The Coast Guard Museum, a collaboration between the Finnish Border Guard and Kymenlaakso Museum, presents the history of coast guards from the prohibition era of the 1930s to the present day. The newly revamped exhibition will open in April 2025, marking the 95th anniversary of the coast guard.
Coast guards are versatile professionals. Their responsibilities include monitoring Finland’s maritime borders and seafarers, conducting border inspections, investigating and combating crime, as well as managing maritime rescue operations and addressing environmental hazards at sea.
The exhibition offers insights into the multifaceted work of the coast guards on patrol vessels, at stations, in ports and at airports. Visitors can experience a rescue operation simulation, witnessing how a coast guard rescue helicopter retrieves a person in distress from the sea. Interactive elements allow visitors to immerse themselves in the daily routines of coast guards. For instance, one can jump into a hydrocopter or use a simulator to search for a person overboard.
Also featured are historic aircraft and vessels that supported coast guards from the air and sea, including the Sääski II and DHC-2 Beaver surveillance aircraft and the VMV 11 patrol boat.
Photo: The Coast Guard Museum