As more public and private resources were made available for search and rescue missions, problems with coordination became evident.

This resulted in the creation of two JRCCs, a rescue sub-center at each police district and the establishment of the 330 Squadron of Westland Sea King helicopters in 1973.

[1] JRCC SN is organized as government agency subordinate to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, and is based in Sola.

To the north lies the responsibility of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of Northern Norway, based in Bodø.

[2] The JRCC SN's geographic borders towards neighboring countries roughly corresponds to that of Norway's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and flight information region.

The chief of police is contacted in case of major incidents, and he can choose to call in a rescue leadership group consisting of representatives from the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Avinor's air traffic control, Stavanger Health Trust and Telenor Maritime Radio.

[6] "Search and rescue service" is a judicially defined term in Norway, which specifically applies to an immediate response to saving people from death and injury.

[8] JRCC SN is prepared to handle situations related to land, sea and air, operations tied to offshore constructions and missions requiring international cooperation.

The JRCCs take over control in situation at sea, by aircraft and at offshore installations, as well as for instances which require international cooperation and prolonged operations.

The JRCC may appoint an on-scene coordinator for a search, typically a navy or coast guard vessel.

[15] The Coastal Administration, the Climate and Pollution Agency and the Directorate of Fisheries operate a fleet of vessels along the coast.

The largest Nordkapp and Barentshav class offshore patrol vessels are capable of carrying maritime helicopters.