Terms Of Reference For The Blacksea Naval Commenders Committee(BSNC)

Article I

Introduction

1. The Black Sea Naval Commanders Committee (BSNC) is composed of the Chiefs of the Navies/Black Sea Fleet Commanders of the Parties. Their staffs are allowed to participate in the meetings.
2. The BSNC Secretariat is established to undertake administrative duties related to the BSNC meetings.

Article II

Objectives

The role of the BSNC is to provide the Planning Group and the COMBLACKSEAFOR with guidance and supervise for the scheduling and conducting the activities of the BLACKSEAFOR, within the framework of this Agreement, to discuss and take decisions concerning the general planning, co-ordination and execution of the activities of the BLACKSEAFOR.

Article III

Responsibilitties

1. The BSNC will develop overall guidance in accordance with the Agreement to enable effective functioning of the BLACKSEAFOR.
2. The BSNC will:
• Approve the COMBLACKSEAFOR, the Chief of Staff (COS) and the staff members designated by the Parties.
• Approve the Operational Program of the BLACKSEAFOR for current year.
• Provide all the necessary guidance for planning process, co-ordination and execution of the BLACKSEAFOR activities for the next year.
• Co-ordinate and organize necessary training activities for the crews of the BLACKSEAFOR in order to achieve the desired level of interoperability.
• Monitor progress of the co-operation among the Parties and recommend possible areas for enhancement of the BLACKSEAFOR as well as changes to the program, mechanism and structures.
• Facilitate the dialogue with the civilian authorities and institutions of the Parties, when appropriate, in order to increase the interest and public support for the BLACKSEAFOR.
3. Furthermore, the BSNC is authorized to:
• Approve all plans and operational documents related to the BLACKSEAFOR activities prepared by the Planning Group.
• Establish standards for the BLACKSEAFOR training.
• Approve and if necessary, revise the Terms of Reference for the COMBLACKSEAFOR and COS.
• Oversight of performance, manning and support of the BLACKSEAFOR.
4. The BSNC will submit reports to the Foreign/Defense Ministers and Chiefs of General Staff of the Parties annually and if necessary. The BSNC will provide additional reports to the appropriate authorities of the Parties if necessary.
5. Conference and other administrative costs related to meetings of the BSNC, except for travel and accommodation costs, will, in principle, be covered by the host nation.

Article IV

Procedures

1. The host Party will perform the chairmanship of the BSNC for one year.
2. The BSNC meets at least once a year on a rotational basis among the Parties, in alphabetical order. In consultation with the Parties, the host Party will coordinate the agenda as well as the dates and place of the meeting. The first meeting of the BSNC shall take place in the Depositary State.
3. The Secretariat for the BSNC meetings will be provided by the host Party and representatives of other Parties if necessary.
4. The Secretariat of the BSNC will meet to review the progress and to coordinate the agenda for the next meeting in due time if necessary.
5. The related services for the Secretariat and the BSNC meetings will be provided by the host Party.
6. The BSNC is authorized to establish Ad-Hoc Working Groups if necessary.
7. The overall guidance developed by BSNC for effective functioning and employment of the BLACKSEAFOR is submitted for approval in accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article VI of the Agreement.
8. Observers could be invited by the BSNC on a case by case basis to the BLACKSEAFOR activities.