ICAO/IMO JWG-SAR/28-WP.

12
International Civil Aviation Organization 8 July 2021
ENGLISH ONLY
WORKING PAPER

Agenda item 7

ICAO/IMO JOINT WORKING GROUP

ON HARMONIZATION OF AERONAUTICAL
AND MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE (ICAO/IMO JWG-SAR)

TWENTY-EIGHTH MEETING

SAR COMMUNICATIONS

Guidance for the dissemination of search and rescue related information

through the international enhanced group call service (shore-to-ship)

Presented by the IMO Secretariat

SUMMARY
Executive This document invites the JWG to provide comments on the
summary: development of draft guidance for the dissemination of search and
rescue related information through the international enhanced group
call service (shore-to-ship) and to consider the need for related
amendments to the IAMSAR Manual
Action to be taken: Paragraph 3.1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 NCSR 8, having considered the matter of broadcast of search and rescue (SAR) related
information through the international enhanced group call (EGC) service in view of the recognition
of new mobile satellite services, requested the Secretariat, in consultation with the IMO Enhanced
Group Call Coordinating Panel, recognized mobile satellite service providers and the
ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group, to (NCSR 8/14/1, paragraph 9.41):

.1 prepare guidance for the dissemination of SAR-related information through the

international EGC service, in line with document NCSR 8/9/3, paragraph 9;

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.2 undertake further modifications to the GMDSS Master Plan and the Global SAR
Plan modules of GISIS, as described in NCSR 8/WP.4, paragraph 5.8; and

.3 advise the Sub-Committee, as appropriate.

1.2 In addition, NCSR 8 instructed the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group to review the current
related guidance in the IAMSAR Manual and prepare draft amendments, and advise the
Sub-Committee, as appropriate (NCSR 8/14/1, paragraph 9.42).

2 DISCUSSION

2.1 Traditionally, the function of dissemination of SAR-related information through EGC

services has been performed by a limited number of Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) and,
in some cases, by NAVAREA Coordinators upon request from an RCC. With the recognition of
new mobile satellite services for use in the GMDSS and the availability of new technologies, the
need for further guidance has been identified to clarify the procedures for the dissemination of
SAR-related information through EGC services, in particular for the relay of distress alerts, ensure
the correct use of the services and safeguard the integrity of the international EGC service.

2.2 In this connection, the IMO Secretariat has prepared a preliminary draft guidance for the
dissemination of search and rescue related information through the international enhanced group
call service (shore-to-ship), as set out in annex 1, for consideration and comments by the JWG.
The JWG is invited to provide comments directly to the IMO Secretariat so they can be taken into
consideration when finalizing the draft guidance for submission to NCSR 9 for consideration and
approval, possibly in the form of a COMSAR or MSC circular. As instructed by NCSR 8, the IMO
Secretariat would also invite comments from the IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel
and recognized mobile satellite service providers.

2.3 The JWG is also invited to consider the need for amendments to the IAMSAR Manual
concerning the broadcast of SAR related information through the international EGC service. In
this respect, relevant extracts from the existing guidance contained in the IAMSAR Manual, 2022
edition (which will become applicable on 1 June 2022) have been compiled in annex 2.

3 ACTION REQUESTED OF THE JWG

3.1 The JWG is invited to consider:

.1 the preliminary draft guidance for the dissemination of search and rescue
related information through the international enhanced group call service
(shore-to-ship), as set out in annex 1, and provide comments, as appropriate;
and

.2 the need for amendments to the IAMSAR Manual concerning the broadcast of
SAR related information through the international EGC service.

***

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ANNEX 1

PRELIMINARY DRAFT GUIDANCE FOR THE DISSEMINATION OF SEARCH AND RESCUE

RELATED INFORMATION THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL ENHANCED GROUP CALL
SERVICE (SHORE-TO-SHIP)

1 General

1.1 This document provides guidance for the dissemination of search and rescue (SAR)
related information through the international Enhanced Group Call (EGC) service. The main
purpose of this guidance is to ensure the correct use of EGC services and safeguard the integrity
of mobile satellite services recognized by the Organization for use in the Global Maritime Distress
and Safety System (GMDSS).

1.2 The guidance is addressed to SAR authorities requiring to disseminate SAR-related

information in areas where ships are provided with equipment capable of receiving information
through the international EGC service.

2 International EGC service

2.1 The international EGC service is the coordinated broadcast and automatic reception of
maritime safety information (MSI) and SAR related information to a defined geographical area
using recognized mobile satellite services.

2.2 The following services are currently part of the international EGC service:

.1 International SafetyNET services which provides the coordinated broadcast and

automatic reception of MSI and SAR related information via the Inmarsat EGC
system, using the English language; and

.2 International Iridium SafetyCast service which provides the coordinated

broadcast and automatic reception of MSI and SAR related information via the
Iridium EGC system, using the English language.

2.3 Further services may also be recognized by the Organization in the future.

3 Broadcast of SAR-related information

3.1 National SAR authorities1 should establish the necessary arrangements for the broadcast
of SAR-related information within the SAR areas under their responsibility (SAR region). These
arrangements should be promptly communicated through the GISIS modules on Global SAR
Plan (https://gisis.imo.org/Members/COMSAR/Default.aspx) and Master plan of shore-based
facilities for the GMDSS (https://gisis.imo.org/Members/GMDSS/Default.aspx), as appropriate.

1 In the context of this guidance, this term means the designated national SAR authority as communicated in
the GISIS module on Global SAR Plan under the section "National Responsible Authority, Administration
or Service Coordinator for Maritime SAR".

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3.2 National SAR authorities willing to broadcast SAR-related information directly through
EGC services should apply to the IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel for authorization
to participate in the internationally coordinated EGC services.

3.3 Not all Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) are required to broadcast SAR-related
information directly through EGC services. In practice, direct access to EGC services is provided
to a limited number of RCCs to protect the integrity of the international EGC services. National
SAR authorities, in consultation with the IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel and the
recognized mobile service provider(s) concerned, should determine if and how RCCs under their
responsibility should broadcast SAR-related information through EGC services. Based on
assessment, alternative arrangements may be established for the dissemination of SAR-related
information through EGC services.

3.4 RCCs with no access to EGC services may request other authorized information
providers2 with access to EGC services to broadcast the information on their behalf. In some
cases, NAVAREA Coordinators may also be authorized to broadcast SAR-related information
through EGC services, upon request by the relevant SAR authority.

3.5 RCCs should ensure that SAR-related information is disseminated through all EGC
services that are available in the area that is affected by a SAR case, as may be determined by
the SAR service dealing with the SAR operations.

4 Application

4.1 In order to safeguard the use of the international EGC service, an IMO Enhanced Group
Call Coordinating Panel has been established to, inter alia, coordinate the international access
to EGC services. Procedures for the application process to obtain authorization to broadcast
SAR-related information through the International EGC service are set out in MSC.1/Circ.1635.

4.2 National SAR authorities willing to broadcast SAR-related information directly through
EGC services should submit a request to the IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel
through the IMO Secretariat ([email protected]). Before submitting a request, national SAR
authorities should ensure that the relevant information in the GISIS module on Global SAR Plan
(https://gisis.imo.org/Members/COMSAR/Default.aspx) is up to date, including in particular the
contact details of the national SAR authority and RCCs and their respective defined SAR areas
of responsibility (SAR region) in GML format or entered in coordinates of positions.

4.3 The request should be submitted by the relevant national SAR authority and should
clearly indicate the EGC services that they intend to use within the SAR regions under their
responsibility. The request should also indicate which RCC(s) would be acting as information
providers for each EGC service and confirm that the RCC(s) are (or will be) appropriately
equipped and trained to perform such functions.

2 For the purpose of application, an "information provider" is considered to be the RCC that is provided with
direct access to broadcast information through EGC services. In some cases, RCCs may delegate this
function to other national entities, however, the nominated RCC is ultimately responsible for any information
that is disseminated through EGC services, under the overall supervision and responsibility of the national
SAR authority.

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5 Authorization

5.1 Requests for authorization to access EGC services will be considered by the IMO
Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel in consultation with the recognized mobile service
provider(s) concerned and the national SAR authority concerned.

5.2 In considering such requests, the following, inter alia, will be taken into account:

.1 the established and expected availability of other information sources for the
area concerned; and

.2 the need to minimize duplication of information as much as possible.

5.3 Throughout consultation, a decision would be taken by the IMO Enhanced Group Call
Coordinating Panel on the recommended way of accessing EGC services.

6 Certification

6.1 National SAR authorities that are authorized to broadcast SAR-related information directly
through EGC services would be issued with a Certificate of Authorization.

6.2 The Certificate of Authorization to broadcast SAR-related information through the EGC
service(s) will be issued by the Chair of the IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel. The
certificate should be issued to the national SAR authority and should indicate the RCC(s) that
would be acting as information providers for each EGC service.

6.3 A copy of the certificate will also be provided to the recognized mobile satellite service
provider(s).

7 Registration

7.1 After receiving a Certificate of Authorization, the national SAR authority should conclude
an agreement with the recognized mobile satellite service provider(s) concerned, serving the
required SAR region(s), to obtain access to the system.

7.2 RCCs authorized to broadcast SAR-related information through EGC services may
establish their own arrangements for accessing the systems. These arrangements should be
agreed with the recognized mobile satellite service provider concerned.

7.3 Recognized mobile satellite service providers should only register information providers
that are duly authorized to broadcast information, as indicated in the Certificate of Authorization
and in the GISIS module on Global SAR Plan. For communication purposes, recognized mobile
satellite service providers should use the contact details of the RCC and the associated
information made available through the GISIS module on Global SAR Plan.

7.4 Upon registration, the recognized mobile satellite service provider should inform the IMO
Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel of successful registrations.

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8 Duties and responsibilities

8.1 National SAR authorities should ensure that RCCs accessing EGC services are correctly
equipped and their personnel appropriately trained to perform the necessary functions.

8.2 It is important that national SAR authorities maintain the information in GISIS updated as
and when changes occur in order to maintain a full list of RCCs that are able to disseminate
SAR-related information through EGC services.

8.3 Recognized mobile satellite service providers may provide training on the use of their
services and organize appropriate testing before enabling dissemination of information through
their services.

8.4 Relevant information concerning the use of EGC services should be made available
through the respective manuals of EGC services and additional technical documentation
produced by the recognized mobile satellite service providers.

8.5 Recognized mobile satellite service providers should determine the communication
protocols for accessing their services, as well as the minimum requirements that should be
complied with before enabling the broadcast of information.

8.6 In order to safeguard the system, recognized mobile satellite service providers may deny
access to their service(s), or temporarily disable the access, when the minimum necessary
arrangements are not implemented or in cases of incorrect use of the service(s).

8.7 Recognized mobile satellite service providers should report to the IMO Enhanced Group
Call Coordinating Panel any issues related to inappropriate or incorrect use of the EGC services.

***

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ANNEX 2

MOST RELEVANT EXISTING GUIDANCE EXTRACTED FROM THE IAMSAR MANUAL,

2022 EDITION (BASED ON AMENDMENTS APPROVED BY MSC.1/CIRC.1640)

Volume I

Appendix G – Mobile communication services

G.9 EGC services

G.9.1 EGC services can and should also be used to broadcast MSI. Every RCC should make
arrangements with an associated NAVAREA Coordinator or other authority authorized by
the IMO EGC Coordinating Panel to make such broadcasts on its behalf over EGC
services.

G.9.2 It is appropriate and advisable to promulgate distress alerts over both NAVTEX and EGC
services. SOLAS ships and many fishing and other vessels sailing within NAVTEX
coverage areas can be expected to carry 518 kHz NAVTEX receivers. However, some may
carry equipment to receive MSI over EGC services in lieu of, or in addition to, NAVTEX,
and some may carry neither.

G.9.3 While EGC services and NAVTEX are valuable tools for SAR personnel, due to the ranges
of shore facilities which transmit these broadcasts, not every State needs to provide the
equipment. Normally, provision of these services should be arranged, provided, and shared
on an international basis to maintain appropriate global broadcast coordination, reduce
redundant alerts to vessels and reduce costs of providing these services.

Volume II

2.5 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

2.5.13 Enhanced group call (EGC) is provided by IMO recognized mobile satellite services and
complements the NAVTEX system. IMO recognized mobile satellite services and their capabilities
are further discussed later in this chapter. Broadcasts are used by SAR, meteorological, and
navigation authorities for promulgation of maritime safety information (MSI) and SAR related
information. Some Inmarsat LESs also offer EGC FleetNET services used for fleet management
and general information to particular groups of ships; RCCs may find such services useful for
certain applications, such as sending messages to a standard list of other RCCs.

2.19 Broadcast services

2.19.2 IMO recognized mobile satellite services are used to promulgate navigation and
meteorological warnings and other safety-related information to vessels and may be used by SAR
services and for SAR purposes.

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...

2.19.4 SafetyNET and SafetyCast Manuals describe the structure and operation of these services.
This includes examples and coding which must be followed for preparing these broadcasts,
including SAR broadcasts.

2.19.5 It may be appropriate and advisable to promulgate distress alert relays over both NAVTEX
and IMO recognized mobile satellite services. All SOLAS ships and many fishing and other vessels
sailing within NAVTEX coverage areas can be expected to carry 518 kHz NAVTEX receivers.
Some may also carry equipment to receive EGC broadcasts.

2.19.6 Normally, the most practical way to handle SAR broadcasts over IMO recognized mobile
satellite services is to send them to all vessels within a desired radius of a specified position.
International broadcast of coordinated MSI and SAR related information to a defined geographical
area using a recognized mobile satellite service is via the enhanced group call (EGC) service. EGC
broadcasts can be made via services such as SafetyNET and SafetyCast.

Volume III

Section 8 – On-scene communications

8-12 and 8-13, sub-section "Maritime safety information":

Maritime safety and SAR-related information

• NAVTEX is used to promulgate navigation and meteorological warnings and other safety-
related information to vessels and may be used by SAR services and for SAR purposes.

• Long-range NAVAREA warnings and coastal NAVTEX warnings are promulgated over
internationally and nationally coordinated World-wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS).
WWNWS provides for globally coordinated transmissions through NAVAREA coordinators for
each NAVAREA.

• Navigation and meteorological warnings are called maritime safety information (MSI).

• SAR-related information which the SAR service may send over the same systems used by
the WWNWS include:

– distress alert relays; and

– information about overdue or missing aircraft or vessels.

• International broadcast of coordinated MSI and SAR related information to a defined

geographical area using a recognized mobile satellite service is via the Enhanced Group Call
(EGC) service.

• EGC broadcast service is provided by Inmarsat via SafetyNET; and, by Iridium via
SafetyCast.

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• SafetyNET provides an automatic, global method of broadcasting SAR messages to

vessels in both fixed and variable geographic areas. A similar service of Inmarsat called FleetNET
can be used to send shore-to-ship messages to predetermined groups of vessels. SafetyCast of
Iridium provides similar services.

 RCCs normally send distress alert relays over NAVTEX, SafetyNET and SafetyCast.

 Normally, SAR broadcasts over SafetyNET and SafetyCast are sent to all vessels within a
desired radius of a specified position.
...

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