Abstract
Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) keep a close watch on shipping activities in waters under Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). All commercial ships entering the EEZ is obliged to send a sailing plan to NCA describing the planned voyage, port calls and eventually any dangerous goods carried onboard. This information is processed by the land-based Vessel Traffic Centres. One of the centres, located in Vardø (Northern Norway) is responsible for tracking the vessel and act if they observe deviations from the specified sailing plan for vessels in the Norwegian EEZ. If deviations may lead to critical situations, the NCA can, in lack of adequate response from the shipowner, initiate an emergency towing operation to prevent a vessel from capsizing or grounding.