SUB-COMMITTEE ON
RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS AND SEARCH
AND RESCUE
4th session
Agenda item 8
COMSAR 4/8/7
12 April 1999
Original: ENGLISH
MATTERS CONCERNING SEARCH AND RESCUE, INCLUDING THOSE RELATED TO THE 1979 SAR CONFERENCE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE GMDSS
Mutual responsibility and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979
Note by Australia
SUMMARY
Executive summary: Race organisers share the responsibility for vessel safety.
Action to be taken: Paragraph 7
Related documents: The 1979 International Convention on Maritime SAR and amendments
Introduction
1 The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979 applies to all persons in distress at sea. Parties to the Convention 'shall ensure that assistance be provided to any person in distress at sea. They shall do so regardless of the nationality or the status of such a person or the circumstances in which that person is found' (2.1.10).
Yacht races and other activities involving high risk
2 In recent years there has been an increase in the number of 'around-the-world' yacht races and balloon flights resulting in the need for rescue. Many of these events involve vessels which are designed for mains performance rather than for safety. Yacht races which seek the shortest and fastest route use tracks which run deep into the southern oceans. These regions are a significant challenge for any country's SAM resources.
Mutual Obligations
3 It is Australia's view that organisers of such events have a responsibility to closely liaise with the SAR agencies of the search and rescue regions (SRRs) through which their event will transit. The planned track and associated waypoints should give weight to the available SAR resources. Wherever possible the event should be staged to allow for rescue by other vessels in the same event. Where this is not possible, such as non-stop races, the route should be agreed with the relevant SAR authorities. Race organisers should liaise with SAR agencies as necessary to provide regular position reports. This is often done via the Internet.
