The International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme is a distress alert detection and information distribution system that enables the rapid and effective initiation of search and rescue operations by determining the location of ships, aircraft, or persons in distress through signals transmitted by emergency beacon devices, known as “beacons,” which are activated automatically or manually in emergencies and relayed via search and rescue satellites to relevant ground stations.

The COSPAS-SARSAT Programme was initiated in 1979 through a joint initiative of Canada, France, the United States, and the Soviet Union, and was formally established as an intergovernmental organization in 1988 by an agreement signed by these states. The Russian Federation succeeded the Soviet Union as a Party to the Agreement in January 1992. The Secretariat is headquartered in Montreal. Together with the founding members, 43 states and 2 organizations are officially associated with the Programme and actively participate in the management and operation of the COSPAS-SARSAT System.

Türkiye, which currently operates one of the most comprehensive ground station infrastructures within the COSPAS-SARSAT System, has been among the leading service providers since joining the system in 2005. In this framework, the Turkish Mission Control Centre (TRMCC), participating in the system as a Ground Segment Provider, provides COSPAS-SARSAT services to Afghanistan, Georgia, Ukraine, Iran, and Iraq, for which it serves as the Search and Rescue Point of Contact (SPOC).

“COSPAS” is a Russian acronym meaning “Space System for the Search of Vessels in Distress.” “SARSAT” stands for “Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking.” The system is open to maritime and aviation users, as well as persons in distress. Access is provided to all states without discrimination, and the service is free of charge for end users in distress situations.

In summary, the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme provides accurate, timely, and reliable distress alert and location data to assist search and rescue authorities in reaching persons in distress as quickly as possible.

The objective of the system is to minimize the time required to provide assistance by rapidly determining the location of emergencies and accidents at sea or on land.

To achieve this objective, COSPAS-SARSAT members implement, maintain, coordinate, and operate a satellite system capable of detecting distress alert transmissions from radio beacons that comply with the Programme’s specifications and performance standards, and of determining their location anywhere in the world. Distress alert and location data are then provided by COSPAS-SARSAT participants to the responsible search and rescue services.

The COSPAS-SARSAT Programme cooperates with the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, and other international organizations in order to ensure that emergency distress alert services remain compatible with the needs, standards, and relevant recommendations of the international community.

Further information on the COSPAS-SARSAT Secretariat and its activities is available at the official COSPAS-SARSAT website www.cospas-sarsat.int