The Declaration on Cooperation in Search and Rescue of Persons and Vessels in Distress at Sea encourages ASEAN member states to designate relevant authorities as Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) or similar agencies to collaborate with corresponding authorities of other ASEAN Member States to ensure timely assistance to persons and vessels in distress at sea.
Besides, the declaration, signed on October 27th, encourages the RCCs or similar agencies to establish direct communication channels as well as other communication protocols/modalities between these RCCs or agencies in order to share updated information and assist in search and rescue operations;
It also urges ASEAN member states to promptly extend support upon the request of the RCC or similar agency of the ASEAN member state, by providing search and rescue facilities as appropriate as capacities allowed for operations at sea. In case where the distress occurs in the territorial sea or archipelagic waters, as the case may be, of the requesting member state, consent of that state shall be required.
Importantly, the declaration encourages providing and facilitating possible assistance, through ASEAN Missions, to vessels and persons of ASEAN member states in distress at sea in third countries where not all ASEAN Member States have established diplomatic representation.
“Promote cooperation and information sharing between ASEAN and Dialogue Partners and relevant maritime international organisations in order to strengthen ASEAN’s capabilities to assist persons and vessels in distress at sea,” the declaration stated.
The declaration is expected to strengthen and where necessary develop coordinated regional approaches, and create or upgrade regional policies, operational mechanisms, plans and communication systems to prepare for and ensure rapid and effective response to distress situations.
Ngoc Hung
(MONRE, 29/10/2010)