Enhancing the role of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres with Search and Rescue Regions in the Antarctic Treaty Area

The Representatives,

Concerned at the risk of a serious humanitarian and environmental maritime incident in the Antarctic Treaty Area;

Recalling the work of the International Maritime Organisation in producing guidelines relating to maritime search and rescue issues;

Recognising the important role of the five Rescue Coordination Centres with Search and Rescue Regions in the Antarctic Treaty Area in coordinating responses to search and rescue incidents;

Recommend that:

Their Governments, in accordance with their national laws, encourage operators of tourist vessels to:

(a) consider the International Maritime Organisation’s “Enhanced contingency planning guidance for passenger ships operating in areas remote from SAR facilities” (MSC.1/Circ/1184) in planning their activities; and

(b) in particular, report their vessel positions on a regular basis to the relevant regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres while operating within the Antarctic Treaty area.