JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

far as possible, afford adequate means of locating and rescuing persons
in distress. Each contracting government undertakes to make information
available concerning its existing facilities and plans.
Regulation 16 specifies life-saving signals that are to be used.
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972
(28 UST 3459, TIAS 8587)
Rule 31 of these regulations specifies the distress signals that
are to be used or displayed by a vessel or seaplane in distress on the
water and requires assistance from other vessels or shore. (Distress
signals are also stated in Regulation 37 and Annex IV of the 1972
COLREGS.)
Recommendations of the First Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
Adopted at Canberra July 24, 1961 (13 UST 1349; TIAS 4780)
Recommendations I-X, along with other recommendations, were adopted
in accordance with Article IX of the Antarctic Treaty signed December 1,
1959 (12 UST 794; TIAS 4780; 402 UNTS 71) and became effective on April
30, 1962. They provide as follows:
"The Representatives affirm the traditional Antarctic principle
that expeditions render all assistance feasible in the event of an
emergency request for help and recommend to their Governments that
consideration be given to arranging consultations among them, and to the
matter being discussed at the appropriate time at any meeting of experts
qualified to discuss it."
International Telecommunications Convention
October 25, 1973 (28 UST 2495; TIAS 8572)
Article 25 specifies that the international telecommunications
services must give absolute
B-2