Preparation

Below is a short list of adaptations to your boat and preparation tips that will make your cruise of Norway more enjoyable.

See the chapters on anchoring and docking (tying up) and electricity and cooking gas for more preparation tips.

Spare Parts

List of boatyards and boat storage facilities

Through maintenance facilities for sailboats are limited, particularly in the north, there are fishing boat facilities everywhere that can be utilised for repairs with a little bit of ingenuity and if you carry a good selection of spare parts. Due to the cost of parts, shipping and customs, we advise to stock up before leaving for Norway.

Reliable Heater

The night, and sometimes the day, can get quite chilly in north Norway, even in summer. At times the night can be chilly even in the south. A reliable heater will make your cruise that much more enjoyable.

Reliable Engine

A reliable engine is a must for north Norway, as steady sailing winds can be very elusive, and when traveling in the sheltered passages and fjords, what wind there is will often be funnelled directly from ahead or astern.

Reliable Autopilot

A reliable autopilot will give you and your crew a break from the monotony of steering when it is necessary to travel long days with the engine running.

Redningsselskapet

The Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (NSSR) was founded in 1891 with a goal to save life and property at sea and to offer accident prevention guidelines and courses. The rescue vessel crew also perform other important but less critical tasks such as towing and assistance when in harbour in case of a mechanical breakdown.

Unless you are a member, any towing or other rescue work that Redningsseldkapet does for you will be at your cost. Joining after a rescue to avoid paying the towing bill is not an option, as one contributor found out to his dismay!

At the time of writing Redningselskapet will not be able to readily accept foreign payments as a new administration system requires a Norwegian bank account for registering new members. They are working to correct this. To join Redningselskapet call or email to see if a work-around can be achieved.

To request emergency assistance while in Norway from Redningsselskapet:
VHF channel 16 or mobile phone 120 or 112.
To request non-emergency assistance from Redningsselskapet while in Norway:
VHF working channel or phone +47 98 70 67 57.

If Redningselskapet will not accept your application for membership we suggest you consider becoming a member of the Swedish sister organisation, Svenska Sjöräddningsselskapet. There is an agreement between Scandinavian sea rescue organisations so that membership in Svenska Sjöräddningsselskapet will cover comparable assistance provided by Redningselskapet.

To join Svenska Sjöräddningsselskapet will require a wire transfer.