TNAG-2897-FCO40-4171-Hong-Kong-piracy-in-the-South-China-Sea-1993 — Page 104

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TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE EXPERT ON RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS

To consider and recommend, as appropriate, on all matters related to preventing or combating acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships by the use of radiocommunications, including but not limited to:

Examining the adequacy of shore-based communication facilities in the Strait of Malacca for:

receiving reports from ships transiting the area;

and

•

exchanging information between shore authorities in the area

Recommending, if appropriate, methods for routeing messages from ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and between shore authorities on piracy and armed robbery (in co-operation with the experts on Prevention of unlawful acts and on Search and Rescue)

Recommending use, as appropriate, of the INMARSAT SafetyNET or any other voice or record radiocommunication sub-system that should be used by ships before, under and after attack by pirates

Recommending procedures for use by RCCs for passing, without delay by landline communications information received from ships on piracy and armed robbery to the competent authorities designated to act on such reports

Recommending procedures for use by RCCs for passing, without delay by pre-arranged landline communications, information received from ships on piracy and armed robbery to the nearest RCC or rescue sub-centre of neighbouring States, if the pirates are reported to be sailing in their direction so that the appropriate authorities may act promptly and without delay

Investigating and reporting on the feasibility of fitting shipping with equipment for transmitting (automatically) a pre-recorded "attack-alert" signal/message, when attacked by pirates, which can be received by a signal station/RCC ashore, located in a suitable geographical position and equipped with position-fixing equipment (D/F and radar) capable of fixing the position of the vessel under attack and advising law enforcement agencies and patrol vessels so that assistance may be rendered as soon as possible

W/9181e

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