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---
title: "P016: Cospas-Sarsat"
description: "Official Cospas-Sarsat P-series document P016"
sidebar:
badge:
text: "P"
variant: "note"
# Extended Cospas-Sarsat metadata
documentId: "P016"
series: "P"
seriesName: "Programme"
documentType: "programme"
isLatest: true
issue: 1
revision: 6
documentDate: "December 2016"
---
> **📋 Document Information**
>
> **Series:** P-Series (Programme)
> **Version:** Issue 1 - Revision 6
> **Date:** December 2016
> **Source:** [Cospas-Sarsat Official Documents](https://www.cospas-sarsat.int/en/documents-pro/system-documents)
---
# **COSPAS-SARSAT** **STRATEGIC PLAN**
C/S P.016
Issue 1 - Revision 6
P16DEC.16 - i - C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**COSPAS-SARSAT STRATEGIC PLAN**
**History**
**Issue** **Revision** **Date** **Comments**
1 - October 2008 Approved by CSC-41.
1 1 October 2011 Approved by CSC-47.
1 2 October 2012 Approved by CSC-49.
1 3 October 2013 Approved by CSC-51.
1 4 October 2014 Approved by CSC-53.
1 5 December 2015 Approved by CSC-55.
1 6 December 2016 Approved by CSC-57.
P16DEC.16 - ii - C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**TABLE OF CONTENTS**
**Page**
History ............................................................................................................. i
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................... ii
**1.** **Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1-1**
**2.** **Scope of the Strategic Plan and Programme Background ................................... 2-1**
2.1 Scope of the Strategic Plan .................................................................................. 2-1
2.2 Cospas-Sarsat Programme Background ............................................................... 2-2
2.3 Trend Analysis of User Demand .......................................................................... 2-2
**3.** **Strategic Goals for the Cospas-Sarsat Programme .................................................. 3-1**
3.1 Strategic Goal 1 .................................................................................................... 3-2
3.2 Strategic Goal 2 .................................................................................................... 3-4
3.3 Strategic Goal 3 .................................................................................................... 3-5
3.4 Strategic Goal 4 .................................................................................................... 3-6
3.5 Strategic Goal 5 .................................................................................................... 3-7
**LIST OF FIGURES**
**Figure 1** The Existing LEOSAR and GEOSAR Systems ........................................ B-1
**Figure 2** GEO and LEO Orbits ................................................................................ B-2
**Figure 3** Medium Earth Orbit Satellite Constellation .............................................. B-2
**Figure 4** 406 MHz MEOSAR System Concept ....................................................... B-2
**Figure 5** Cospas-Sarsat Space Segment Tentative Launch Schedule ...................... B-3
**LIST OF ANNEXES**
**Annex A** Acronyms and Definition of Terms Used in the Strategic Plan ................ A-1
**Annex B** Cospas-Sarsat System Overview ............................................................... B-1
**Annex C** Performance Criteria ................................................................................ C-1
P16DEC.16 1-1 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**1.** **INTRODUCTION**
The international Cospas-Sarsat System has been successfully operating since 1982 and has
achieved world-wide recognition as a provider of satellite distress alerts to search and rescue
(SAR) authorities. The carriage of Cospas-Sarsat distress beacons onboard aircraft [1] and
ships [2] is mandated by Administrations in accordance with the recommendations of the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime
Organization (IMO). Their use onboard fishing vessels, pleasure craft and general aviation
aircraft is also a requirement in numerous countries. Furthermore, non-mandated usage of
distress beacons is becoming increasingly popular among individuals at risk in difficult or
dangerous environments [3] .
The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme is faced with challenges and changes that
provide an opportunity to establish long-term goals and identify new opportunities and
priorities. This Strategic Plan recognises these challenges and opportunities, and charts a
course ahead.
The scope of this Strategic Plan and the Programme background are presented in section 2 of
this document.
The long-term strategic goals of the Programme were developed for a 20-year horizon. The
strategic goals, associated medium term objectives, and near term actions that support these
objectives are described in section 3.
Cospas-Sarsat achievements towards reaching each of these goals will be monitored and
evaluated using appropriate performance indicators.
The following terms are used in this document with specific meanings:
Customers: SAR authorities to whom Cospas-Sarsat delivers distress alert and location
data.
Users: Persons or organisations who own or use distress beacons compatible with the
Cospas-Sarsat System.
System: The network of satellites, ground receiving stations (also called Local User
Terminals or LUTs), Mission Control Centres (MCCs) and associated
communication links that detects, processes and delivers distress alert and
location data to the Cospas-Sarsat customers.
1 Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) are carried onboard aircraft.
2 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are carried onboard ships.
3 Distress beacons used by individuals in various environments are called Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).
P16DEC.16 1-2 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
In the context of this strategic plan, the term “Cospas-Sarsat” encompasses:
`-` The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme established under the International
Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement signed on 1 July 1988
`-` The four Parties (Canada, France, Russia, USA) who are signatories to the
International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement
`-` The States non-Party to the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement
and organisations, who have formally notified their association with the
Programme (the Participants)
`-` The Council, which oversees the implementation of the Agreement and
co-ordinates the activities of the Parties and Participants
`-` The Secretariat, the permanent administrative body of the Programme, which
takes direction from the Council
`-` Policies, standards and processes, as detailed in Cospas-Sarsat documents
approved by the Council
Other definitions of terms and acronyms used in the Strategic Plan are provided at Annex A.
Annex B provides an overview of the Cospas-Sarsat System and its planned evolution.
Annex C describes the search and rescue performance criteria set by ICAO and IMO for the
provision of distress alert and location data and the actual performance of the Cospas-Sarsat
System.
- END OF SECTION 1
P16DEC.16 2-1 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**2.** **SCOPE OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN AND PROGRAMME BACKGROUND**
**2.1** **Scope of the Strategic Plan**
The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme is faced with upcoming changes, new
opportunities and challenges in several areas. These include the opportunities arising
from an increasing number of participating countries and a growing user base, and the
challenges presented by the continued provision of effective System operation,
evolving user needs and the planned integration of a Medium-altitude Earth-Orbiting
Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) satellite system.
The Strategic Plan recognises these changes, challenges and opportunities, and charts a
course that takes them into account within the strategic goals of the Programme. The
Plan discusses priorities within the context of the Programme mission, and provides a
strategic framework for improvements and stronger relationships with stakeholders,
customers and users. This Plan will guide the Parties and Participants associated with
the Programme, and aid the Cospas-Sarsat Council (the Council) in making decisions
in respect to short-term and medium-term issues. It will also inform other interested
parties and stakeholders about Programme strategic priorities.
The key stakeholders include SAR Authorities (Cospas-Sarsat customers), regulatory
Administrations, ICAO, IMO, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),
international and national standards organisations, the System’s users and industry.
While this Plan covers the twenty-year period 2008 to 2028, the Council intends to
review it as necessary.
The strategic goals established in section 3 of this Plan:
`-` reflect the agreement of Participants on how the Programme should evolve within
a twenty-year horizon,
`-` identify priority actions and objectives for the Programme,
`-` convey to customers and other stakeholders the long-term goals of the
Programme, and
`-` demonstrate the intention of the Programme to continue providing required
services in the future.
All goals, objectives and actions in this plan are developed within the framework of the
1988 International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement.
P16DEC.16 2-2 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**2.2** **Cospas-Sarsat Programme Background**
The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme aims to reduce, as far as possible, delays
in the provision of distress alerts to the search and rescue authorities and the time
required to locate a distress, as these have a direct impact on the probability of survival
of the person in distress. The rapid detection and location of distress events also
contributes to the reduction of the costs of SAR operations and risks faced by rescuers.
To achieve this objective, Cospas-Sarsat Participants implement, maintain, co-ordinate
and operate a multi-national satellite system on a long-term basis. The System is
capable of detecting distress alert transmissions from radiobeacons that comply with
Cospas-Sarsat specifications and performance standards, and of determining their
position anywhere on the globe. Cospas-Sarsat Participants have also implemented a
robust Ground Segment and a unique, worldwide data distribution system that provides
in a timely and reliable manner Cospas-Sarsat distress alert messages to the appropriate
SAR Points of Contact (SPOCs) and Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs).
An overview of the Cospas-Sarsat System and its performance can be found at
Annex B and Annex C to this document, and in the document C/S G.003 “Introduction
to the Cospas-Sarsat System”.
Cospas-Sarsat is currently developing a third generation satellite alerting capability.
The MEOSAR system, which is planned to begin operating in the 2012 - 2015
timeframe, is expected to provide global, near-instantaneous alerting and locating
capabilities for existing and new generation 406 MHz distress beacons. The MEOSAR
system will provide a potential for enhanced performance, including greater resilience
to beacon-to-satellite obstructions and a possible return link to the beacon. Detailed
information on MEOSAR system development is available in the document C/S R.012
“Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz MEOSAR Implementation Plan”.
**2.3** **Trend Analysis of User Demand**
Changes in technology, expanding user groups and new national and international
regulations are creating unique challenges for the Programme. In particular, future user
demand is expected to reflect the following major trends:
`-` a swift increase of the number of non-mandated users who purchase beacons on a
voluntary basis in the context of decreasing beacon prices,
`-` limited growth of the number of mandated users,
`-` new user segments with high expectations for system performance that would take
advantage of evolving technologies, including devices that combine several
functionalities, and
`-` a large global demand for locating and communication devices for non-distress
applications.
P16DEC.16 2-3 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
These trends and changes in technology open opportunities for new regional or global
satellite systems that may offer locating and communication services on a commercial
basis, including distress alerting.
The Cospas-Sarsat System was established by governments to provide distress alerting
and locating services on a global, non-discriminatory basis and free-of-charge for the
user in distress. It operates in frequency bands assigned by the ITU which are strictly
reserved for distress alerting, i.e. in situations of grave and imminent danger to the
safety of human life.
In line with the mandate of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement,
Cospas-Sarsat provides a distress alerting and location service to SAR authorities.
While Cospas-Sarsat does not intend to compete with commercial systems that offer
other communication or locating services, it will seek to continuously improve its
distress alerting and locating service, as practical and necessary to meet the long-term
SAR requirements of ICAO and IMO, and its users' and customers' expectations.
To manage the impact of the trends identified above, Cospas-Sarsat has devised
strategies to successfully:
`-` identify the System’s core user segment and address opportunities as well as
potential threats which could result from uncontrolled growth,
`-` address user needs while maintaining the control of specifications and standards,
`-` address the evolving needs and expectations of SAR authorities, and
`-` monitor System operations and use, and manage the available frequency spectrum
to meet System capacity requirements.
- END OF SECTION 2
P16DEC.16 3-1 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**3.** **STRATEGIC GOALS FOR THE COSPAS-SARSAT PROGRAMME**
_**Mission Statement**_
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.
_**Programme Strategy**_
The Programme will emphasise cooperation and partnership in order to achieve its goals. As
no country or organisation has the resources to implement and operate an international
satellite-aided search and rescue system on its own, success is only achieved through
international cooperation and partnership among States and organisations. Furthermore, the
Programme will strive to raise awareness of the System through education and outreach.
Knowledge of the System and its capacity is important to ensure that users and customers
realise the full potential of the System.
_**Strategic Goals**_
The Cospas-Sarsat strategic goals were established for a twenty-year time frame after
considering the mission of the Programme and its past accomplishments. The following five
strategic goals have been identified:
1. Continuous and effective System operation.
2. A comprehensive management structure to support System evolution and
ensure Programme continuity.
3. Worldwide support for the Programme.
4. Participants, users and customers use and operate the System to its full
potential.
5. A robust industrial base to support System operations.
Each strategic goal is subdivided into medium-term objectives that can be reviewed and
revised by the Council to align with actual developments in the Programme. Each objective
is further detailed in a number of near-term actions to be accomplished to reach the desired
objective.
P16DEC.16 3-2 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**3.1** **STRATEGIC GOAL 1:** **CONTINUOUS AND EFFECTIVE SYSTEM**
**OPERATIONS**
The detection and location with minimum delay of an aircraft crash, a ship in distress or an
individual in imminent danger are of paramount importance to the search and rescue (SAR)
teams and to the potential survivors. Studies show that survival rates after a distress at sea or
after an aircraft crash rapidly decrease with time, particularly in circumstances where
survivors are injured, hypothermic or exposed to the elements. Furthermore, the availability
of accurate distress location data can significantly reduce both SAR costs and the exposure of
rescue forces to hazardous conditions, and improve SAR operational efficiency. CospasSarsat will strive to improve the accuracy, timeliness and reliability of alert data delivered to
SAR authorities.
Recognising the risk and possible delays associated with space segment activities,
Cospas-Sarsat aims to provide continuity of Space and Ground Segment operations within the
twenty-year timeframe of this strategic plan by integrating new MEOSAR capabilities into
the existing System.
**3.1.1** **Objective 1: Deliver distress alerts to the appropriate Search and Rescue**
**Points of Contact (SPOCs)**
Action 1: Coordinate with ICAO, IMO and other appropriate bodies to identify
SPOCs and ensure that proper arrangements and systems are in place
to deliver alerts.
Action 2: Establish procedures for each MCC to identify a backup SPOC in
case of communication failure with the primary SPOC.
**3.1.2** **Objective 2: Maintain or improve location accuracy**
Action 1: Ensure ground segment equipment is correctly operated, monitored
and maintained.
Action 2: Investigate possible improvements to location accuracy associated
with the space, ground and beacon segments.
Action 3: Develop the capability to locate fast moving 406 MHz ELTs at
elevation based on location requirements to be determined by
stakeholders.
**3.1.3** **Objective 3: Improve timeliness of distress alert delivery**
Action 1: Maintain and evaluate reliable communication links throughout the
System and to SPOCs by, among other things, using regular two-way
communication tests.
P16DEC.16 3-3 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
Action 2: Promote the use of emerging technologies and processes to improve
the delivery of distress alerts to SPOCs.
Action 3: Encourage Administrations to facilitate and promote the use of
distress beacons with navigational input to enable rapid location using
the GEOSAR system.
Action 4: Coordinate and maximise Space Segment contributions to reduce wait
time for beacon detection and ensure optimal coverage.
**3.1.4** **Objective 4: Ensure reliability of distress beacons**
Action 1: Identify a strategy to monitor the performance of beacons post typeapproval.
Action 2: Encourage SAR authorities to assess beacon performance during SAR
incident analyses and provide this information to the Programme.
Action 3: Establish a mechanism to provide feedback to manufacturers on
beacon performance.
Action 4: For those so equipped, ensure their ability to acquire reliable and
accurate Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position data.
**3.1.5** **Objective 5: Manage System capacity to accommodate increasing beacon**
**population**
Action 1: Coordinate with Administrations and the ITU to protect the System
uplink and downlink frequency bands.
Action 2: Update the Cospas-Sarsat Frequency Management Plan (C/S T.012)
to include a model of the MEOSAR system capacity.
**3.1.6** **Objective 6: Ensure seamless integration of the MEOSAR system**
Action 1: Provide a capability to detect and locate distress beacons globally,
near instantaneously, by encouraging Space Segment Providers to
continue providing LEOSAR and GEOSAR capabilities.
Action 2: Encourage Ground Segment Providers to continue operating
GEOLUTs and LEOLUTs _._
Action 3: Develop a risk management plan to maintain the current level of
System performance and ensure the detection and location of distress
events.
P16DEC.16 3-4 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**3.1.7** **Objective 7: Implement the MEOSAR space and ground segments**
Action 1: Complete the Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR Demonstration and
Evaluation (D&E) and generate a report making recommendations for
MEOSAR system implementation.
Action 2: Consider possible new or revised specifications and type approval
standards for beacons operating with the MEOSAR system that
would enhance performance, provide new capabilities and/or allow
lower beacon costs.
Action 3: Coordinate the implementation of a MEOSAR ground segment in
order to ensure a full operational capability.
Action 4: Investigate strategies to coordinate and operate the MEOSAR space
segment.
Action 5: Plan for the implementation of a return-link capability.
**3.2** **STRATEGIC GOAL 2:** **A** **COMPREHENSIVE** **MANAGEMENT**
**STRUCTURE** **TO** **SUPPORT** **SYSTEM**
**EVOLUTION AND ENSURE PROGRAMME**
**CONTINUITY**
Provision of an effective management structure and appropriate legal framework is crucial to
the continued ability of the Cospas-Sarsat Programme to perform its mission while
maintaining the flexibility to take advantage of emerging opportunities. In respect of System
operations, effective management requires the development and implementation of a Quality
Management System. Effective management also requires transparency and accountability in
all aspects of the Programme activities, including the Programme Common Costs. In
addition, a comprehensive Programme management demands that the Council and
Participants remain aware of the evolving environment in which the System operates.
**3.2.1** **Objective 1: Provide** **an** **effective** **management** **structure** **to** **support**
**operational Programme activities**
Action 1: Investigate the possible implementation of centrally managed
activities for the Programme, including communications, beacon
registration, and Ground Segment operations.
**3.2.2** **Objective 2: Establish the appropriate legal framework to support the**
**Programme evolution**
P16DEC.16 3-5 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
Action 1: Assess the suitability of existing legal instruments for the
coordination and management of an operational MEOSAR system,
and recommend possible actions for the timely implementation of
required changes.
**3.2.3** **Objective 3: Acquire and efficiently manage Programme financial and human**
**resources**
Action 1: Ensure appropriate funding for the Programme Common Costs to
maintain effective and efficient coordination of activities.
Action 2: Maintain effective management and oversight of the Programme
Common Costs, including adequate risk management strategies to
address potential liabilities.
Action 3: Evaluate and plan for future human resource needs.
**3.2.4** **Objective 4: Establish a Quality Management System (QMS)**
Action 1: Maintain a System monitoring tool, to include a feedback mechanism
to address nonconformity within the System.
Action 2: Maintain a Cospas-Sarsat model course for Cospas-Sarsat Ground
Segment operators.
Action 3: Investigate improvements to the Cospas-Sarsat Quality Management
System (including MEOSAR).
**3.2.5** **Objective 5: Maintain awareness of the environment in which the System**
**operates**
Action 1: Periodically review the regulatory environment.
Action 2: Conduct reviews of emerging trends and opportunities and consult
with stakeholders to assess possible impacts.
**3.3** **STRATEGIC GOAL 3:** **WORLD** **WIDE** **SUPPORT** **FOR** **THE**
**PROGRAMME**
Cospas-Sarsat will strive to maintain a Programme that is well recognised internationally. By
promoting participation in the System and enhancing support for the Programme, CospasSarsat will enhance its ability to maintain the Cospas-Sarsat System, ensure its continuity,
and assist SAR authorities worldwide. Cospas-Sarsat must also manage the expectations of
stakeholders by making sure they are aware of the capabilities and limitations of the System.
P16DEC.16 3-6 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**3.3.1** **Objective 1: Promote adoption and use of Cospas-Sarsat standards and**
**specifications**
Action 1: Actively cooperate with standards organisations to ensure consistency
of international and national standards with Cospas-Sarsat
requirements.
Action 2: Support Administrations in implementing Cospas-Sarsat standards
and specifications.
**3.3.2** **Objective 2: Expand involvement with and use of the Cospas-Sarsat System**
Action 1: Identify Administrations that would benefit from using the System
and support, to the extent possible, their use of Cospas-Sarsat data.
Action 2: Encourage a wider use of the International Beacon Registration
Database (IBRD) to make beacon registration data readily available
to SAR authorities.
**3.3.3** **Objective 3: Manage stakeholder expectations**
Action 1: Liaise with appropriate international organisations to publicise
System performance and inform user groups of System capabilities
and Programme objectives.
**3.4** **STRATEGIC GOAL 4:** **PARTICIPANTS, USERS AND CUSTOMERS**
**USE AND OPERATE THE SYSTEM TO ITS**
**FULL POTENTIAL**
While the Programme has been successful to date and large numbers of people have benefited
from use of the System, there are many more who are at risk and not aware of the capabilities
and potential benefits of distress beacons. Cospas-Sarsat needs to assist Administrations in
educating potential users. In addition, to allow efficient operation of the Cospas-Sarsat
System, users have to be aware of certain important requirements including the need to
register, properly operate and dispose of beacons.
**3.4.1** **Objective 1: Raise user awareness on the availability and proper use of the**
**System**
Action 1: Develop a plan to educate users on the proper use and benefits of the
System.
Action 2: Analyse the causes of false alerts to promote corrective actions.
P16DEC.16 3-7 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**3.4.2** **Objective 2: Promote complete and accurate beacon registration**
Action 1: Encourage Administrations to establish policies and regulations to
maximise registration of 406 MHz beacons and ensure registration
data held is accurate.
Action 2: Maintain the IBRD to facilitate user and customer access to
registration information.
Action 3: Identify and assess possible means to ensure data held in the IBRD is
properly maintained and protected.
Action 4: Maintain IBRD user interface to ensure that beacon owners correctly
enter beacon data.
**3.4.3** **Objective 3: Ensure Participants’ awareness of the System and Programme to**
**realise their full potential**
Action 1: Develop information documents on Cospas-Sarsat operations for
Participant representative at varying levels of government.
**3.4.4** **Objective 4: Ensure Customers’ awareness of the System to realise its full**
**potential**
Action 1: Develop standardised training modules that can be used in
international training programmes.
Action 2: Work with international agencies to conduct training seminars for
non-Participants.
Action 3: Coordinate with Administrations for the proper use, training and
testing on 406 MHz beacons (including, false alerts and beacon’s end
of life issues).
**3.5** **STRATEGIC GOAL 5:** **A ROBUST INDUSTRIAL BASE TO SUPPORT**
**SYSTEM OPERATIONS**
The continued availability of affordable and reliable ground segment equipment and beacons
that meet evolving needs and Cospas-Sarsat requirements is dependent on a robust and active
industrial base, and its ability to use and integrate newly developed technologies. Adoption
of new technologies can be stimulated by a competitive environment.
P16DEC.16 3-8 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**3.5.1** **Objective 1: Facilitate fair and streamlined supplier access to the Cospas-**
**Sarsat beacon market**
Action 1: Ensure Cospas-Sarsat maintains adequate resources and expertise to
provide effective and timely review of beacon type approval
applications.
Action 2: Encourage and facilitate the acceptance of testing laboratories by
Cospas-Sarsat to ensure adequate capabilities for the timely
implementation of type approval testing.
Action 3: Encourage the adoption of policies that broaden the choice of beacons
available to users.
**3.5.2** **Objective 2: Encourage the diversity of providers of Ground Segment**
**equipment**
Action 1: Facilitate manufacturers’ access to Cospas-Sarsat documentation and
information to promote fair and open competition principles.
Action 2: Maintain independent expertise within the Programme for the
analysis of System performance and the development of
requirements.
**3.5.3 Objective 3:** **Consider opportunities to lower beacon costs and improve beacon**
**capabilities and performance**
Action 1: Provide timely review of new technology developments and
investigate proposals that could lower the cost or increase the
functionality of 406 MHz beacons.
- END OF SECTION 3
## **ANNEXES** **TO** **THE COSPAS-SARSAT** **STRATEGIC PLAN**
P16DEC.16 A-1 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**ANNEX A**
**ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS OF TERMS**
**USED IN THE STRATEGIC PLAN**
**1.** **ACRONYMS**
**COSPAS** Russian acronym meaning Space System for the Search of Vessels in
Distress
**ELT** Emergency Locator Transmitter
**EPIRB** Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
**EUMETSAT** European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites
**GEO** Geostationary Earth Orbit
**GEOLUT** Local User Terminal in a GEOSAR System
**GEOSAR** Geostationary satellite system for Search and Rescue
**GOES** Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite
**GNSS** Global Navigation Satellite System
**IBRD** International Beacon Registration Database
**ICAO** International Civil Aviation Organization
**ICSPA** International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement
**IMO** International Maritime Organization
**ITU** International Telecommunication Union
**LEO** Low-altitude Earth Orbit
**LEOLUT** Local User Terminal in a LEOSAR System
**LEOSAR** Low-altitude Earth Orbit satellite system for Search and Rescue
**LUT** Local User Terminal (ground receiving station)
P16DEC.16 A-2 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**MCC** Mission Control Centre
**MEO** Medium-altitude Earth Orbit
**MEOLUT** Local User Terminal in a MEOSAR system
**MEOSAR** Medium-altitude Earth-Orbit satellite system for Search and Rescue
**PLB** Personal Locator Beacon
**QMS** Quality Management System
**RCC** Rescue Coordination Centre
**SAR** Search and Rescue
**SARP** Search and Rescue Processor
**SARR** Search and Rescue Repeater
**SARSAT** Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking
**SPOC** SAR Point of Contact
P16DEC.16 A-3 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**2.** **DEFINITIONS OF TERMS**
**Beacon** A radiobeacon designed to be activated in a distress
**(Cospas-Sarsat beacon)** situation and to transmit a radio signal on the frequency of
406 MHz, the characteristics of which comply with
appropriate provisions of the International
Telecommunication Union and Cospas-Sarsat
specifications. The radiobeacon may include ancillary
devices to improve System performance and search and
rescue response.
**Cospas-Sarsat** In the context of this strategic plan, the term
“Cospas-Sarsat” encompasses:
`-` The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme established
under the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme
Agreement signed on 1 July 1988,
`-` The four Parties (Canada, France, Russia, USA) who are
signatories to the International Cospas-Sarsat
Programme Agreement (document C/S P.001),
`-` The States non-Party to the International Cospas-Sarsat
Programme Agreement and organisations who have
formally notified their association with the Programme
(the Participants),
`-` The Council, which oversees the implementation of the
Agreement and co-ordinates the activities of the Parties
and Participants,
`-` The Secretariat, the permanent administrative body of
the Programme, which takes direction from the Council,
`-` Policies, standards and processes, as detailed in
Cospas-Sarsat documents approved by the Council.
**Council** The Cospas-Sarsat Council established in accordance with
**(Cospas-Sarsat Council)** Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the International Cospas-Sarsat
Programme Agreement.
**Customers** SAR authorities to whom Cospas-Sarsat delivers distress
alert and location data.
**Ground Segment Operator** Any Organisation which establishes and operates Ground
Segment equipment, avails itself of the System and
becomes associated with the Programme in accordance with
provisions set forth by the Council under the terms of the
ICSPA.
P16DEC.16 A-4 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**Ground Segment Provider** A State which establishes and operates Ground Segment
equipment under the terms of Article 11 and Article 12 of
the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement.
**Participants** The States non-Party to the International Cospas-Sarsat
Programme Agreement, who have formally notified their
association with the Programme either as a Ground
Segment Provider or as a User-State.
**Party (to the International** A State for which the International Cospas-Sarsat
**Cospas-Sarsat Programme** Programme Agreement has entered into force.
**Agreement)**
**Programme**
Those activities carried out by the Parties to provide,
operate and coordinate the Cospas-Sarsat System in
accordance with the International Cospas-Sarsat
Programme Agreement.
**Stakeholder** Any organisation which has a vested interest in the
International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, the System and its
operation.
**System** The network of satellites, ground receiving stations (also
called Local User Terminals or LUTs), Mission Control
Centres (MCCs) and associated communication links that
detects, processes and delivers distress alert and location
data to the Cospas-Sarsat customers.
**Users** Persons or organisations who own or use distress beacons
compatible with the Cospas-Sarsat System.
**User State** A State that avails itself of the System under the terms of
Article 12 of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme
Agreement.
- END OF ANNEX A
P16DEC.16 B-1 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**ANNEX B**
**COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM OVERVIEW**
**Figure 1: The Existing LEOSAR and GEOSAR Systems**
P16DEC.16 B-2 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**Figure 2: GEO and LEO Orbits**
**Figure 3: Medium Earth Orbit Satellite Constellation**
GPS-III
_**406 MHz**_
_**Distress**_
_**Beacon**_
MEO orbits,
about 20,000 km altitude
**Figure 4: 406 MHz MEOSAR System Concept**
GLONASS
**Galileo**
**Return link**
**Service Provider**
**MEOLUT /** **MCC**
P16DEC.16 B-3 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**Figure 5: Cospas-Sarsat Space-Segment Tentative Launch Schedule**
|Col1|2008|2009|2010|2011|2012|2013|2014|2015|Col10|2016|Col12|2017|Col14|2018|2019|Col17|2020|Col19|2021|Col21|2022|2023|2024|2025|Col26|2026|2027|Col29|2028|2029|2030|2031|2032|2033|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**LEOSAR **<br>Cospas<br>Sarsat|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**LEOSAR **<br>Cospas<br>Sarsat|||||||||||||||||||u|u|||||||||||||||
|**LEOSAR **<br>Cospas<br>Sarsat|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**LEOSAR **<br>Cospas<br>Sarsat|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**LEOSAR **<br>Cospas<br>Sarsat|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT||uu|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT||uu|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**GEOSAR **<br>GOES<br>MSG <br>MTG<br>Electro-L/Louch-5<br>INSAT/GSAT|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**MEOSAR **<br>SAR/Galileo<br>(first 28 payloads)<br>SAR/Glonass-K<br>SAR/GPS (L-band)<br>DASS/GPS II (S-band)<br>DASS/GPS III (S-band)||||K1|model|||||||||K2|model|model|||||||||||||||||||
|**MEOSAR **<br>SAR/Galileo<br>(first 28 payloads)<br>SAR/Glonass-K<br>SAR/GPS (L-band)<br>DASS/GPS II (S-band)<br>DASS/GPS III (S-band)|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**MEOSAR **<br>SAR/Galileo<br>(first 28 payloads)<br>SAR/Glonass-K<br>SAR/GPS (L-band)<br>DASS/GPS II (S-band)<br>DASS/GPS III (S-band)|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**MEOSAR **<br>SAR/Galileo<br>(first 28 payloads)<br>SAR/Glonass-K<br>SAR/GPS (L-band)<br>DASS/GPS II (S-band)<br>DASS/GPS III (S-band)|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|**MEOSAR **<br>SAR/Galileo<br>(first 28 payloads)<br>SAR/Glonass-K<br>SAR/GPS (L-band)<br>DASS/GPS II (S-band)<br>DASS/GPS III (S-band)|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
P16DEC.16 B-4 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**Notes:**
Tentative launch date.
First and final launches of the complete deployment of a MEO constellation with SAR payloads.
**Explanatory Notes (Figure 5):**
1. Cospas: Satellites are provided by Russia and carry search and rescue processor (SARP) instruments.
2. Sarsat: Satellites are provided by the USA and EUMETSAT. Search and rescue repeater (SARR) instruments are provided by Canada and SARP instruments
are provided by France.
3. GOES: Satellites and SAR instruments provided by USA.
4. MSG: Satellite and SAR instruments provided by EUMETSAT.
5. MTG: Satellite and SAR instruments provided by EUMETSAT.
6. Electro-L/Luch-5A: Satellites and SAR instruments provided by Russia.
7. INSAT/GSAT: Satellite _s_ and SAR instruments provided by India.
8. SAR/Galileo: The first 30 Galileo satellites carrying a total of 28 SAR instrument are planned to be deployed between 2012 and 2019.
9. SAR/Glonass-K: SAR instruments planned to be carried on the Russian GNSS Glonass-K1 and Glonass-K2 satellites.
10. SAR/GPS: Negotiations are underway to provide SA ~~RR~~ instruments on USA GPS III GNSS; the first launch ready date is 2023. After this first launch a GPS
constellation of 24 satellites with SAR instruments should be in place within 10 years.
- END OF ANNEX B
P16DEC.16 C-1 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
**ANNEX C**
**PERFORMANCE CRITERIA**
The performance criteria were determined by the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on
Harmonization of Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (JWG 13) in 2006 and
endorsed at JWG 14 in 2007.
This table captures performance criteria and lists Cospas-Sarsat existing or future
capabilities.
|Performance Criteria|Existing LEO/GEO Capability|Future MEO Capability|
|---|---|---|
|Global coverage|Performance criterion is met.<br>Current constellation of LEOSAR<br>and GEOSAR satellites provides<br>global coverage.|MEOSAR system is being<br>designed to meet performance<br>criterion of global coverage.|
|Signal activation without<br>human intervention|Performance criterion is met by<br>some beacon types.<br>Administrations set the<br>requirements for beacon activation.|This performance criterion is<br>applicable to the beacon segment<br>of the system and the MEOSAR<br>system is being designed to relay<br>this type of beacon|
|Distress alert provided to<br>responsible RCC within<br>5 minutes|Performance criterion is met.<br>Based on actual performance:<br>GEOSAR distress alert detections<br>provided to responsible RCC<br>within 3 minutes.<br>Distress alerts with position data<br>provided within 3 minutes for 85 %<br>of beacons that transmit encoded<br>GNSS position data.<br>Distress alerts with Doppler<br>derived positions provided within<br>47 minutes on average.|MEOSAR performance<br>capabilities are in the process of<br>being validated. The system is<br>being designed to provide distress<br>alerts to the responsible RCC<br>within 5 minutes.|
P16DEC.16 C-2 C/S P.016 - Issue 1 - Rev.6
|Performance Criteria|Existing LEO/GEO Capability|Future MEO Capability|
|---|---|---|
|Distress alert location<br>provided to an accuracy of<br>5 km or better|<br>Performance criterion is met.<br>Based on actual performance 95%<br>of Doppler derived locations are<br>accurate to within 5 km.<br>Encoded GNSS positions are<br>provided to a Lat/Long resolution<br>of 4 sec (about 100 m accuracy).|The MEOSAR system is being<br>designed and developed to exceed<br>this criterion.|
|Beacon capability for<br>transmission of both<br>distress and homing<br>signals, for a minimum<br>period of 48 hours under<br>temperature conditions<br>between -40°C and +40°C|Many type approved beacons meet<br>these criteria. Not applicable to all<br>beacons as Administrations set the<br>operational requirements for<br>beacons.|This performance criterion is<br>applicable to the beacon segment<br>of the system and the MEOSAR<br>system is being designed to relay<br>this type of beacon. Many type<br>approved beacons will continue to<br>meet this criterion|
|Beacon survivability|Administrations set the<br>survivability requirements for<br>beacon specification.|This performance criterion is<br>applicable to the beacon segment<br>of the system and the MEOSAR<br>system is being designed to relay<br>this type of beacon. Many type<br>approved beacons will continue to<br>meet this criterion|
|Distressed craft ID<br>transmission facility|Performance criterion is met.<br>Vessel or aircraft ID can be<br>encoded in the beacon message<br>and/or is held in a beacon registry<br>and available to RCCs.|Performance criterion will be met.|
- END OF ANNEX C
- END OF DOCUMENT
Cospas-Sarsat Secretariat
1250 boulevard René-Lévesque West, Suite 4215, Montréal, Québec H3B 4W8 Canada
Telephone: + 1 514 500 7999 Fax: + 1 514 500 7996
Email: mail@cospas-sarsat.int
Website www.cospas-sarsat.int
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