Allied Maritime Command Lt Tom Evans RN Barrister Command Legal Advisor NATO UNCLASSIFIED

SAR in a NATO Context

■ SAR is no part of NATO’s mandate ■ SAR operations cannot be directed by NATO HQs ■ Countering migrant smuggling and human trafficking are not part of NATO’s mandate ■ Not illegal to carry passengers on the high seas per se ■ Current NATO maritime operations deal exclusively with counter terrorism and counter piracy

SAR in a NATO Context So why is it important? Migrant Smuggling

SAR in a NATO Context Where it effects us: Op ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR JOA - Art 5 Counter Terrorism in the Mediterranean Sea

SAR in a NATO Context Op OCEAN SHIELD - UNSCR-supported counter piracy in the Indian Ocean

SAR in a NATO Context

SAR in a NATO CONTEXT The problem…

SAR in a NATO Context The Solution?

SAR in a NATO Context Or worse still…

SAR in a NATO Context MARCOM Operational Guidance Papers: ■ For warships operating under NATO OPCON ■ Encountering situations outside NATO mandate ■ Designed to assist in assessing situation to determine a prudent and safe way ahead

SAR in a NATO Context References: ■ UNTOC ■ Palermo Protocols ■ UNCLOS ■ SOLAS Convention ■ High Seas Convention ■ International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue ■ IMO Guidance on the Treatment of Persons Rescued at Sea

SAR in a NATO Context ■ NATO OPCON ■ Monitor and Report ■ National OPCON ■ Notify flag state if applicable ■ (Flag verification visit, if not?) ■ Request permission to visit to assess vessel safety - be careful ■ Contriving a SAR event

SAR in a NATO Context ■ Safety assessment may generate legal obligation ■ National HQ should liaise with regional SAR coordination centre ■ What are you best placed to provide? ■ Food / water / medical assistance ■ Matter of professional judgement for CO

SAR in a NATO Context ■ TTW / Contiguous Zone ■ Coastal state is key ■ Force majeure may negate innocent passage requirements in TTW ■ Potential immigration law breaches in contiguous zone

SAR in a NATO Context ■ Criminal Element: ■ Migrant smuggling / human trafficking ■ Very different crimes ■ Powers of arrest / detention ■ Evidence collection ■ Interest in detaining ■ Asylum claims

SAR in a NATO Context ■ Ultimately no NATO liability, so why do we care? ■ Moral obligation ■ Chopping to national OPCON will never absolve NATO of blame if it all goes wrong ■ STRATCOM

SAR in a NATO Context What we’re trying to avoid… Vs.

SAR in a NATO Context Questions?