The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is seeking proposals from organisations to prepare for potential recovery of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.
Despite months-long searches ending with no traces of the aircraft, the ATSB’s call for preliminary tenders is part of an effort to ensure quick and effective launch of a recovery operation when required.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and infrastructure and regional development Minister Warren Truss said in a statement: "Responses to the request for expressions of interest will allow the ATSB to assess which organisations are able to supply the equipment and expertise required for any recovery operation.
"Decisions in relation to any recovery operation will be made jointly by the Australian, Malaysian and Chinese governments."
On the way to Beijing, the MH370 disappeared from radars on 8 March an hour after it took off from Kuala Lumpur.
The underwater search for the aircraft has so far covered around 26% of the 60,000km² priority search area, which is around 1,600km west of the city of Perth.
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By GlobalDataSearch operation is being carried out by four vessels which are equipped with a wide range of equipment, including side scan sonar, multi-beam echo sounders and video cameras.
Assuming no significant delays with vessels, equipment or from weather, the current underwater search area is expected to be largely completed in May this year.
