In its present form, the Kystvakt (Norwegian Coast Guard) was formed in 1977 to protect fisheries and offshore resources, monitor the maritime environment and the provide support to other government departments and to the civil authorities within Norwegian waters. In addition to the Coast Guard vessels themselves, aviation resources owned by the Kystvakt but operated by the Luftforsvaret are used. Helicopters (operating from Nordkapp Class cutters), P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft and when needed, leased observation aircraft cover all waters under Norwegian jurisdiction.  The Kystvakt has 3 Nordkapp Class cutters, which operate 3 week long tours of duty on rotation, each displacing around 3200 tonnes: KV Nordkapp (W320), KV Senja (W321) and KV Andenęs (W322). An ice-strengthened ocean patrol ship KV Svalbard is also available for helicopter operations.
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