Artikel XVI

1. Where, pursuant to paragraph (e) of Article VII, the Council has designated Sub-Regional Disaster Emergency Response Operational Units, such bodies shall:
a) acquire and maintain on an updated basis comprehensive information on the facilities and services available in each of the Participating States for which they have responsibility;
b) maintain and test on a regular basis communications with the Coordinating Unit and with critical response agencies under the control of national relief organisations;
c) maintain independent fuel and power supplies and ensure that relevant physical facilities are in a condition to withstand a major disaster; and
d) keep and maintain at the operational focal point in serviceable and optimal working condition an equipment package containing essential items recommended by the TAC.
2. In making a designation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, the Council shall identify the States for which the Sub-Regional Disaster Response Operational Unit concerned shall have responsibility.