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: