On March 21, 1919, following Finland’s declaration of independence, the Government decided to assign border surveillance to military-organized border guard troops under the Ministry of the Interior. The Border Guard evolved into its current structure after the wars, incorporating the Coast Guard and initiating surveillance along Finland’s western and northern borders. Over time, the Border Guard has consistently adapted its composition to meet the demands of its responsibilities and environment.
Finnish Border Guard Special Intervention Unit
In early 1992, the Finnish Border Guard established a National Special Response Division to address potential threats stemming from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since its inception, the operations of the Division have evolved considerably. Currently, the Finnish Border Guard maintains special response teams in both the Southeast Finland Border Guard District and the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District.
The Finnish Border Guard Special Intervention Unit is well-equipped and ready to tackle the most challenging border security tasks across the entire country. Furthermore, the unit stands prepared to assist the police in special circumstances related to internal security, operating under local field or situational command in all scenarios.
Application Process and Requirements
Enlistment in the Special Intervention Unit is voluntary. To qualify for the basic course, applicants must meet several criteria, including:
- Completion of basic border guard training
- Good physical condition
- Ability to perform under pressure
The Role of the Finnish Border Guard in Maritime Search and Rescue
The Finnish Border Guard serves as the foremost authority for maritime search and rescue operations in Finland. Our primary responsibility is to organize these critical efforts, which are managed by the Maritime Rescue Command Centres located in Turku and Helsinki.
Collaborative Efforts
Various authorities and volunteers who operate in maritime and coastal regions also contribute to search and rescue missions. Additionally, pleasure boats as well as commercial and passenger vessels within the sea area can be called upon to assist in these tasks.
It’s important to note that the preservation of property, such as boats or ships, is not included in maritime search and rescue operations. The responsibility for property rescue primarily lies with commercial companies.
Responsibilities of the Finnish Border Guard
The Finnish Border Guard carries out its responsibilities within a designated sea area for maritime search and rescue operations. The boundaries of this area have been defined through collaborative agreements with neighbouring countries, extending into international waters. This arrangement guarantees that every section of the Baltic Sea falls under the jurisdiction of a specific state.
Marine Pollution Response
Marine pollution response involves controlling the spread of oil or chemicals that have been released into the sea and recovering these substances. Environmental harm can occur from fuel spills due to incidents such as ships or boats running aground. However, the most significant damage typically arises from accidents involving oil tankers.
Accidents involving vessels that spill oil and chemicals can have severe repercussions for coastal ecosystems and industries. The most critical impact is the long-term adverse effects on the ecosystem. The Baltic Sea is particularly susceptible to such incidents; its narrow waters cause oil and chemical spills to quickly reach the shore. Therefore, pollution response measures must be initiated immediately. Acting swiftly to minimize environmental damage at sea is the most efficient and cost-effective approach. If the shoreline becomes contaminated from an oil discharge, the resulting damage and associated costs can escalate significantly.
Crime Prevention
Crime prevention is a fundamental role of the Finnish Border Guard. We work to uphold Finland’s internal security through effective crime prevention strategies. Our efforts focus on cybercrime intelligence and preventing criminal activities related to marine multisectoral accidents.
Objectives of Our Crime Prevention Efforts
The primary goal of our crime prevention initiatives is to detect, prevent, and investigate crimes associated with illegal entry, particularly those highlighted by the activities of the Border Guard. Among the most serious forms of cross-border crime are human smuggling and trafficking, as well as facilitating illegal entry into Finland.
Role of the Finnish Border Guard
The Finnish Border Guard is an integral part of the European Border and Coast Guard, which comprises national authorities from member states responsible for border control and return operations, along with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The Finnish Border Guard actively contributes personnel and equipment to the European Border and Coast Guard standing corps, coordinated by Frontex.
Updated, February 2026.
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