April 05, 1996

CONVINCED that the South China Sea (SCS) is an important area of marine biodiversity and that oceanographic and marine scientific research plays a critical role in ensuring sustainable development of marine resources in the SCS;

CONVINCED FURTHER that marine scientific research enhances the opportunities fox cooperative endeavors as a confidence building measure for the peaceful resolution of claims in the area;

CONCERNED with the sustainability of resources in the SCS;

RECOGNIZING their respective capabilities in conducting oceanographic and marine scientific research in the SCS;

CONVINCED FURTHERMORE that both countries will mutually benefit from a collaborative arrangement in oceanographic and marine scientific research;

EXPRESSING interest to conduct various joint oceanographic and marine researches and exchanges as an expression of their determination to cooperate in marine science, and, to achieve this goal, would designate their respective focal point as country coordinator ;

DESIRING to cooperate in a Joint Oceanographic and Marine Scientific Research in the South China Sea (JOMSRE-SCS) as a statement of goodwill and to further enhance the productive and beneficial relations of both countries;

DO HEREBY conclude and implement a Memorandum of Understanding relating to the Joint Oceanographic and Marine Scientific Research in the South China Sea (JOMSRE-SCS), with the following terms of reference :

I. GENERAL OBJECTIVES

1.To foster goodwill between the leaders of the two countries through cooperation in marine scientific research in the SCS; and

2.To increase the knowledge about the natural processes of the marine environment and resources of the SCS, particularly of the Spratlys area.

II. DURATION

III. CRUISE TRACK AND STATIONS

The cruise track and stations start in Manila and end in Ho Chi Minh City, as specified on the attached map (Annex A).

Data and samples will be obtained and observations made at 18 three-hour stations and 3 to 4 twenty-four hour stations.

IV. TERMS AND CONDITIONS :

A. Scientific components:

i.Physical oceanography;

ii. Chemical oceanography;

iii.Biological oceanography;

iv. Geological oceanography; and

v.Coral reef ecology.

B. Contributions:

i.Scientific personnel

The Philippines and Vietnam will each have twelve scientific personnel for the cruise. The scientific personnel shall have the expertise to undertake the required activities.

The Philippines and Vietnam shall designate their respective Chief Scientists for JOMSRE-SCS and a Senior Scientist for each component.

The scientists from Vietnam are expected to arrive in Manila not later than 21 April 1996. Upon arrival of the Vietnamese scientists and prior to the commencement of the cruise, all the participating scientists led by their respective Chief Scientists and the crew of the research vessel shall finalize the activities for the JOMSRE-SCS.

Vietnam shall assume the costs of the airline tickets to Manila, allowances for food and lodging prior to the cruise, and perdiems on board the research vessel of its participating Scientists.

The Philippines shall facilitate the entry of the participating scientists from Vietnam.

Vietnam shall likewise facilitate the entry and exit of the participating scientists from the Philippines, including the equipment and the research vessel and crew.

The Philippines shall assume the costs of the per diems on board the research vessel and airline tickets (Vietnam to Manila) of its scientists.

ii.Research vessel

The Philippines shall provide the research vessel and crew, and operating expenses for the vessel (e.g. diesel fuel, lubricating oil, water, etc.).
Vietnam shall assume the costs of harbor services when the research vessel enters Vietnam.

iii.Equipment and supplies

The Philippines shall provide the major equipment and supplies for the scientific cruise proper.
Vietnam shall provide additional equipment and supplies, as required.
The Philippines shall facilitate the entry into Manila of the additional equipment from Vietnam.

iv. Insurance

The Philippines and Vietnam shall provide insurance coverage for their respective personnel and equipment.

v.Data and sample analysis

The Philippines and Vietnam shall assume their respective cost for the analysis of the data and samples gathered from the scientific cruise proper and related researches.

C. Information exchange
Both countries agree to equally share data, information and samples derived from JOMSRE-SCS. In cases where equal sharing of samples are not appropriate, the disposition of the samples shall be decided by agreement of the Chief Scientists.

As an initial activity, the participating scientists shall hold a post-cruise workshop for two to three days in Ho Chi Minh City. The post-cruise workshop will commence upon the arrival of the research vessel in Ho Chi Minli City.
Vietnam shall assume the costs for this initial post-cruise workshop including the board and lodging for the Philippine scientists.

D. Publications arising from JOMSRE-SCS
The publication of the results of JOMSRE-SCS is encouraged with the consent of the Chief Scientists of JOMSRE-SCS.

V. EXPECTED OUTPUT

1.Report by the participating scientists submitted to their respective authorities; and

2.Final Technical Report including recommendations at the end of the 10-month period.

This Memorandum of Understanding will take effect on the date of its signature.

The terms and conditions of the MOU are without prejudice to the eventual peaceful resolution of sovereignty in the SCS.

DONE in the city of Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam on _5th_of_April_ 1996.