Coastguard port

Den Helder plays a key role in the prevention and control of disasters on the North Sea. To this end, the Den Helder Coastguard Operational Centre operates as central control, information and coordination post, as well as acting as the national maritime and aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC). This operational command centre is crewed day and night.

Alongside a range of coastguard vessels, Den Helder is also base of operations for the emergency towing vessel Waker.

In dealing with disasters at sea, the Coastguard can also call in the resources operated by the Ministry of Public Works and Water Management, and the Royal Netherlands Navy, including various ships and SAR helicopters, and the rescue craft of the KNRM, the Royal Netherlands Lifeboat Institution. During rescue activities, the call sign is Den Helder Rescue, and for all other messages Netherlands Coastguard.

Lynx helikopter