12 postcards which come in a beautifully designed tray. Beautiful images from South Georgia across Antarctica from the Antarctic Peninsula to the Ross Sea and up to Macquarie Island and Campbell Island.