5.2 In the IAMSAR Manual it is stated that statistical analysis of programme data is important for documenting the need for a well functioning and efficient SAR system. It is also recommended that a number of specific data should be gathered. Therefore, a paper was presented which included a standard database structure for SAR incident data collection. In the discussion the opinion was voiced that the data field related to "lives saved" and "value of property saved" were subjective and should not be included and that "lives assisted" would be more appropriate. However, it was agreed that the fields should be retained as these data fields also provided a justification for the SAR services and that safeguards could be put in place that would ensure that these data were as objective as possible. The JWG agreed that Part 1, Basic Date, as amended in the discussion, should be presented to COMSAR 4 and formulated the following recommendation.
Recommendation 6/15 - SAR Data Base
That:
a) Part 1 of the basic data field, as presented at Appendix H, be submitted to COMSAR 4 for approval; and
b) Part 2 containing amplifying data fields be further developed and presented to JWG/7.
5.3 A paper was introduced which called for a central alerting post (CAP) for States that had not yet ratified the IMO SAR Convention. It was noted that the provisional maritime global SAR plan had been completed and that States that had not ratified the SAR Convention could have other obligations related to SAR such as the SOLAS Convention and Annex 12. The paper included a draft COMSAR Circular wherein the duties of the proposed CAP were listed. An evolution of the CAP was proposed to be transformation into a maritime RCC or RSC subject to a number of conditions. It was agreed that the concept expressed in the paper was suitable, however, the term "CAP" was not agreed but should be "alerting post for SAR". The draft COMSAR Circular, as amended, is at Appendix I.
Recommendation 6/16 - Alerting post for SAR
That, the draft COMSAR Circular presented at Appendix I be presented to COMSAR/4 for approval.
QUALITY AND IMPROVEMENT
5.4 A paper was presented wherein the question of a formal rating of SAR Mission Co-ordinators was raised. It was suggested that the SAR authority should establish the minimum requirement for obtaining such a rating. In the discussions it was suggested that there were three areas, training, qualification and certification. The proposals were supported by the JWG and members were invited to submit papers on the subject to JWG/7. Ms. Annika Wallengren Lejon was to be the focal point with input to be provided by, inter alia, Messrs. Rick Hardy and Stein Solberg. The initial proposals are at Appendix J*.
*See COMSAR 4/INF.2
