|
In accordance with the 2nd paragraph of Article 98 of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,1982, the maritime agencies and the coastguard authorities of coastal States have signed mutual regional arrangements cooperate with neighboring States for establishing, operating and maintaining an adequate and effective search and rescue service regarding safety on and over the sea. After allowing the residents of Taiwan to visit family in Mainland China in 1987 and direct cross-strait sea transport in 2008, the cross-strait population, which is separated into two part only by Taiwan Strait, floats frequently between Taiwan and Mainland China . The collaboration of the cross-strait search and rescue authorities will play a crucial role in minimizing the loss of life and property damage and maintaining the maritime safety. Therefore, the mechanism of collaboration of the cross-strait search and rescue authorities should be established, such as hosting the SAR drill in turn, regular interaction and exchange, and setting the emergency contact person. Both sides should reinforce this mechanism to reach the goal of mutual assistance and for the humanitarian purposes. |