To ensure their missions, the CROSS are distributed along the French coast. There are 5 main stations, 3 of which are grouped around the English Channel. It is in fact the strategic passage point for commercial ships that generates the most traffic (and therefore the most risk!).
- CROSS Gris-Nez (Pas de Calais)
- CROSS Jobourg (Cherbourg)
- CROSS Corsen (Brest)
- CROSS Etel (South Brittany)
- CROSS La Garde (Toulon)
To which are added a sub-CROSS in Corsica and 2 CROSS in French Guiana and Réunion
The creation of the CROSS dates back to the late sixties - early seventies, with a rise in power after the sinking of the Amoco Cadiz (1978).
The CROSS carry out 6 missions:
1 - The rescue
This is the most important mission of the CROSS as human life is at stake. The CROSS receive messages from all channels: VHF, telephone, distress beacon... They manage the direction and coordination of rescue operations. They are part of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCC).
The CROSS does not have its own resources, but relies on other organizations, mainly the SNSM.
2 - Surveillance of maritime navigation
CROSS detect and identify maritime traffic in areas with a high concentration of ships, in particular the Channel.
They receive and analyse mandatory reports from all ships transiting their area and using one of the three traffic separation schemes (TSS).
They follow ships carrying potentially dangerous or polluting goods.
They shall monitor the development of ships with a view to detecting any behaviour likely to generate risks to human life or the environment.
They identify violators of international rules and record violations.
3 - Pollution monitoring
The CROSS collects information on marine pollution observed by seafarers. They use this information and transmit it to the judicial authorities. Placed under the authority of the maritime prefect, they actively contribute to the implementation of the POLMAR plan for the sea.
4 - Monitoring of marine fisheries
The interregional directors of the sea have, among their missions, delegation for the coordination of the fisheries police exercised by several State services. The CROSS ensure on their behalf, in real time, the operational coordination of the various maritime and air resources made available to them. In addition, the European Union has imposed a satellite monitoring system for fishing vessels.
5 - Handling of alerts and dissemination of maritime security intelligence
To combat acts of violence against ships, the CROSS have been designated as a centre for receiving and transmitting security alerts to the authorities or bodies responsible for handling these specific alerts.
6 - Dissemination of Marine Safety Information
CROSSes disseminate information essential to maritime safety to ships:
- weather reports prepared by Météo-France
- urgent warnings that could lead to dangers (AVURNAV)
