2.1 In respect of its dual responsibility as chairman of EAtHC and co-ordinator of NAVAREA II, SHOM is seeking to encourage the countries on the west coast of Africa to develop their hydrographic services, initially by gathering and promulgating nautical information.
3 Special attention should be paid to the introduction of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1988 in the framework of the above-mentioned SOLAS Convention. Its introduction commenced in February 1992 and was completed, theoretically, on 1 February 1999, pursuant to the IMO's resolutions. Since 1 February 1999, all merchant ships covered by the SOLAS Convention must comply with the provisions of chapter IV of the Convention, which defines obligations under the GMDSS.
3.1 On the same date, the States signatories to the SOLAS Convention are required in particular to provide the radio communication services necessary for the broadcasting of maritime safety information, including navigational warnings, by adopting either the NAVTEX earth system, which involves the installation of specific transmitters, or the SafetyNET satellite system, which uses Inmarsat satellites. A reminder of these obligations and the proposal for the possible introduction of transitional arrangements to allow the broadcasting of coastal navigational warnings through the area co-ordinator was contained in a circular letter addressed to SHOM's known correspondents.
3.2 The obligations of coastal states are also recalled in circular 116/006/001/07 of the IMO' NAVTEX co-ordination group of 30 June 1998. Only Morocco has confirmed its intention to install a NAVTEX station in Casablanca, but has not stated the date when the service is expected to start.
3.3 Action has also been taken bough French ambassadors in the countries concerned.
4 SHOM hopes to take advantage of the fourth session of the COMSAR Sub-Committee to draw the attention of the States concerned again to the actions that need to be taken.
4.1 A first specific measure could be to provide SHOM as soon as possible with the information requested in the above-mentioned circular, in particular confirming or identifying the body responsible for acting as national co-ordinator for the collection and promulgation of nautical information and the plans for the introduction of the GMDSS system.
4.2 A second measure, for countries which have not yet done so, could be to become associate members of EAtHC. This body will be holding its next meeting in October 1999 in Douala (Cameroon) on the occasion of a conference on regional cooperation on hydrography, navigational aids and other services necessary to safety of navigation in West Africa. The conference is being sponsored by the IMO and IHO, and the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (AISM/IALA), the International Association of Ports and Harbors and the Association of Port Authorities in West and Central Africa.
Action requested of the Sub-Committee
5 The Sub-Committee is invited to take note of the information contained in this document, and to take all possible steps to support the action undertaken by the French hydrographic service, such as requesting the Secretary-General of the Organization to write a letter to the States concerned.
