The head of the Kymenlaakso rescue department, Juhani Carlson, has stated that official operations cannot rely on volunteerism, yet current oil spill prevention efforts in the Gulf of Finland partially do. This reliance stems from a private foundation providing financial support for governmental activities in the region. The funding addresses a gap in resources for oil spill preparedness and response. Carlson’s statement highlights a systemic issue where essential public safety functions are being supplemented by private entities. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability and accountability of such arrangements. The situation underscores the need for consistent and dedicated public funding for critical emergency services, particularly in sensitive areas like the Gulf of Finland. The dependence on private funding is considered a partial solution to a larger problem of insufficient resources.