MSC 69/3/1
ANNEX
4.8.4 If a search and rescue operation on-scene becomes impracticable and the rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre concludes that survivors might still be alive, the centre may temporarily suspend the on-scene activities pending further developments, and shall promptly so inform any authority, facility or service which has been activated or notified. Information subsequently received shall be evaluated and search and rescue operations resumed when justified on the basis of such information.
CHAPTER 5
SHIP REPORTING SYSTEMS
5.1 General
5.1.1 Ship reporting systems may be established either individually by Parties or in co-operation with other States where this is considered necessary, to facilitate search and rescue operations.
5.1.2 Parties contemplating the institution of a ship reporting system should take account of the relevant recommendations of the Organization. Parties should also consider whether existing reporting systems or other sources of ship position data can provide adequate information for the region, and seek to minimize unnecessary additional reports by ships, or the need for rescue co-ordination centres to check with multiple reporting systems to determine availability of ships to assist with search and rescue operations.
5.1.3 The ship reporting system should provide up-to-date information on the movements of vessels in order, in the event of a distress incident, to:
.1 reduce the interval between the loss of contact with a vessel and the initiation of search and rescue operations in cases where no distress signal has been received;
.2 permit rapid identification of vessels which may be called upon to provide assistance;
.3 permit delineation of a search area of limited size in case the position of the persons, a vessel, or other craft in distress is unknown or uncertain; and
.4 facilitate the provision of urgent medical assistance or advice.
5.2 Operational requirements
5.2.1 Ship reporting systems should satisfy the following requirements:
.1 provision of information, including sailing plans and position reports, which would make it possible to determin the current and future positions of participating vessels;
.2 maintenance of a shipping plot;
.3 receipt of reports at appropriate intervals from participating vessel;
.4 simpliclty in system design and operation and
