The Joint Rescue Coordination Centres (JRCC)  have the main responsibility for search and rescue in Norway and in Norwegian waters. The coordination of operations is handled either directly through one of the two JRCCs in Bodø and Sola outside of Stavanger, or through one of the 28 local rescue centrals.

The area of responsibility is shared between JRCC Northern Norway and JRCC Souther Norway at 65 degrees north.

Notification of accidents is given to emergency number 112 which is then connected to the nearest police authority.