Eighth session of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System

This Implementation Plan for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (IOTWS) specifies detailed requirements of the design and implementation of the tsunami warning and mitigation system for the Indian Ocean. It is structured to reflect the ICG and its Working Groups. The performance of the IOTWS depends on the implementation of all its components, their sustained operation and the adherence to agreed common principles of operation, interaction and data policy. This performance needs to be monitored in order to improve the IOTWS, identify deficiencies and suggest remedial action. A real test of the IOTWS may rarely happen. But it will then highlight the credibility of the system and all its participating partners. The public will only judge the performance or the success of the system from the impact, the loss of lives and the damages that occurred.

The timely and appropriate implementation of the IOTWS is crucial to its success. Recent events have shown that time to prepare, implement and train is short as the events are unpredictable. In its implementation priorities, requirements and details will change or have to be adapted. Member States are therefore asked to prioritize details they feel need special attention on both the national and international level. They also are invited to provide guidance as to further developing governance mechanisms for the IOWTS.