5 Chapter 4
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1289 – Adoption of Amendments to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual – ( 9 December 2008) - Annex - Section 1 – Amendments to IAMSAR Manual – Volume I - 5 Chapter 4

5 Chapter 4

  Replace the existing paragraph 4.2.3 with the following:

  • “4.2.3 Publications which can be used to assist in overcoming language barriers and communication difficulties between vessel and aircraft crews, survivors and SAR personnel include the International Code of Signals, the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (Assembly resolution A.918(22)), Annex 10 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, and PANS ATM (ICAO Document 4444). These documents should be included in RCC libraries and be understood by the staff who should be able to comprehend and transmit messages using these phrases. Ships should carry these documents. SRUs should carry the International Code of Signals.”

  Add at the end of paragraph 4.7.1 the following:

 “RCCs should be able to communicate 24 hours a day with a designated Telemedical Assistance Service (TMAS) to coordinate the provision of medical advice and medical assistance and to arrange for medical evacuations from vessels at sea.”


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