C/S G.003 - INTRODUCTION TO THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM Issue 7

The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme (“the Programme”) was formed when the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme Agreement (“the ICSPA”) was signed and ratified. This formal Agreement among the Governments of Canada, France, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America (the States Party to the Agreement) allows the association of other States with the Programme.

Figure 7‑1: A Cospas-Sarsat Joint Committee Meeting

The Cospas-Sarsat Joint Committee, which includes all of the Participants in the Cospas-Sarsat System, meets annually to discuss matters of importance to the operation of the System.