Means of Identification for Protected Medical Transports (International Committee of the Red Cross , 1994, 18 p.): 7. Improper use of technical means of identification

Means of Identification for Protected Medical Transports (International Committee of the Red Cross , 1994, 18 p.)

		(introduction...)
		1. Introduction
		2. Flags and signs painted on the hulls of ships
		3. Radiocommunications
		4. Radar identification
		5. Identification by submarines
		6. Other devices facilitating identification
		7. Improper use of technical means of identification
		8. Conclusion
		READ AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO READ THE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF THE RED CROSS

7. Improper use of technical means of identification

Like the emblems of the red cross and red crescent, technical means of identification may be misused by one or other of the parties to a conflict. For instance, it may seem easy for an aircraft enjoying no protection to use a specific radar code which has already been assigned to a medical aircraft. However, such fraudulent use would imply knowledge of the code in question, which should not be easy to obtain; moreover, it would soon attract the attention of air traffic controllers. An unprotected ship might also use the provisions of Articles 40 and 40N of the ITU Radio Regulations, but its position, route and other characteristics would be different from those mentioned in an official notification and would immediately make the ship suspect. Other examples could be given; however, armed forces are now equipped with modern means of surveillance, detection and location (a great many of which are passive) which should enable them to uncover any improper use of technical means of identification.