Source: Basiswettenbestand
URL: data/BWBV0002153/1995-03-03_0/xml/BWBV0002153_1995-03-03_0.xml

Document:
Verdrag inzake het Internationale COSPAS-SARSAT-Programma199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  Verdrag inzake het Internationale COSPAS-SARSAT-Programma199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
  
  
    The International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement
  
  
    The States Parties to this Agreement:
    Noting the successful implementation of the COSPAS-SARSAT Search and Rescue Satellite System established under a Memorandum of Understanding among the Ministry of Merchant Marine of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the United States of America, the Department of National Defence of Canada and the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales of France which was signed on 5 October 1984 and came into effect on 8 July 1985;
    Desiring to strengthen the close international cooperation in this humanitarian endeavour;
    Aware of the efforts in the International Maritime Organization to establish a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, building on the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, done at London on 1 November 1974, on the Convention and Operating Agreement of the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT), done at London on 3 September 1976, and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, done at Hamburg on 27 April 1979, as well as the responsibilities of the international Civil Aviation Organization and the International Telecommunication Union in their respective fields;
    Convinced that a worldwide satellite system to provide alert and location services for maritime, eviation and terrestrial distress and safety is important for the efficient operation of search and rescue;
    Recalling the provisions of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, of 27 January 1967, and other multilateral agreements regarding the use of outer space to which they are Party;
    Recognizing that it is therefore desirable to operate the COSPAS-SARSAT system, in accordance with international law, so as to endeavour to provide long term alert and location services in support of search and rescue and access to the System to all States on a non-discriminatory basis, and free of charge for the end-user in distress,
    Have ageed as follows:
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    1
    Definitions
  
  
    
      -
      "Party" means a State for which this Agreement has entered into force;
    
    
      -
      "Programme" means those activities carried out by the Parties to provide, operate and coordinate the COSPAS-SARSAT System, in accordance with this Agreement;
    
    
      -
      "Cooperating Agency" means en organization designated by a Party for the purpose of implementing the Programme;
    
    
      -
      "System" means the COSPAS-SARSAT System comprising a Space Segment, a Ground Segment and Radiobeacons, all as described in Article 3;
    
    
      -
      "Ground Segment Provider" means any State which establishes and operates Ground Segment equipment under the terms of Article 11.2;
    
    
      -
      "User State" means any State that avails itself of the System under the terms of Article 12.2 and Article 12.3.
    
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    2
    Purpose of the agreement
  
  In fostering international cooperation for search and rescue, the purpose of this Agreement is to:
  
    
      a)
      assure the long term operation of the System;
    
    
      b)
      provide distress alert and location data from the System to the international community in support of search and rescue operations on a non-discriminatory basis;
    
    
      c)
      support, by providing these distress alert and location data, the objectives of the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, concerning search and rescue; and
    
    
      d)
      define the means by which the Parties shall coordinate the management of the System and cooperate with other national authorities and relevant intenational organizations in the operation and coordination of the System.
    
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    3
    General description of the system
  
  
    3.1
    The System comprises:
    
      
        a)
        a Space Segment made up, under normal operating conditions, of at least four compatible satellite assemblies each comprising three basic units:
        
          
            (i)
            a platform moving in low earth polar orbit as a mounting for the other units,
          
          
            (ii)
            a receiver-processor and memory unit designed to receive, process and store signals received on 406 MHz for retransmission, and
          
          
            (iii)
            a repeater unit relaying radiobeacon signals on 121,5 MHz;
          
        
      
      
        b)
        a Ground Segment comprising:
        
          
            (i)
            Local User Terminals established by the Parties and other States to receive signals relayed by the satellites and process them to determine radiobeacon location, and
          
          
            (ii)
            Mission Control Centres established by the Parties and other States to accept the output from the Local User Terminals and convey distress alert and location data to appropriate authorities;
          
        
      
      
        c)
        radiobeacons, which are designed to be activated in a distress and to transmit a radio signal on frequencies of 406 MHz and/or 121,5 MHz, the characteristics of which comply with appropriate provisions of the International Telecommunication Union and COSPAS-SARSAT specifications.
      
    
  
  
    3.2
    The COSPAS-SARSAT Space Segment configuration may be enhanced in accordance with decisions of the Council established pursuant to Articles 7 and 8.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    4
    Cooperating agencies
  
  
    4.1
    Each Party shall designate a Cooperating Agency which shall be responsible for the implementation of the Programme.
  
  
    4.2
    Each Party shall inform the other Parties of its designated Cooperating Agency and of any subsequent changes.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    5
    Responsibilities of parties
  
  
    5.1
    The Parties shall contribute to the Programme on a long term basis so as to maintain the Space Segment of the System.
  
  
    5.2
    The contribution of a Party shall be at least one of the basic units of the Space Segment of the System.
  
  
    5.3
    Each Party shall determine its contribution to the Space Segment of the System.
  
  
    5.4
    The initial contributions of the original Parties to the Space Segment, under normal operating conditions, are as follows:
    
      
        
          
            
              Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
            
            
              2 platforms 
              2 receiver-processor and memory units 
              2 repeater units
            
          
          
            
              United States of America
            
            
              2 platforms
            
          
          
            
              Republic of France
            
            
              2 receiver-processor and memory units
            
          
          
            
              Canada
            
            
              2 repeater units
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
    5.5
    In the event of a change to the contribution of a Party, that Party. shall notify the Depositary of the change.
  
  
    5.6
    A Party providing a satellite platform shall be responsible for its operation. Such operation shall be consistent with any technical requirements and the satisfactory performance of the System pursuant to Article 9(d).
  
  
    5.7
    The Parties shall ensure administrative, operational and technical coordination among themselves and between the Parties and other Ground Segment Providers, and shall endeavour to keep User States fully informed regarding the System.
  
  
    5.8
    The Parties shall endeavour to deliver relevant COSPAS-SARSAT alert and location data to appropriate search and rescue authorities and to coordinate System activities with such authorities.
  
  
    5.9
    Parties shall exchange such information as is necessary to permit the performance of their respective obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    6
    Financial Matters
  
  
    6.1
    Each Party, in conformity with its domestic funding procedures, and subject to the availability of appropriated funds, shall be fully responsible for financing all costs associated with its contribution to the Space Segment as determined pursuant to Article 5, and the common costs arising from the obligations of this Agreement.
  
  
    6.2
    Common costs associated with the organization, administration and coordination of the Programme, as agreed in the Council, including those incurred in financing the activities of the Council and the Secretariat, shall be shared equally by the Parties.
  
  
    6.3
    The reception and transmission of distress alert data through the COSPAS-SARSAT Space Segment shall be provided free of charge to all States.
  
  
    6.4
    Non-Party States choosing to participate in activities associated with the organization, coordination and administration of the Programme as referred to in Article 6.2 may be invited to contribute to the common costs involved under terms determined by the Council.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    7
    Structure
  
  
    7.1
    The following organs shall be established pursuant to this Agreement:
    
      
        a)
        the Council; and
      
      
        b)
        the Secretariat.
      
    
  
  
    7.2
    The Council may establish subsidiary organs as required for the implementation of this Agreement.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    8
    The Council-Composition and procedures
  
  
    8.1
    The Council shall be composed of one representative of each of the Parties who may be accompanied by deputies and advisers.
  
  
    8.2
    The Council shall adopt its own rules of procedure.
  
  
    8.3
    The Council shall meet as often as may be necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions, but not less than once a year.
  
  
    8.4
    Decisions of the Council shall be taken unanimously.
  
  
    8.5
    The languages of Council shall be English, French and Russian.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    9
    Functions of the Council
  
  The Council shall carry out the relevant policies and coordinate the activities of the Parties. The functions of the Council shall include:
  
    
      a)
      overseeing the implementation of this Agreement;
    
    
      b)
      the development of the necessary technical, administrative and opeational plans for the implementation of the present Agreement;
    
    
      c)
      the implementation of those provisions of Article 6 requiring Council action;
    
    
      d)
      the preparation, consideration and adoption of technical specifications for the System space and ground facilities and radiobeacons, as well as the adoption of COSPAS-SARSAT technical and operational documentation;
    
    
      e)
      ensuring interaction and cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, the International Maritime Organization and other international organizations for the purpose of coordinating technical matters;
    
    
      f)
      the provision of administrative, operational and technical coordination with Ground Segment Providers and User States, including the adoption of procedures for type approval or commissioning of Ground Segment equipment and radiobeacons;
    
    
      g)
      the assessment of the need for technical and operational enhancements of the System, including those relating to contributions of the Parties and those which would entail contributions by States non-Parties to this Agreement;
    
    
      h)
      the establishment of mechanisms for exchange of appropriate technical and operational information;
    
    
      i)
      taking decisions upon matters of joint relations with States non-Parties to this Agreement, as well as international organizations;
    
    
      j)
      the direction of Secretariat activities;
    
    
      k)
      the organization and coordination of exercises, trials and studies that are necessary to assess the performance of the System; and
    
    
      l)
      other matters regarding operation of the System's Space and Ground Segments and radiobeacons that the Council agrees shall fall within its purview.
    
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    10
    The Secretariat
  
  
    10.1
    The Secretariat shall be the permanent administrative organ for the Programme and shall assist the Council in the implementation of its functions.
  
  
    10.2
    The Secretariat shall be managed by a Head of Secretariat, appointed pursuant to procedures approved by the Council.
  
  
    10.3
    The Secretariat shall take direction from the Council in the performance of its functions, which include:
    
      
        a)
        conference services for the meetings of the Council and of its subsidiary organs;
      
      
        b)
        administrative services concerning general correspondence, system documentation and promotional materials;
      
      
        c)
        technical services including the preparation of reports as instructed by the Council;
      
      
        d)
        liaison with Ground Segment Providers, User States and international organizations; and
      
      
        e)
        such other services as may be required by the Council for the implementation of this Agreement.
      
    
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    11
    Ground Segment Providers
  
  
    11.1
    Any State planning to establish and operate Ground Segment equipment shall advise the Council of its intention to do so and shall:
    
      
        a)
        adhere to the technical specifications and operating procedures set by the Council for the purpose of ensuring adequate system performance;
      
      
        b)
        endeavour to deliver, in accordance with procedures agreed with the Council, distress alert and location information received through the COSPAS-SARSAT Space Segment to appropriate search and rescue authorities;
      
      
        c)
        provide, as agreed with the Council, appropriate performance data in order to confirm compatibility of its Ground Segment equipment with the System;
      
      
        d)
        designate an organization to carry out its responsibilities pursuant to this Article;
      
      
        e)
        participate in appropriate meetings of the Programme, convened by the Council, on terms and conditions determined by the Council, with a view to resolving relevant administrative, operational and technical issues;
      
      
        f)
        confirm that it will not make any claims or bring actions against the Parties for injury, damages or financial losses arising out of activities, or lack thereof, pursuant to this Agreement;
      
      
        g)
        adhere to the provisions of Article 12 in relation to its use of the System; and
      
      
        h)
        fulfill any other requirement as may be agreed with the Council.
      
    
  
  
    11.2
    Any such State wishing to become a Ground Segment Provider shall notify formal acceptance of its obligations pursuant to Article 11.1 to the Depositary which shall inform the Parties. Such notification shall be in the form of a standard letter and shall include the conditions of participation in the System previously agreed with the Council pursuant to Article 11.1.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    12
    User States
  
  
    12.1
    Any State may utilize the System both through the reception of COSPAS-SARSAT alert and location data and through the deployment of radiobeacons.
  
  
    12.2
    Any such State wishing to become a User State shall assume certain responsibilities including:
    
      
        a)
        to advise the Council or the competent international organization of its point or points of contact for distress alert purposes;
      
      
        b)
        to make use of radiobeacons for operation in the System, the characteristics of which comply with appropriate provisions of the International Telecommunication Union and COSPAS-SARSAT specifications;
      
      
        c)
        to maintain, as applicable, a radiobeacon register;
      
      
        d)
        to exchange COSPAS-SARSAT data in a timely and non-discriminatory manner, in accordance with procedures agreed with the Council;
      
      
        e)
        to confirm that it will not make any claims or bring actions against the Parties for injury, damages or financial losses arising out of activities, or lack thereof, pursuant to this Agreement;
      
      
        f)
        to participate as necessary in appropriate meetings of the Programme, convened by the Council, on terms and conditions determined by the Council, with a view to resolving relevant administrative, operational and technical issues; and
      
      
        g)
        to fulfill any other requirement as may be agreed with the Council.
      
    
  
  
    12.3
    User States shall notify formal acceptance of their obligations under Article 12.2 to the Depositary which shall inform the Parties. Such notification shall be in the form of a standard letter and shall include the conditions of participation in the System previously agreed with the Council pursuant to Article 12.2.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    13
    Relationship with international organizations
  
  
    13.1
    To promote implementation of this Agreement, the Parties, acting through the Council, shall cooperate with the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Telecommunication Union and the International Maritime Organization, as well as with other international organizations, on matters of common interest. The Parties shall take into account the relevant resolutions, standards and recommendations of these international organizations.
  
  
    13.2
    This cooperation may be formalized between these Organizations and the Parties.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    14
    Liability
  
  
    14.1
    The Parties shall not make any claims or bring actions against each other for injury, damages or financial losses arising out of activities, or lack thereof, pursuant to this Agreement.
  
  
    14.2
    The Parties accept no liability towards users of the System or any third party, particularly as regards any claims for injury, damages or financial losses that may arise from the use of the System. Parties will cooperate with a view to protecting themselves from any such potential claims.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    15
    Settlement of disputes
  
  
    15.1
    Any dispute concerning the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement should be settled by negotiations between or among the Parties concerned.
  
  
    15.2
    If a settlement cannot be reached by such negotiations, the dispute may, if the affected Parties so agree, be referred to arbitration.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    16
    Accession
  
  
    16.1
    This Agreement shall be open for accession by any State that agrees to contribute a minimum of one basic unit to the Space Segment, and is prepared to assume the responsibilities of a Party pursuant to this Agreement.
  
  
    16.2
    Where a State is to accede to this Agreement and assume responsibility for the contribution of a basic unit of the existing Space Segment, either as described in Article 3.1 or as enhanced pursuant to Article 3.2, it shall do so in agreement with the Party currently providing that basic unit and in consultation with the other Parties.
  
  
    16.3
    Where a State is to accede to this Agreement and assume responsibility for the contribution of an additional basic unit which itself constitutes an enhancement of the Space Segment, it shall do so with the agreement of all Parties following a decision of the Council pursuant to Article 3.2 that such enhancement is required.
  
  
    16.4
    Where the requirements of Article 16.2 or 16.3, as appropriate, have been satisfied and the State so notified, such State may accede by depositing its instrument of accession with the Depositary.
  
  
    16.5
    This Agreement shall enter into force for the acceding State on the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Depositary.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    17
    Withdrawal
  
  
    17.1
    A Party may withdraw from this Agreement.
  
  
    17.2
    A Party intending to withdraw shall notify the Depositary to that effect. Such withdrawal shall take effect one year after the date of receipt of notification by the Depositary, or at a later date to be agreed by the Parties.
  
  
    17.3
    A Party intending to withdraw from this Agreement shall endeavour to ensure continuity of its existing contribution to the Space Segment and, in that respect, shall consult with the other Parties to determine adjustments in their respective responsibilities.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    18
    Amendments
  
  
    18.1
    Amendments to this Agreement may be proposed by any Party.
  
  
    18.2
    Ninety days notice is required before consideration of a proposed amendment by the Council at its next meeting. The Council shall consider the proposed amendment at that meeting and make recommendation to the Parties concerning such proposed amendment.
  
  
    18.3
    The amendment shall enter into force sixty days after the Depositary has received notification of acceptance from all the Parties.
  
  
    18.4
    The Depositary shall promptly notify all the Parties of the receipt of notifications of acceptance of amendments and of the entry into force of amendments.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    19
    Depositary
  
  
    19.1
    The Depositaries of this Agreement shall be the Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization.
  
  
    19.2
    The Depositary shall promptly inform all the Parties to this Agreement of the date of each signature, of the date of deposit of each instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, of the date of entry into force of this Agreement, and of the receipt of other notifications.
  
  
    19.3
    This Agreement shall be registered with the United Nations Secretariat in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    Article
    20
    Entry into force and duration
  
  
    20.1
    This Agreement shall be open for signature by Canada, the Republic of France, the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Signature may be made not subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, or may be accompanied by a declaration that it is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval.
  
  
    20.2
    This Agreement shall enter into force for Canada, the Republic of France, the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the sixtieth day following the date on which these four States have either signed the Agreement not subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, or have deposited instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval with the Depositary.
  
  
    20.3
    Upon entry into force of this Agreement, the Parties shall take the necessary measures in order to ensure that the Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed 5 October 1984 and came into effect 8 July 1985, among the Ministry of Merchant Marine of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States of America, the Department of National Defence of Canada and the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales of France concerning Cooperation in the COSPAS-SARSAT Search and Rescue Satellite System, ceases to be in effect.
  
  
    20.4
    This Agreement shall remain in force for a period of fifteen years from the date on which it enters into force and shall be extended automatically for successive periods of five years.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have signed this Agreement.
    DONE AT PARIS this first day of July one thousand nine hundred and eighty-eight, in the English, French and Russian languages, all texts being equally authentic, in two originals deposited with the Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization respectively. Certified copies of the Agreement shall be transmitted by the Depositary to the Parties.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
  
    Standard Letter of Notification of association with the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme as a User State
    LETTER OF NOTIFICATION OF ASSOCIATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COSPAS-SARSAT PROGRAMME AS A USER STATE
  
  
    The Signatory of this Letter of Notification:
    Noting the successful implementation of the COSPAS-SARSAT Search and Rescue Satellite System established and operated under the terms of the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement between Canada, the Republic of France, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States of America, which was signed on 1 July 1988 and entered into force on 30 August 1988;
    Noting the commitment of the Parties to the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement to assure the long term operation of the COSPAS-SARSAT System and access to this System to all States on a non-discriminatory basis, and free of charge to the end-user in distress;
    Considering the provisions of the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement concerning participation of States non-Parties to the Agreement in the COSPAS-SARSAT System as User States;
    Desiring to strengthen the close international cooperation in this humanitarian endeavour;
    Aware of the International Maritime Organization's decision to establish a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, as well as the responsibilities of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Telecommunication Union in their respective fields;
    Convinced that a worldwide satellite system to provide alert and location services for maritime, aviation and terrestrial distress and safety is important for the efficient operation of search and rescue;
    Recognizing that it is therefore desirable that States non-Parties to the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement cooperate with the Parties to this Agreement and with other States, on a non-discriminatory basis, in the establishment and operation of COSPAS-SARSAT Ground Segment equipment and in the use of the COSPAS-SARSAT System in support of search and rescue operations.
    Agrees as follows:
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    1
    DEFINITIONS
  
  
    
      -
      "Agreement" means the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement:
    
    
      -
      "COSPAS-SARSAT Parties" means the Parties to the Agreement;
    
    
      -
      "Programme" means those activities carried out by the COSPAS-SARSAT Parties under the terms of the Agreement, to provide, operate and coordinate the COSPAS-SARSAT System in accordance with the Agreement:
    
    
      -
      "System" means the COSPAS-SARSAT System comprising a Space Segment, a Ground Segment and Radiobeacons, all as described in Article 3 of the Agreement and including Ground Segment equipment and Radiobeacons provided by Ground Segment Providers and User States under the terms of the Agreement;
    
    
      -
      "Council" means the Council established pursuant to the Agreement;
    
    
      -
      "Secretariat" means the Secretariat established pursuant to the Agreement;
    
    
      -
      "Ground Segment Provider" means any State which establishes and operates Ground Segment equipment and avails itself of the System, under the terms of the Agreement;
    
    
      -
      "User State" means any State that avails itself of the System under the terms of the Agreement;
    
    
      -
      "Agency" means an organization designated by a Ground Segment Provider or a User State for the purpose of implementing its responsibilities in its association with the Programme;
    
    
      -
      "Signatory" means the State which, under the terms of this letter, notifies one of the Depositaries of the Agreement of its association with the Programme as a User State.
    
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    2
    SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF SIGNATORY'S ASSOCIATION WITH THE PROGRAMME
  
  
    
      2.1
    
    The Objectives of the Signatory's association with the Programme are to:
    
      
        a)
        Support, by utilizing the System in conformity with the standards and procedures established for the Programme, the objectives of the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, concerning search and rescue; and
      
      
        b)
        Cooperate with other national authorities and relevant international organizations in the operation and coordination of the System.
      
    
  
  
    
      2.2
    
    In order to implement these objectives, the Signatory shall associate itself with the Programme as a User State and shall utilize the System in support of search and rescue operations through the reception of COSPAS-SARSAT alert and location data and through the deployment of Radiobeacons.
  
  
    
      2.3
    
    The Signatory accepts that no provision in this letter of notification shall commit the COSPAS-SARSAT Parties beyond the terms of the Agreement.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    3
    STATEMENT OF SIGNATORY'S RESPONSIBILITIES
  
  
    
      3.1
    
    In accordance with provisions of the Agreement concerning the association of User States with the Programme, the Signatory shall assume the following responsibilities:
    
      
        a)
        to advise the Council or the competent international organization of its point of contact for distress alert purposes;
      
      
        b)
        to make use of radiobeacons for operation in the System, the characteristics of which comply with appropriate provisions of the International Telecommunication Union and COSPAS-SARSAT Specifications;
      
      
        c)
        to maintain, as applicable, a radiobeacon register;
      
      
        d)
        to exchange COSPAS-SARSAT data in a timely and non-discriminatory manner, in accordance with procedures agreed with the Council;
      
      
        e)
        to participate as necessary in appropriate meetings of the Programme convened by the Council, including open meetings of the Council and its subsidiary organs, with a view to resolving relevant administrative, operational and technical issues; and
      
      
        f)
        to fulfil any other requirement as may be agreed with the Council.
      
    
  
  
    
      3.2
    
    This notification shall not be interpreted as committing the Signatory to any obligation beyond the terms of this letter, or modifications to any existing obligation, without its prior consent and the Signatory shall not be required to carry out any new responsibility, before a period of time agreed with the Council.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    4
    AGENCY AND REPRESENTATION OF THE SIGNATORY IN THE MEETINGS OF THE PROGRAMME
  
  
    
      4.1
    
    The Signatory notes that, having met the requirements of Article 12 of the Agreement, it is entitled to attend open meetings of the Council and its subsidiary organs, receive all the relevant documents pertaining to these meetings, submit papers, propose agenda items and participate in the discussions.
  
  
    
      4.2
    
    The Signatory shall designate an Agency which shall be responsible for the implementation of its association with the Programme in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of this letter of notification.
  
  
    
      4.3
    
    The Signatory shall inform the COSPAS-SARSAT Parties, through the Secretariat, of its designated Agency and of its representative in the meetings of the Programme convened by the Council, in which User States are invited to participate.
  
  
    
      4.4
    
    The Signatory shall inform the COSPAS-SARSAT Parties, through the Secretariat, of any subsequent changes of its designated Agency and representative.
  
  
    
      4.5
    
    The Signatory accepts that the participation of its representative in the meetings of the Programme shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement and the applicable rules of procedure adopted by the Council.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    5
     LIABILITY
  
  
    
      5.1
    
    The Signatory accepts that the Parties and other States associated with the Programme shall not make any claim or bring actions against each other for injury, damage or financial losses arising out of activities, or lack thereof, pursuant to its association with the Programme or its use of the System.
  
  
    
      5.2
    
    The Signatory accepts no liability towards users of the System, including COSPAS-SARSAT Parties, Ground Segment Providers and User States, or any third party, particularly as regards any claims for injury, damages or financial losses that may arise from their use of the System or from the Signatory's association with the Programme. The Signatory will cooperate with COSPAS-SARSAT Parties, Ground Segment Providers and User States with a view to protecting themselves from any such potential claims.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    6
    FINANCIAL MATTERS
  
  
    
      6.1
    
    The Signatory, in conformity with its domestic funding procedures and subject to the availability of appropriated funds, shall be fully responsible for financing all costs associated with its contribution to the System as defined in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this letter of notification.
  
  
    
      6.2
    
    In accordance with Article 6 of the Agreement, the Signatory is prepared to contribute the standard annual amount, determined from time to time by the Council in agreement with Non-Party States associated with the Programme, towards the common costs associated with the organization, administration and coordination of the Programme.
  
  
    
      6.3
    
    In accordance with Article 6 of the Agreement common costs referred to in paragraph 6.2 of this letter of notification do not include any costs associated with the reception and transmission of distress alert data through the COSPAS-SARSAT Space Segment, which are provided by the COSPAS-SARSAT Parties free of charge to all States.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    7
    ENTRY INTO FORCE AND TERMINATION
  
  
    
      7.1
    
    The association of the Signatory with the Programme as a User State shall be effective 30 days after the date on which this letter of notfication is received by one of the Depositaries of the Agreement.
  
  
    
      7.2
    
    The Signatory may terminate unilaterally its association with the Programme by notifying one of the Depositaries of the Agreement of its intent to do so. Such termination shall take effect 180 days after the date of receipt of the notification by this Depositary of the Agreement. The Signatory shall inform the COSPAS-SARSAT Parties through the Secretariat of its intent to terminate unilaterally its association.
  
  
    
      7.3
    
    The Signatory accepts that unless terminated in accordance with paragraph 7.2 of this letter of notification, its association with the Programme shall remain effective until the Agreement ceases to be in force, in which case the Signatory's association with the Programme will be automatically terminated.
  
  
    
      7.4
    
    The Depositaries of the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement are jointly the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization: the Depositary referred to in this letter of notification is the Secretary General of IMO who is requested to inform the COSPAS-SARSAT Parties and the other Depositary of the date of receipt of the present and subsequent notifications by the Signatory and to transmit to each of them one copy of the present and subsequent notifications by the Signatory.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995
  
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, duly authorized, has signed this letter of notification.
    DONE AT.............. this.......... in the English and................ language(s), all texts being equally authentic, in one original sent to the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization.
  
199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995

199422628-10-199401-02-199519958323-03-199503-03-1995