5.5 The question of SAR audits and assessments was raised in a paper and it was noted that, the introduction of a quality concept to SAR services implied that one should continuously evaluate the system and lean from experience. The group noted that the subject was addressed in the IAMSAR Manual, Volume 1, Appendix H, regarding National self-assessment on SAR. The JWG noted the paper and invited members to provide further information to JWG/7, based on JWG/6-WP/26 and Appendix H to Volume 1 of the IAMSAR Manual. Criteria for assessment at a unit level should also be included.
5.6 The subject of reporting on the performance of the SAR system was addressed and it was suggested that this should address the total system. It was noted that Volume 1 of the IAMSAR Manual contained general, generic information on the subject. It was agreed that the proposal as contained in JWG/6-WP/28 should be made less detailed and that it could be further developed. A debriefing report was suggested to be a suitable solution. Lead on the work would be taken by Ms. Annika Wallengren Lejon.
6. Agenda Item 6 - RCC/RSC equipment and facility designations and standards
6.1 No papers were submitted under this Agenda Item. However, the JWG discussed how the internet could be effectively used by RCCs. It was agreed that it could be used for administrative messages while operational use was debatable. Use of the internet for exchange of e-mail messages was also discussed and it was proposed that all RCCs should publish their e-mail addresses. Lt. Col. Roark and Capt. Chan would submit papers on the subject to the next meeting of the JWG.
6.2 Information was provided about the maritime automatic identification system (AIS) which had been adopted by the MSC. AIS operated with transponders transmitting the position of the vessel on VHF and that position would then also be displayed in all participating vessels. It was intended that this system could also be used for collision avoidance. The United Kingdom also had a VHF transponder capability in United Kingdom waters.
7. Agenda Item 7 - SAR communications
7.1 The meeting was informed that a MSC Resolution had been approved which required SOLAS ships to maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 until 1 February 2005.
7.2 Information was provided regarding the replies by Denmarc and the United States relating to ICAO State Letter AN 15/12-98/41 which contained proposals for the mandatory carriage of 406 MHz ELTs as well as a query regarding discontinuation of satellite processing of the 121.5 MHz signal. In this context the JW/G was informed of other replies to the State letter and that several replies had indicated that it would be appropriate to delay implementation of 406 MHz ELTs to 2005 and the discontinuation of satellite processing of 121.5 MHz signals to 2008. The opinion was expressed that hundreds of thousands of people were flying in these aircraft and the SAR community was concerned as the risks would remain the longer it took to make the change to 406 MHz. Consequently, the Joint Working Group expressed its support for the dates proposed by the ICAO Air Navigation Commission and was of the opinion that mandatory carriage of ELTs operating on 406 MHz (and 1215 MHz for homing) as well as discontinuation of satellite processing of 121.5 MHz signals should be implemented as soon as possible.
7.2.1 A working paper was submitted in which a plan for implementation of the 406 MHz ELT was discussed and it was proposed that the time-scale would need to be adjusted for the reason that the equipage of 406 MHz ELTs could possibly not be achieved by 1 January 2002. A generic list of aviation and maritime actions which were considered necessary to achieve implementation of 406 MHz beacons is at Appendix K.
