MSC 69/3/1
ANNEX
.3 after the declaration of the distress phase, the centre co-ordinating the search and rescue operations shall, as appropriate, inform other centres of all the circumstances of the emergency and of all subsequent developments.
4.5.5 Passing information to persons, vessels, or other craft for which an emergency phase has been declared
Whenever possible, the rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre responsible for search and rescue operations shall forward to the persons, vessel or other craft for which an emergency phase has been declared, information on the search and rescue operations it has initiated.
4.6 Co-ordination when two or more Parties are involved
For search and rescue operations involving more than one Party, each Party shall take appropriate action in accordance with the plans of operation referred to in paragraph 4.1 when so requested by the rescue co-ordination centre of the region.
4.7 On-scene co-ordination of search and rescue activities
4.7.1 The activities of search and rescue units and other facilities engaged in search and rescue operations shall be co-ordinated on-scene to ensure t he most effective results.
4.7.2 When multiple facilities are about to engage in search and rescue operations, and the rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre considers it necessary, the most capable person should be designated as on-scene co-ordinator as early as practicable and preferably before the facilities arrive within the specified area of operation. Specific responsibilities shall be assigned to the on scene co-ordinator taking into account the apparent capabilities of the on scene co-ordinator and operational requirements.
4 7.3 If there is no responsible rescue co-ordination centre or, for any reason, the responsible rescue co-ordination centre is unable to co-ordinate the search and rescue mission, the facilities involved should designate an on-scene co-ordinator by mutual agreement.
4.8 Termination and suspension of search and rescue operations
4.8.1 Search and rescue operations shall continue, when practicable, until all reasonable hope of rescuing survivors has passed.
4.8.2 The responsible rescue co-ordination center or rescue sub-center concemed shall normally decide When to discontinue search and rescue operations. If no such centre is involved in co-ordinating the operations, the on scene co-ordinator may take this decision.
4.8.3 When a rescue co-ordimation center or rescue sub-centre considers, on the basis of reliable information that a search and rescue operation has been successful, or that the emergency no longer exists, it shall terminate the search and rescue operation and promptly so inform any authority, facility or service which has been activated or notified.
