7.2.2 IFLPA presented a working paper wherein it was proposed that the early introduction of 406 MHz ELTs providing location data through e.g. GNSS capability would provide for a more effective search and rescue service. Also, it was remarked that the present system using 121.5 MHz was not sufficient in areas over Africa, Sudan and Saudi Arabia. The meeting was informed by COSPAS-SARSAT that Saudi Arabia had installed two LUTs in Jeddah and that it was anticipated that they would be associated with the COSPAS-SARSAT system shortly. In addition, a LUT was being installed in South Africa, expected to become operational in early 1999.
7.2.3 Information was provided by COSPAS-SARSAT that the low-altitude earth orbit (LED) SAR satellite system had been in operation since 1982 and that it had assisted in the rescue of over 8600 persons in distress to the end of 1997. At present the system consisted of six satellites in polar orbit, 35 local user terminals (LUTs) and 21 mission control centres (MCCs) established by 20 participating countries and two Organizations. COSPAS-SARSAT was also in the process of experimenting with a geostationary (GEO) complement to the LEOSAR system with 406 MHz repeaters on board three geostationary satellites (and one spare). A demonstration and evaluation phase was carried out from July 1996 to February 1998 to analyze the performance of the 406 MHz GEOSAR system and demonstrate to SAR services the operational enhancements provided by the GEOSAR real time alerting capability. The JWG noted the information provided.
8. Agenda Item 8 - SAR personnel staffing and training
8.1 A working paper was presented which introduced a GMDSS Coast Station Operators Course (CSOC) (see Appendix L). The broad concept of the course was to shadow the commercial General Operators Certificate where it was appropriate to do so, and to introduce a dimension of training which was more relevant to MRCC/MRSC personnel and the co-ordination of SAR. It was agreed that the material was very useful and that it should be presented to COMSAR 4, as amended in light of the discussions; proposals to be provided by members of the group. The JWG agreed to the following recommendation.
Recommendation 6/17 - Development of a rescue centre Operators Certificate
That, the material presented at Appendix L, updated as necessary, be presented to COMSAR/4 for approval.
8.2 A working paper was presented wherein the training requirements for SAR duty officers/SAR mission coordinators in RCCs and RSCs was discussed. Guidance was provided for training from the basic introductory level to the more advanced principles and procedures required for a SMC. While it was recognized that States would have varying standards, and requirements, for the entry level of SAR personnel into their SAR system, it was believed that a SAM service could provide training to students with no previous experience and that recruitment programmes could be adapted to ensure that the correct level of skills and experience was ensured.
8.2.1 A job analysis for marine SAR controllers had been conducted in Canada and was presented in a working paper to the JWG. It was noted that SAR Raining had been changing drastically over the last ten years. The training had focused more towards skill development for the persons that must perform the tasks. With the job analysis completed, the development of courses with lesson plans was considered an easy task.
8.2.2 A syllabus for SAR officer (aviation) operational training was presented in which the competency based approach had been used. Training packages consisted of three endorsable components; the qualifications framework; the units of competency; and the assessment guidelines. The JWG considered the three papers which were considered to be complementary and which could form the basis for model courses to be developed. The JWG therefore requested Messrs. John Wynn, Ron Miller and David McBrien to combine the three papers and present a proposal to JWG/7.
