COSPAS-SARSAT project participants include 4 sides of International program agreement (Russia, Canada, France and USA), 26 countries providing ground-based segment, 11 user countries and 2 participating organizations.

Program management from International Maritime Satellite Communications Organization headquarters is performed by COSPAS-SARSAT Council with COSPAS-SARSAT Secretariat assistance. International Maritime Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization and International Telecommunications Union also participate in management. Technical and operational issues are examined by Joint committee.

COSPAS-SARSAT is a part of global maritime system of communication in emergencies and for safety purposes. Information on accidents and emergencies received by the system is transmitted to national search and rescue services on a non-discriminatory basis – irrespective of country's participation in the program.