Memorandum of understanding between the Government of Norway and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation on search and rescue as well as warning of serious incidents
The Government of the Kingdom of Norway and the Government of the Russian Federation,
referring to the comprehensive cooperation between the Government of the Kingdom of Norway and the Government of the Russian Federation in the fields of prevention and warning of accidents, including nuclear accidents, and cooperation on search and rescue, as well as environmental issues and fisheries management;
fully aware of the danger of accidents which involve the risk of loss of human life, and where a rescue operation can be carried out most effectively by means of cooperation and mutual assistance between the two States, and where there may, under the international law of the sea, also be a mutual obligation to take measures to assist in the rescue of persons in distress at sea;
emphasizing that, in the event of an accident, particularly any nuclear accident, the risk of injury to persons or damage to the environment and natural resources, including living marine resources, is a matter of concern to both our countries;
convinced that an exchange of relevant information on nuclear accidents as soon as possible is necessary in order to reduce transboundary radiological consequences to a minimum;
desiring to be in a position to render assistance to each other in the event of an accident and recognizing that for such assistance to be rendered and received, early and effective notification of accidents at sea and on land, and good routines for following up such notification, are a prerequisite;
undertaking to strengthen and make more effective the implementation of the multilateral and bilateral treaty obligations that already exist between our two countries, including in particular the following bilateral agreements: the Agreement of 4 October 1995 on cooperation in connection with search and rescue of persons in distress in the Barents Sea, the Agreement of 3 September 1992 on environmental cooperation, the Agreement of 10 January 1993 on early notification in case of a nuclear accident and exchange of information on nuclear facilities, the Agreement of 26 May 1998 on environmental cooperation in connection with the dismantling of Russian nuclear-powered submarines withdrawn from the Navy’s service in the northern region, and the enhancement of nuclear and radiation safety, the Memorandum of 4 October 1995 on Norwegian-Russian cooperation in the area of nuclear safety, the Agreement of 28 April 1994 concerning cooperation on combating oil pollution in the Barents Sea, the Agreement of 1 October 1990 on the prevention of incidents at sea outside the territorial waters, the Agreement of 11 April 1975 on cooperation in the fisheries sector, the Agreement of 15 October 1976 on reciprocal relations in the fisheries sector and the Agreement of 18 March 1974 on shipping;
Now therefore have reached the following understanding:
1.In accordance with the intention and purpose of the above-mentioned agreements, The Government of the Kingdom of Norway and the Government of the Russian Federation undertake to notify each other immediately and directly, and to provide each other with all available information without delay and on an ongoing basis, if a serious incident occurs or is about to occur at sea or on land in areas of the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea and the North Sea, involving their craft, including ships, submarines and aircraft, or installations, and the other state may be able render assistance, or there is a risk that its essential interests may be harmed. This is of particular importance in the event that there is a risk of injury to persons or damage to the environment and natural resources.
2.Furthermore, routines for effecting such warning and exchange of information shall be further developed and, if necessary, clarified by the responsible authorities of the respective States. Exercises in carrying out such routines are recommended.
3.The two governments will facilitate cooperation on search and rescue and hold joint exercises for this purpose by mutual agreement.
4.On the basis of their common interests in the fisheries sector the two governments will conduct, taking into account applicable international and national rules, specific studies of levels of radioactivity in connection with such incidents as mentioned in paragraph 1 that may adversely affect the fisheries sector. Steps will be taken to facilitate direct contact and cooperation between the responsible authorities of the two states in order to ensure this, including the exchange of the results of such studies.
5.It is understood that notification in accordance with the intention and purpose of the above-mentioned agreements is to be carried out regardless of the civil or military status of the craft or installation concerned.
6.The two governments will consult regularly on matters relating to this Memorandum of Understanding.
7.This Memorandum does not modify existing legal obligations, nor impose new ones, on the Government of the Kingdom of Norway and the Government of the Russian Federation.
Done in the Norwegian and Russian language at........................on...........................
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