On 6 May 2010, the Council of the International Seabed Authority adopted decision ISBA/16/C/13, in which, in accordance with article 191 of the Convention, it requested the Seabed Disputes Chamber of the Tribunal to render an advisory opinion on the following questions: What are the legal responsibilities and obligations of States parties to the Convention with respect to the sponsorship of activities in the Area in accordance with the Convention, in particular part XI, and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982?
What is the extent of liability of a State party for any failure to comply with the provisions of the Convention, in particular part XI, and the 1994 Agreement, by an entity whom it has sponsored under article 153, paragraph 2(b), of the Convention?
What are the necessary and appropriate measures that a sponsoring State must take in order to fulfil its responsibility under the Convention, in particular article 139 and annex III, and the 1994 Agreement?