MSC 69/3/1
ANNEX
.2 Alert phase:
.2.1 when, following the uncertainty phase, attempts to establish contact with persons, a vessel or other craft have failed and inquiries addressed to other appropriate sources have been unsuccessful; or
.2.2 when information has been received indicating that the operating efficiency of a vessel or other craft is impaired, but not to the extent that a distress situation is likely.
.3 Distress phase:
.3.1 when positive information is received that a person, vessel, or other craft is in danger and in need of immediate assistance; or
.3.2 when, following the aiert phase, further unsuccessful attempts to establish contact with the person, vessel or craft and more widespread unsuccessful inquiries point to the probability that a distress situation exists; or
.3.3 when Information is recelved which indicates that the operating efficiency of a vessel or other craft has been impaired to the extent that a distress situation is likely.
4.5 Procedures to be followed by rescue co-ordination centres and rescue sub-centres during emergency phases
4.5.1 Upon the declaration of the uncertainty phase, the rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre, as appropriate, shall initiate inquiries to determine the safety of the persons, vessel or other craft. or shall declare the alert phase.
4.5.2 Upon the declaration of the alert phase, the rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre, as appropriate, shall extend the inquiries for the missing persons, vessel or other craft, alert appropriate search and rescue services and initiate such action, as is necessary in the light of the circumstances of the particular case.
4.5.3 Upon the declaration of the distress phase, the rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre, as appropriate, shall proceed as prescribed in its plans of operation, as required by paragraph 4.1.
4.5.4 Initiation of search and rescue operations when the position of the search object is unknown.
In the event of an emergency phase being declared for a search object whose position is unknown, the following shall apply:
.1 when an emergency phase exists, a rescue co-ordmation centre or rescue sub-centre shall, unless it is aware that other centres are taking action, assume responsibility for initiating suitable action and confer with other centres with the objective of designating one centre to assume responsibility,
.2 unless otherwise decided by agreement between the centres concemed, the centre to be designated shall be the centre responsible for the area in whicn the search object was according to its last reported position; and
