ICAO CIR185:1986

The purpose of the circular is to acquaint personnel responsible for search and rescue, as well as air traffic services personnel, communications specialists and pilots, with the COSPAS-SARSAT (space system for search of vessels in distress/search and rescue satellite-aided tracking), which introduces space technology to assist in expediting search and rescue activities. it explains how the system assists with search and rescue, and informs States which may be interested in taking advantage of the COSPAS-SARSAT system, of the points of contact, levels of participation and likely costs.