gr-mcp-docs/reference/cospas-sarsat/p-series/p015.md

---
title: "P015: C/S P.015 - Issue 2 Rev.1"
description: "Official Cospas-Sarsat P-series document P015"
sidebar:
  badge:
    text: "P"
    variant: "note"
# Extended Cospas-Sarsat metadata
documentId: "P015"
series: "P"
seriesName: "Programme"
documentType: "programme"
isLatest: true
issue: 2
revision: 1
documentDate: "October 2024"
originalTitle: "C/S P.015 - Issue 2 Rev.1"
---

> **📋 Document Information**
>
> **Series:** P-Series (Programme)
> **Version:** Issue 2 - Revision 1
> **Date:** October 2024
> **Source:** [Cospas-Sarsat Official Documents](https://www.cospas-sarsat.int/en/documents-pro/system-documents)

---

COSPAS-SARSAT
QUALITY MANUAL
C/S P.015
Issue 2 – Revision 1


COSPAS-SARSAT QUALITY MANUAL
History
Issue
Revision
Date
Comments


Approved by CSC-41


Approved by CSC-43


Approved by CSC-45


Approved by CSC-61


Approved by CSC-71

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION / OVERVIEW.............................................................................. 1-1
1.1
The Cospas-Sarsat System ................................................................................... 1-1
1.2
Principles of Quality Management ....................................................................... 1-2
1.3
The Process Approach .......................................................................................... 1-3
2.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENT CONTROL ............................ 2-1
2.1
Document Control ................................................................................................ 2-1
2.2
Reference Documents .......................................................................................... 2-1
3.
INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS ....................................................................... 3-1
4.
COSPAS-SARSAT QUALITY POLICY .................................................................. 4-1
5.
SYSTEM CUSTOMERS AND STAKEHOLDERS ................................................. 5-1
6.
SCOPE OF THE COSPAS-SARSAT QMS .............................................................. 6-1
7.
OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................................. 7-1
8.
RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................. 8-1
8.1
Council ................................................................................................................. 8-1
8.2
Participants ........................................................................................................... 8-1
8.3
Joint Committee / Task Groups ............................................................................ 8-2
8.4
Secretariat ............................................................................................................. 8-2
9.
PROCESSES ................................................................................................................ 9-1
9.1
Alert Production Processes and Performance Standards ...................................... 9-1
9.2
Cospas-Sarsat Quality Monitoring and Reporting Processes ............................... 9-2
10.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REVIEW ................................................ 10-1
10.1 Management Review .......................................................................................... 10-1
10.2 Cospas-Sarsat Quality Review ........................................................................... 10-1
10.3 Incident Review .................................................................................................. 10-1
11.
COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND AWARENESS ................................ 11-1
12.
NON-CONFORMING PRODUCT, CORRECTIVE ACTION AND
PREVENTIVE ACTION .......................................................................................... 12-1
12.1 Non-Conforming Product ................................................................................... 12-1
12.2 Corrective Action ............................................................................................... 12-1
12.3 Preventive Action ............................................................................................... 12-2

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: The Cospas-Sarsat System ........................................................................................... 1-2
Figure 2: The Process Approach .................................................................................................. 1-4
LIST OF ANNEXES
ANNEX A COSPAS-SARSAT SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE ........................... A-1

1-1

1.
INTRODUCTION / OVERVIEW
This document, the Cospas-Sarsat Quality Manual, defines the objectives and structure of the
Cospas-Sarsat Quality Management System and is the permanent reference in the implementation
and maintenance of that system.
In this document, the term Cospas-Sarsat encompasses the Cospas-Sarsat Council, Parties and
Participants, as defined in document C/S P.011 "Cospas-Sarsat Programme Management Policy".
Specialized terms and acronyms relevant to the Cospas-Sarsat Programme can be found in
document C/S S.011, Cospas-Sarsat Glossary.
1.1
The Cospas-Sarsat System
The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme provides accurate, timely and reliable distress alert
and location data to help search and rescue authorities assist persons in distress.
The objective of the Cospas-Sarsat System is to reduce, as far as possible, delays in the provision
of distress alerts to SAR services and the time required to locate a distress and provide assistance,
as these have a direct impact on the probability of survival of the person in distress at sea or on
land.
To achieve this objective, Cospas-Sarsat Participants implement, maintain, co-ordinate and
operate a satellite system capable of detecting distress alert transmissions from radio beacons that
comply with Cospas-Sarsat specifications and performance standards, and of determining their
position anywhere on the globe.
The Cospas-Sarsat System (Figure 1) is comprised of:
* satellites in low-altitude Earth orbit (LEOSAR), geostationary orbit (GEOSAR) and
medium-altitude Earth orbit (MEOSAR) that process and / or relay signals transmitted by
distress beacons,
* ground receiving stations called local user terminals (LUTs) which process the satellite
signals to locate the beacon,
* mission control centres (MCCs) that provide the distress alert information to SAR
authorities.
The System supports distress beacons of various types: aviation Emergency Locator Transmitters
(ELTs), maritime Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator
Beacons (PLBs) as well as beacons designed for special purposes, e.g., the Ship Security Alert
System (SSAS) and emergency locator transmitters for ICAO specified autonomous in-flight
distress tracking (ELT(DT)s). These beacons must operate in the 406 to 406.1 MHz frequency
band and meet Cospas-Sarsat requirements defined in the documents:
* C/S T.001 "Specification for Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz Distress Beacons",
* C/S T.007 "Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval Standard",
* C/S T.015, "Cospas-Sarsat Specification and Type Approval Standard for 406 MHz Ship
Security Alert (SSAS) Beacons",

1-2

* C/S T.018 "Specification for Second-Generation Cospas-Sarsat 406-MHz Distress
Beacons",
* C/S T.021 "Cospas-Sarsat Second-Generation 406-MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval
Standard".
Further details on the Cospas-Sarsat System can be found in document C/S G.003 "Introduction
to the Cospas-Sarsat System".
Figure 1: The Cospas-Sarsat System
1.2
Principles of Quality Management
The Cospas-Sarsat Quality Management System is based on the Seven Principles of Quality
Management defined in the ISO publication "Quality Management Principles (ISBN 978-92-67-
10650-2, 2015)  and used as a basis for the ISO 9000:2015 and ISO 9001:2015 standard:
Principle 1: Customer focus
The primary focus of quality management is to meet customer requirements and to strive to
exceed customer expectations.

1-3

Principle 2: Leadership
Leaders at all levels establish unity of purpose and direction and create conditions in which
people are engaged in achieving the organization's quality objectives.
Principle 3: Engagement of people
Competent, empowered and engaged people at all levels throughout the organization are
essential to enhance its capability to create and deliver value.
Principle 4: Process approach
Consistent and predictable results are achieved more effectively and efficiently when activities
are understood and managed as interrelated processes that function as a coherent system.
Principle 5: Improvement
Successful organizations have an ongoing focus on improvement.
Principle 6: Evidence-based decision making
Decisions based on the analysis and evaluation of data and information are more likely to
produce desired results.
Principle 7: Relationship management
For sustained success, an organization manages its relationships with interested parties, such
as suppliers.
1.3
The Process Approach
The effectiveness of an organisation implies the identification and management of numerous
linked activities, each using resources to transform inputs into outputs. Often the output from one
process directly forms the input to the next. The application of a system of processes within an
organisation, together with the identification and interactions of these processes, and their
management, can be referred to as the "process approach" (Figure 2).
Cospas-Sarsat recognises the need to fully implement a process approach in order to manage and
control individual processes in an efficient and effective manner.

1-4

Figure 2: The Process Approach
- END OF SECTION 1 -

2-1

2.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENT CONTROL
2.1
Document Control
Documents are controlled in accordance with the Cospas-Sarsat document management
procedures defined in document C/S P.011 "Cospas-Sarsat Programme Management Policy".
2.2
Reference Documents
Documents key to the management of quality within the Cospas-Sarsat System are available on
the Cospas-Sarsat website (www.cospas-sarsat.org) and include:
* General (G - Series)
* Programme Management (P - Series)
* Operational (A - Series)
* Technical (T - Series)
* Reports (R - Series)
* International Beacon Registration Database (D - Series)
* Secretariat (S - Series)
These reference documents are under the control of the Cospas-Sarsat Council.
- END OF SECTION 2 -

3-1

3.
INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement (ICSPA) signed on 1st July 1988 formally
establishes the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme structure and objectives. No provisions in
this Cospas-Sarsat Quality Manual should conflict with the terms of the ICSPA. In the event of a
conflict between the terms or provisions of the QMS and the ICSPA, the provisions of the
Agreement shall prevail.
In addition to the four original Parties, other Participants in the System are formally associated
with the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme as Ground Segment Providers or User States
through the notification of their association to the Depositaries of the ICSPA, in accordance with
the provisions of Articles 11 and 12 of the ICSPA and the notification procedures approved by the
Cospas-Sarsat Council. Other instruments have been developed by Cospas-Sarsat to allow
additional contributions to the System, specifically contributions to the Space Segment.
The ICSPA states that the purpose of the Programme is to, inter alia, "support, by providing
distress alert and location data, the objectives of the International Maritime Organization and the
International Civil Aviation Organization concerning search and rescue." Pursuant to Article 13
of the ICSPA, "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 other international organisations, on matters of common interest. The
Parties shall take into account the relevant resolutions, standards and recommendations of these
international organisations."
Therefore, the Cospas-Sarsat Quality Management System reflects, as appropriate, the objectives
of relevant international organisations in respect of SAR and the provision of distress alerting. In
particular, the Cospas-Sarsat Quality Management System strives to ensure that ICAO, IMO and
ITU resolutions, standards and recommendations are followed in respect of:
* the electrical performance of 406 MHz distress beacon approved to operate in the
Cospas-Sarsat System,
* the timeliness, reliability and accuracy of alert data provided to SAR authorities,
* the worldwide availability of 406 MHz satellite alerting and positioning services to users
and SAR authorities.
- END OF SECTION 3 -

4-1

4.
COSPAS-SARSAT QUALITY POLICY
Cospas-Sarsat is committed to maintaining a System that provides accurate, timely and reliable
distress alert and location data. To ensure the quality of alert data, Cospas-Sarsat shall maintain
and continually improve its Quality Management System and will endeavour to:
* maintain focus on search and rescue requirements; and
* understand and apply internationally recognised quality management principles.
Cospas-Sarsat is committed to a philosophy of quality and, to that end, will continue to facilitate
the development of the skills of System providers and customers to:
* operate and utilize the System to its full potential; and
* endeavour to meet the Cospas-Sarsat quality objectives.
- END OF SECTION 4 -

5-1

5.
SYSTEM CUSTOMERS AND STAKEHOLDERS
The product and customers of the Cospas-Sarsat System are defined as follows, in accordance with
the mission statement for the Programme:
* The product of the Cospas-Sarsat System is distress alert and location data.
* The customers of the Cospas-Sarsat System are the search and rescue authorities to
whom Cospas-Sarsat delivers distress alerts.
Stakeholders include:
* beacon owners/users, who purchase, maintain and operate Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz
beacons, and supply registration data to Cospas-Sarsat; and
* manufacturers, who provide, install and maintain Space and Ground Segment equipment
purchased by Participants, and beacons operated by the System users.
The Participants are the Parties to the ICSPA, and Ground Segment Providers, Operators and User
States that have formally notified their association with the Programme. The Participants provide
the Space and Ground Segment elements that comprise the Cospas-Sarsat System. Consequently,
all Participants are committed through their formal association with the Programme to the Cospas-
Sarsat quality management objectives set forth by the Council.
Administrations from other States not formally associated with the Programme also intervene
either directly as System users, or indirectly through national regulations and user control, as
stakeholders to the Cospas-Sarsat System. However, as for beacon owners or users, Cospas-Sarsat
has no direct authority or control of the stakeholders who are not partners in the Cospas-Sarsat
Quality Management System.
- END OF SECTION 5 -

6-1

6.
SCOPE OF THE COSPAS-SARSAT QMS
The scope of the Cospas-Sarsat Quality Management System (QMS) includes:
a) all responsibilities associated with the design, commissioning, operation and monitoring
of:
* Local User Terminals (LUTs),
* Orbitography and reference beacons,
* Mission Control Centres (MCCs), and
* Communications.
b) relevant aspects of:
* the specification, type approval and monitoring of 406 MHz emergency beacons,
* the management of the 406 MHz frequency band.
The scope of the Cospas-Sarsat QMS also includes the definition of requirements for the SAR
payloads, their on-orbit commissioning, operation and monitoring, and the monitoring of SAR
satellite availability.
- END OF SECTION 6 -

7-1

7.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Cospas-Sarsat QMS are to:
* ensure that Cospas-Sarsat consistently provides accurate, timely and reliable distress alert
and location information to search and rescue authorities; and
* continually improve the overall Cospas-Sarsat System performance.
In order to accomplish these objectives, Cospas-Sarsat will endeavour to:
* monitor and assess the operational status of the Cospas-Sarsat System and its components
is in a fair and objective manner;
* communicate assessment results both within and outside the Programme in an accurate
and timely manner; and
* provide standardised reference and training material, to include maintaining the
Handbook on Distress Alert Messages for Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs), Search
and Rescue Points of Contact (SPOCs) and IMO Ship Security Competent Authorities,
document C/S G.007 and MCC Handbook, document C/S G.010, and providing up-to-
date reference materials, including links to videos, on the Cospas-Sarsat website.
Annexes to this document (currently under revision) also provide material to assist
Cospas-Sarsat Participants in fulfilling their commitment to deliver high quality distress
alert and location data (see Annex A, the Cospas-Sarsat Model Course outline, and
Annex B, the Cospas-Sarsat Self-Assessment Questionnaire).
- END OF SECTION 7 -

8-1

8.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The roles and responsibilities for the management of quality within the Cospas-Sarsat System are
divided between the Cospas-Sarsat Council and Participants. The Joint Committee, Task Groups
and the Secretariat perform quality management tasks at the behest of the Council.
The Cospas-Sarsat Council holds the ultimate responsibility for the quality of the product, i.e., the
distress alert and location data.
8.1
Council
* Establish the Cospas-Sarsat policy on quality management. Ensure the quality policy is
linked to the goals and objectives outlined in the Cospas-Sarsat Strategic Plan.
* Establish the objectives and processes necessary to deliver the product in accordance with
the quality management policy. Ensure progress towards the quality objectives is
measured.
* Review any changes to quality management processes and procedures recommended by
the Joint Committee and decide on final disposition of each change. The Council can
approve or disapprove a proposed change or send the proposal back to the Joint Committee
for further study. When the Council decides to approve a change to the QMS, the Council
also makes a final decision on an implementation date.
* Promote awareness of the responsibilities of Participants in maintaining and implementing
the QMS.
* Maintain and periodically review the established Quality Objectives and Quality Policy
documented in the Quality Manual. Resolve any barriers to achieving the Quality
Objectives.
* Review summaries of product quality measurements provided by the Joint Committee.
Resolve issues by authorizing immediate corrective actions. Provide instructions for root-
cause analysis and the development of long-term solutions. Follow up to ensure problems
have been resolved.
* Regularly identify continual improvement opportunities. Ensure that the integrity of the
Quality Management System is maintained when changes are planned and implemented.
* Ensure that responsibilities and authority are defined and communicated throughout the
organisation.
8.2
Participants
* Implement the quality management processes necessary to deliver quality distress alerts,
in accordance with the quality management policy.
* Routinely measure product quality, record results, and submit for consideration.
* Summarize results and report on the status of quality management processes and
procedures as part of the annual System Status Report for consideration by the Joint
Committee.

8-2

8.3
Joint Committee / Task Groups / Experts Working Group
* Monitor and measure quality management processes and products against policies,
objectives and requirements for the product and report on the results.
* Specify baselines and standards for quality control and measurement systems.
* Report to Council on the performance of the QMS and any need for improvement or change
to the QMS.
* Consider results of product quality measurements provided by Participants and summarize
results for consideration by the Council (Quality Audit).
* Maintain and continuously improve the Cospas-Sarsat QMS.
8.4
Secretariat
* Maintain the Cospas-Sarsat Quality Manual and other documents describing Cospas-Sarsat
quality processes and procedures. Maintain the master list of controlled documents,
implementing version control for each document.
* Make all relevant quality management documents available on the Cospas-Sarsat website.
* Prepare summary Records of Council Sessions to record the regular review of the Quality
Manual.
* Document the operational status of the Cospas-Sarsat System and its components.
* Communicate assessment results, as directed by the Council.
* Prepare reports on the implementation of the QMS for review by the Joint Committee and
the Council.
- END OF SECTION 8 -

9-1

9.
PROCESSES
The Cospas-Sarsat QMS uses a process approach to meet its quality objectives. The QMS
encompasses both Cospas-Sarsat and national processes.
National performance standards, operational requirements and training processes are used by
Cospas-Sarsat Participants to ensure that their contribution to the Cospas-Sarsat System is made
in accordance with Cospas-Sarsat QMS policies and objectives. These processes are controlled at
a national level and support the Cospas-Sarsat QMS.
Cospas-Sarsat processes are described in System documents which provide performance standards
for the major components of the Cospas-Sarsat System, and processes and procedures for System
operation, monitoring, reporting and assessment.
9.1
Alert Production Processes and Performance Standards
The processes and performance standards required to produce timely and accurate distress alert
and location data are described in documents:
* Specification for the Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz Distress Beacons, C/S T.001
* Cospas-Sarsat LEOLUT Performance Specification and Design Guidelines, C/S T.002
* Description of the Payload used in the Cospas-Sarsat LEOSAR System, C/S T.003
* Cospas-Sarsat Orbitography Network Specification, C/S T.006
* Cospas-Sarsat GEOLUT Performance Specification and Design Guidelines, C/S T.009
* Description of the Payload used in the Cospas-Sarsat GEOSAR System, C/S T.011
* Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz Frequency Management Plan, C/S T.012
* Cospas-Sarsat Frequency Requirements and Coordination Procedures, C/S T.014
* Cospas-Sarsat Specification and Type Approval Standard for 406 MHz Ship Security Alert
(SSAS) beacons, C/S T.015
* Description of the 406 MHz Payloads Used in the Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR System,
C/S T.016
* Specification for Second-Generation Cospas-Sarsat 406-MHz Distress Beacons, C/S T.018
* Cospas-Sarsat MEOLUT Performance Specification and Design Guidelines, C/S T.019
* Cospas-Sarsat Data Distribution Plan, C/S A.001
* Cospas-Sarsat Mission Control Centres Standard Interface Description, C/S A.002
* Cospas-Sarsat Mission Control Centre (MCC) Performance Specification and Design
Guidelines, C/S A.005
* Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR Implementation Plan, C/S R.012
* Cospas-Sarsat Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) GEOSAR Performance Evaluation
Report, C/S R.013
* Cospas-Sarsat Electro GEOSAR Performance Evaluation Report, C/S R.019
* Cospas-Sarsat Louch GEOSAR Performance Evaluation Report, C/S R.022

9-2

9.2
Cospas-Sarsat Quality Monitoring and Reporting Processes
The Cospas-Sarsat System management includes monitoring, reporting and assessment processes
as described in documents:
* Cospas-Sarsat System Report Monitoring and Reporting, C/S A.003
* Cospas-Sarsat LEOSAR Space Segment Commissioning Standard, C/S T.004
* Cospas-Sarsat LEOLUT Commissioning Standard, C/S T.005
* Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval Standard, C/S T.007
* Cospas-Sarsat Acceptance of 406 MHz Beacon Type approval Test Facilities, C/S T.008
* Cospas-Sarsat GEOLUT Commissioning Standard, C/S T.010
* Cospas-Sarsat GEOSAR Space Segment Commissioning Standard, C/S T.013
* Cospas-Sarsat Specification and Type Approval Standard for 406 MHz Ship Security Alert
(SSAS) beacons, C/S T.015
* Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR Space Segment Commissioning Standard, C/S T.017
* Cospas-Sarsat MEOLUT Commissioning Standard, C/S T.020
* Cospas-Sarsat Second-Generation 406-MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval Standard,
C/S T.021
* Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR Reference Beacon Network Design Guidelines, C/S T.022
* Cospas-Sarsat Mission Control Centre Commissioning Standard, C/S A.006
* Cospas-Sarsat Report on System Status and Operations, C/S R.007
- END OF SECTION 9 -

10-1

10.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REVIEW
ISO 9001 specifies that management should conduct a periodic assessment of the Quality
Management System to ensure its alignment with the ultimate objectives of the organisation, the
evolving needs and expectations of customers and the providers' required contributions.
10.1
Management Review
The suitability and effectiveness of the Cospas-Sarsat Quality Management System will be
periodically reviewed by the Council on the basis of reports presented by Participants, the
Secretariat and designated reporting bodies (e.g. Experts' Working Group or Special Task Groups)
appointed by the Council.
As a result of these management reviews, the QMS will be revised as necessary.
10.2
Cospas-Sarsat Quality Review
The Joint Committee shall prepare, as requested by the Council, a System Quality Report for
review by the Open Meeting of the Council. The Report shall address:
* the past-year of System operations, including relevant statistics on the System performance
and availability;
* the detailed current status of the System, including a list of non-conformities to
performance objectives and quality requirements;
* the adequacy and effectiveness of monitoring and reporting tools and procedures; and
* the actions agreed by the Joint Committee to address the identified non conformities of the
System elements.
During the management reviews of the Cospas-Sarsat System Quality Report, the Council should:
* decide on the operational status of System elements and the actions required to address
non-conformities; and
* direct the Joint Committee on changes required to the Cospas-Sarsat QMS, with a view to
continuously enhancing the System performance and its response to customer needs.
10.3
Incident Review
Nodal MCCs shall periodically review incidents to ensure compliance with the operational
specifications in document C/S A.001 "Cospas-Sarsat Data Distribution Plan" and C/S A.002
"Cospas-Sarsat Mission Control Centres Standard Interface Description" and report the results to
the Joint Committee annually. The data to be collected that may assist in the review is provided in
Annex G of document C/S A.003 "Cospas-Sarsat System Monitoring and Reporting". Nodal
MCCs should coordinate such that one SAR incident analysis is submitted for the review of the
Joint Committee each year.
Conduct of SAR incident analysis is also encouraged at regional Data Distribution Region (DDR)
meetings.
- END OF SECTION 10 -

11-1

11.
COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
The Quality Management System must be well understood to be effective. It is essential that
appropriate communication means exist internally, within Cospas-Sarsat, regarding the
effectiveness of the QMS. External communication, between Cospas-Sarsat and its customers and
stakeholders regarding product quality, is also important. The Cospas-Sarsat Council holds the
ultimate responsibility for ensuring that communication takes place regarding the processes and
effectiveness of the Cospas-Sarsat Quality Management System.
The Secretariat maintains the Cospas-Sarsat website, which allows System stakeholders and
customers full access to information regarding participation in the International Cospas Sarsat
Programme and the procedures and specifications for proper operation of the System. Documents
and relevant information hosted on the website include:
* The Cospas-Sarsat Quality Policy statement,
* The Cospas-Sarsat Quality Manual, describing the Cospas-Sarsat Quality Management
System,
* Specifications for the design and operation of the components of the Cospas-Sarsat System,
including the space segment, ground segment and beacons,
* Performance standards and monitoring, reporting and assessment procedures,
* A list of type approved beacons, including their manufacturer's contact information and
the design and performance characteristics of the beacon type, as established during the
type approval process,
* The operational status of Space and Ground Segment components depicted in appropriate
tables and in web-based status boards, per recommendations of the Joint Committee and
the requirements in document C/S A.003, Cospas-Sarsat System Monitoring and
Reporting,
* Information on standardised reference and training material (see Annexes A and B) and
videos.
Standardised reference material addresses the proper operation of the System, with the objective
of maintaining a quality System.
Cospas-Sarsat makes outreach efforts to its external community by periodically attending and
presenting information at meetings of various national and international standards bodies. Within
Cospas-Sarsat, Participants have the opportunity to address Quality Management issues at least
twice annually, at Cospas-Sarsat Council Sessions, Experts Working Group and Task Group
meetings, Data Distribution Region meetings and Joint Committee meetings.
- END OF SECTION 11 -

12-1

12.
NON-CONFORMING PRODUCT, CORRECTIVE ACTION AND PREVENTIVE
ACTION
12.1
Non-Conforming Product
To avoid unintentional use, it is important that any non-conforming product or service is identified
as deficient and isolated from use until the non-conformity has been rectified. Management of non-
conforming products or services incorporates four principal generic controls:
* Identification - non-conforming items should be clearly marked to prevent unintentional
use.
* Segregation - if possible non-conforming items should be segregated from similar
conforming items to prevent unintentional use.
* Reporting - non-conforming items should be reported to the appropriate responsible party
to ensure they are effectively dealt with.
* Follow up action - any non-conforming product or service should be dealt with in one or
more of three ways:
-
eliminating the non-conformity (e.g., repair of equipment).
-
authorising the use of the product or service under clearly understood controlled
conditions, (e.g., the use of non-operational equipment in specific circumstances),
-
taking action to prevent further use of the product or services, (e.g., the permanent
withdrawal of an item of equipment or a service).
Before releasing a previously non-conforming product or service for further use, conformity
should be verified and a record of verification retained.
To interpret these generic QMS principles when dealing with specific occurrences of non-
conforming products or services in the Ground Segment, reference should be made to relevant
Cospas-Sarsat System and QMS documents.
Records of non-conformities should be maintained. These should include the identification of the
product or service, the nature on the non-conformity and actions taken, including those taken to
authorise use under controlled conditions.
12.2
Corrective Action
Cospas-Sarsat Participants have a responsibility to minimise the risk of passing non conforming
services or products to customers, and to improve the suitability and effectiveness of service
delivery. Local corrective action should be taken wherever possible to resolve the non-conformity,
in accordance with agreed Cospas-Sarsat procedures and practices. Records of corrective action
should be retained.

12-2

12.3
Preventive Action
Identifying and dealing with non-conforming products or services is a key aspect of the Cospas-
Sarsat Quality Management System to ensure the continued delivery of consistent high-quality
service. Equally important is to identify non-conformities and take actions to prevent them
occurring in the first place. This is achieved through preventive action.
The process for preventive action includes the following generic steps:
* Identification of a potential non-conformity,
* Identification of the root cause,
* Assessment of the action required to eliminate the occurrence of a potential non-
conformity,
* Identification and implementation of appropriate preventive action,
* Maintenance of records of preventive action taken, and
* Review of the preventive action taken.
Preventive action may incorporate measures related to:
* Improvement of QMS processes,
* Modernisation or changes to the infrastructure or resources,
* Measures to improve working conditions and protection of staff, customers and the
environment,
* Provision of staff training and qualifications, and
* Research and clarification of the requirements of customers and stakeholders.
Records of preventive actions should be retained.
- END OF SECTION 12 -

ANNEXES
TO
COSPAS-SARSAT
QUALITY MANUAL
ANNEX A:  Cospas-Sarsat Self-Assessment Questionnaire

A-1

ANNEX A
COSPAS-SARSAT SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
NB: The information in this annex is under revision.
Purpose:
1. This Questionnaire is a performance review tool for voluntary use by new and existing
Participants.  Performance reviews help to assess achievement of performance objectives.
Such reviews are typically used along with quality management systems (QMSs) that help
maintain continuous performance improvements.
2. The Cospas-Sarsat Mission Statement stipulates that: "The International Cospas-Sarsat
Programme provides accurate, timely, and reliable distress alert and location data to help
search and rescue authorities assist persons in distress".
3. To accomplish this mission, Cospas-Sarsat is committed to maintaining a quality System
that:
* maintains focus on SAR requirements, and
* applies internationally recognised quality management principles and best practices.
4. The Cospas-Sarsat System must accomplish its mission effectively on a worldwide basis,
and its level of performance be maintained to satisfy international requirements and needs
of the SAR system that it supports.  This Questionnaire is intended to help ensure that:
* Administrations already associated with Cospas-Sarsat comply with relevant
programmatic, operational or technical responsibilities; and
* Administrations considering association with Cospas-Sarsat understand what will be
expected of them.
5. The Questionnaire can be used for initial benchmarking, and then periodically to help
check progress, by evaluating  best practices and policies, technical and human elements
as they may relate to Cospas-Sarsat System performance.
6. The review process not only helps with performance accountability but may also provide
opportunities to provide training and expert advice and can culminate in a report and action
plan to senior management.  The Questionnaire results might also provide justification for
requesting expertise and information from Cospas-Sarsat or other Administrations on
making improvements.
7. This Questionnaire is not intended to serve as a tool to help achieve an ISO 9001
accreditation.
Discussion:
8. This self-assessment is intended as a tool to be used voluntarily by Administrations to
assess their preparedness to fulfil their respective responsibilities related to Cospas-Sarsat
and related SAR functions.  The following Questionnaire can be used to help assess
program and system performance, and can be used periodically to help document

A-2

improvements in implementing key responsibilities.
9. The Questionnaire should be used in conjunction with the Administration's Quality
Management System (QMS) for its Cospas-Sarsat responsibilities.  In this regard, it is
recommended that supplementary national-level questions be added to the Questionnaire
to help monitor best practices with requirements of the Administration that have not already
been considered by this Questionnaire.
10. A successful assessment is one that verifies that best practices are implemented, or that
identifies further steps that should be taken; this particular self-assessment is intended to
help Administrations to assess their ability to meet Cospas-Sarsat obligations.
11. Use of this Questionnaire may help Cospas-Sarsat by:
* fostering improvements in the performance and reputation of the Cospas-Sarsat
System;
* providing lessons learned that can be shared for the benefit of other Administrations;
and
* stimulating ideas or concepts that Cospas-Sarsat could use to improve this
Questionnaire or its QMS.
12. Regardless of the level of Government or industry where they are carried out,
Cospas-Sarsat responsibilities ultimately belong to the Government of the Administration
concerned.  Therefore, if an Administration delegates or contracts responsibilities, it still
should monitor and account for the performance of those responsibilities.
13. By using a common Questionnaire with qualified reviewers, reviews can be carried out in
a fair, objective and consistent manner.
14. Results of voluntary reviews using this Questionnaire may be held in confidence by the
Administration and its reviewers, or the Administration may choose to voluntarily share
information about a review or about its own QMS in a report to Cospas-Sarsat.
15. An Administration may ask Cospas-Sarsat to provide experts to conduct or assist with a
self-assessment; Cospas-Sarsat will consider requests accounting for the availability of
experts and other factors as necessary.  Any assessments conducted by Cospas-Sarsat
should be done in a manner and time frame that the reviewed Administration can contribute
properly to the process.  Cospas-Sarsat may ask the Administration to attempt a self-
assessment and share the results with the experts beforehand.  If the Administration
concerned concurs, the Cospas-Sarsat experts will report the results of their assessment to
the Council.
16. The Questionnaire covers the following six program areas:
* Responsible authorities,
* International organisations,
* Beacons and registration,
* Ground Segment,
* Staffing,
* Customer support.

A-3

Questionnaire Instructions:
17. All questions are designed to be answered by checking one of the following "Status"
indicators:
3 =
Highly satisfactory; fully compliant with the intent; verifiable and
well-documented
2 =
Satisfactory, but needs some improvement
1 =
Unsatisfactory; improvement needed to ensure ongoing compliance and/or
verification
N/A =
Not applicable
18. A review score can be determined as a percent based on total status points divided by the
total possible status points for applicable items.  This scoring provides rough measures of
performance and of changes in performance between reviews.
19. Information in the third column (Comments on Compliance and Related Documentation)
or on an attached sheet should be provided by those being reviewed, and numbered
comments by the reviewer should be provided at the end of the Questionnaire with the
corresponding numbers provided in the last column (Number of Reviewer Comment(s)).
20. The third column also provides an indication, for each numbered question, of what
deficiencies exist, and what measures are in place to achieve compliance. A suitable entry
should be made for each applicable question in this column.  In addition, information
should be included about how the Administration, MCC or other entity documents its
compliance.
21. The following are examples of responses that show how well a best practice has been
addressed:
* Does not comply, but is taking certain steps to achieve compliance;
* Show evidence that the Administration is Party to a relevant instrument;
* Show applicable national regulations;
* Show records of contributions, actions or communications;
* Review how a commitment is satisfied;
* Produce documentation or evidence;
* Confirm in interviews; and
* Review national processes.
22. Administration reviewers who use this Questionnaire should ensure that senior managers,
operators or others who have responsibilities that affect the outcome of the self-assessment
receive the results of the assessment along with any appropriate highlights, summaries or
recommendations.  It is recommended that the reviewers identify and propose possible
"corrective actions" related to the outcome of the review.  Ideally, the reviewers should
prepare an action plan based on the results.
23. Priority attention should be given to correcting deficiencies where the status is
unsatisfactory, or to improving areas that would apparently have the greatest affect on
improving performance.

A-4

Acronyms:
IBRD
International Beacon Registration Database
ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization
ICSPA
International Cospas-Sarsat Program Agreement
IMO
International Maritime Organization
ISO
International Organization for Standardization
ITU
International Telecommunications Union
MCC
Mission Control Center
MSC
Maritime Safety Committee
N/A
Not Applicable
PLB
Personal Locator Beacon
QMS
Quality Management System
RCC
Rescue Coordination Center
SAR
Search and Rescue
SOLAS
Safety of Life at Sea
SPOC
Search and Rescue Point of Contact
SSAS
Ship Security Alerting System
Related Documents:
International Cospas-Sarsat Program Agreement, 1988 (ICSPA)
Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS)
Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention)
International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention)
IMO MSC 1/Circ.1210, Cospas-Sarsat International 406 MHz Beacon Registration Database
Cospas-Sarsat Data Distribution Plan (C/S A.001)
Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz Beacon Type Approval Standard (C/S T.007)
International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR Manual)
Cospas-Sarsat Quality Manual (C/S P.015)
Handbook of Beacon Regulations (C/S S.007)
Introduction to the Cospas-Sarsat System (C/S G.003)
Guidelines for Participating in the Cospas-Sarsat System (C/S P.007)

## Page 28-35

Cospas-Sarsat Review Questionnaire
[Self-assessment questionnaire with 42 review items covering: responsible authorities, international organisations, beacons and registration, ground segment, staffing, and customer support. Each item uses a 3-2-1-N/A scoring system.]
- END OF ANNEX A -
- END OF DOCUMENT -

Cospas-Sarsat Secretariat
1250 Rene-Levesque Blvd. West, Suite 4215, Montreal (Quebec) H3B 4W8 Canada
Telephone: +1 514 500 7999
Fax: +1 514 500 7996
Email: mail@cospas-sarsat.int
Website: http://www.cospas-sarsat.int