International Cospas-Sarsat Programme

The Cospas-Sarsat Council is composed of one Representative from each of the four Parties to the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement (ICSPA), namely Canada, France, Russia and the USA. The Council meets at least once a year to carry out the relevant policies and co-ordinate the activities of the Parties, but can meet as often as necessary to discharge its functions. Council decisions are taken unanimously by the Representatives of the Parties.

The Council meets in Closed Meetings, with attendance by Parties only, primarily to address the management of the Secretariat and the administration of the Programme, including relations with prospective participating countries, System users, manufacturers and international organisations.

The Council also meets at least once a year in an Open Meeting during which the associated States and organisations (the Cospas-Sarsat Participants) may address any issue pertaining to the administration of the Programme and the management of the System that are of interest to Cospas-Sarsat Participants. These include matters concerning the Common Costs of the Programme, the operation of the System and its development, the report and recommendations of the Joint Committee, and relations with international organisations. 

Related link:      The Secretariat