.3 the adequacy of GMDSS shore-based facilities on both sides of the Indian Ocean and on the island States; and
.4 training needs for SAR and the GMDSS and any other relevant issues.
4 The Conference noted that the sole purpose of the delimitation of search and rescue regions (SRRs) undertaken by the Conference was for ensuring and, where necessary, improving the provision of SAR services in the Indian Ocean and that such delimitation was in the context of paragraph 2.1.7 of the annex to the 1979 SAR Convention; was subject to such alterations as may be deemed necessary following bilateral agreements between neighbouring States; and did not prevent any delegation from registering reservations on specific parts thereof.
5 The Conference, in adopting a SAR plan for the region, noted that the plan would continue to be considered as "provisional" until relevant agreements have been established by Parties to the 1979 SAR Convention and the Secretary-General of IMO has been notified by the Governments concerned, in accordance with paragraph 2.1.4 of the 1979 SAR Convention.
6 The Conference, noting that maritime SAR services are inadequate in some areas of the world, particularly in developing countries, owing to lack of sufficient funds, and the need to ensure a minimum global coverage of communication and SAR co-ordination facilities before 1 February 1999, endorsed a proposal submitted by the Australian delegation supported by other delegations on the establishment of an international SAR Fund (resolution No.5).
7 The Conference noted with deep satisfaction that, with the successful conclusion of its work, the provisional global SAM plan had been completed and greeted this as a most significant achievement in IMO's efforts to enhance safety at sea and as a very appropriate and fitting development to mark the events of 1998 as the Year of the Ocean (Resolution No.6).
8 The Conference adopted resolutions on:
.1 Adoption of the provisional maritime search and rescue (SAR) plan for the Pacific Ocean and acceptance and implementation of the International Convention on Maritime SAR, 1979 (Resolution No.1);
.2 Arrangements for the provision and co-ordination of maritime search and rescue (SAR) services and co-operation between States (Resolution No.2);
.3 Global Maritime Distress ad Safety System (GMDSS) (Resolution No.3);
.4 Technical co-operation for maritime search and rescue and radiocommunication facilities (Resolution No.4);
.5 Establishment of an international SAR Fund (Resolution No.5);
.6 Completion of the Provisional Global SAR Plan (Resolution No.6); and
.7 Expressions of appreciation (Resolution No.7).
9 Full texts of resolutions No.3 and 5 are given in annexes 1 and 2 respectively, and that of resolutions No.1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 are given in annex to document COMSAR 4/TNF.5.
