July 1999
| 1.The finance field |
Further efforts will be made to improve these plans through rehearsal training.
[1]Each bank keeps backups of the deposit data for all customers on magnetic or other storage media to prevent loss of such data due to Y2K-related problems in their computer systems. In addition, ledger data will be printed out onto paper to ensure that deposit payments can be handled.
[2]Most financial institutions will confirm that their systems can start up on 1st January, immediately after the change of the year. On 2nd January, Bank of Japan Net and Bankers of Japan System will run joint confirmation tests and take steps on 3rd January based on the previous day's tests to ensure full operation on 4th January, the first day of bank business.
[1]In November 1998 the Bank of Japan published "points to consider concerning joint operations with vendors concerning Y2K compliance and the adoption of contingency plans", followed by a summary of their contingency plan in April and the main points of the plan in July.
[2]In December 1998 Federation of Bankers' Association of Japan (now Japanese Bankers Association) prepared a manual ("Manual for the Preparation of Y2K Contingency Plans (Measures for Risk Reduction and the Continuation and Restoration of Operations")) for the preparation of a contingency plan including the implementation of risk scenario analysis, the adoption and implementation of risk limitation measures and the adoption and implementation of measures for the continuation and restoration of operations.
[1]The need for measures against knock-on effects from customers and trading partners and other malfunctions (standards for deciding when to put the contingency plan into effect and who should take the decision, etc.) was indicated in the investigation checklist which was revised in August 1998 and in the administrative guidelines which were revised in December 1998.
[2]In future, the state of the contingency plans adopted by financial institutions will be ascertained through financial inspections and other means. Therefore a new checklist concerning contingency plans was published on 28th July to be added to the existing checklists for financial inspections.
| 2.The energy field |
[1]The electrical power companies have already adopted disaster prevention plans for emergency action in cases of widespread power outages due to equipment failure or disaster, and they conduct regular training in the implementation of these plans. Wide-area operation systems are also in place that allow different electrical power companies to support each other.
[2]Therefore these measures will form the basis for Y2K countermeasures. Crisis management plans will also be prepared for complete Y2K readiness that will ensure stable electricity supply and continued service to customers and clients.
[1]Each electrical power company has set up "Y2K Countermeasures Working Group" to devise swift and reliable countermeasures. These working groups keep track of the overall situation in each company and implement necessary measures such as notification systems for leaving the office and for stand-by states. Preparations are also made for checking communications channels to manufacturers and contractors and taking any necessary measures.
[2]Stand-by and communication systems have been enhanced to enable swifter response through the use of backup systems and manual operation in the event of malfunctions in power stations, sub-stations, the distribution grid, communications and other systems.
[3]Over the New Year period, demand for electricity falls to half or less of the yearly peak. Supply capacity at the year 2000 rollover has been confirmed to be at least double the demand at that time, even allowing for some generators being out of service due to periodic inspections etc. Therefore preparations will be made in the composition of electrical supply and other aspects to make sure rapid remedial measures can be taken in the event of unforeseen situations on the supply side. System operation measures will also be implemented so that even if loads from major users are interrupted, generator output can be reduced rapidly to maintain the balance of supply and demand.
[4]In administrative processing systems potential risks will be averted by starting the systems earlier than the start of business on 4th January. Risks due to system malfunctions will be anticipated and the necessary ledgers will be output to paper. Administrative systems will be put into operation on 1st January to enable thorough checking of all operations before the start of business on 4th January. Other preparations will include the determination of alternative measures such as manual processing of administrative tasks to be used in the event of prolonged system problems.
[5]If fuel supply restrictions arise due to problems suffered by fuel suppliers, the shortfall will be covered by fuel reserves, procurement from other sources and switching to other fuel types.
The MITI Energy and Resources Agency has been calling for operators to prepare contingency plans. In future it will make detailed investigations of those contingency plans with input from knowledgeable external sources to enable more effective crisis management.
[1]City gas suppliers have already adopted disaster prevention systems for use in emergencies caused by widespread supply interruptions caused by equipment failure or disaster and they conduct regular training in the operation of these systems. Mutual aid systems have also been established between operators, based on the Japan Gas Association.
[2]Therefore these measures will form the basis for Y2K countermeasures. Crisis management plans will also be prepared for complete Y2K readiness that will ensure stable gas supply.
[1]Each gas supplier has set up a Y2K Countermeasures Working Group to keep track of the overall situation in each company and implement comprehensive systems for notification of when important staff are in stand-by or leaving their posts. In the event of problems, the Working Groups will investigate causes and take steps to restore normal operation. If necessary, they will switch to backup systems such as manual work and procedures. The Working Groups will also provide appropriate information to customers and related agencies.
[2]Advance preparations will include the procurement of necessary materials, the output of ledgers necessary for operations, and the creation of backup copies of system data. In addition, notification systems and problem countermeasures will be clarified with financial institutions, trading partners and external service providers which have system links with gas suppliers.
[3]Stand-by and communication systems have been enhanced to enable swifter response through the use of backup systems and manual operation in the event of system malfunctions.
[4]Computers involved in administrative processing systems will be started up before the first business day in January to confirm that they work adequately. Alternative measures such as manual processing of charge collection and other administrative tasks will be determined to be used in the event of prolonged system problems.
[5]Staff will be given training and education to ensure that the plans work smoothly in the event of problems.
[6]If the production of gas stops, the supply of gas would not be immediately interrupted, but the volume of gas stored in gas holders will be increased to minimize the impact of such a stoppage.
The Japan Gas Associaiton will open a Y2K Situation Monitoring Unit on days when related problems are anticipated, and organizational systems which have been designed to meet potential emergencies will be put into effect. In the event of problems, control will shift rapidly to the "Relief Measures Unit" to enable a thorough response by the gas industry. In particular, on 1st January 2000, the ability of all gas suppliers to supply gas will be checked and the information will be reported to the relevant agencies.
The MITI Energy and Resources Agency has been calling for operators to prepare contingency plans. In future it will make detailed investigations of those contingency plans with input from knowledgeable external sources to enable more effective crisis management.
[1]Oil companies have already made preparations to enable them to meet their social obligations and demands, such as guaranteeing a stable supply of oil. The hardware aspects of these preparations include the installation of public safety and disaster prevention facilities and equipment, while the systematic aspects include information network systems and the adoption and rehearsal of disaster prevention plans. These preparations are intended to allow emergency response to disasters, equipment breakdowns and other situations.
[2]Oil storage equipment owned by the oil companies in oil refineries and depots have adequate inventory of products (fuel oil). The total of national reserves and private reserves, including crude oil, is adequate to meet demand for 160 days. Even if problems arise it will be possible to use these inventories and reserves to ensure that the stable supply of oil is not be impeded.
[3]Therefore based on the above preparations, contingency plans have been prepared so that even in the event of Y2K-related problems, it is possible to maintain stable supply of oil with due consideration for safety and the environment. The plans include communication systems between oil companies concerning joint distribution of oil products which could be used to cope with unexpected situations and ensure full readiness.
[1]Each company has set up company-wide organization for Y2K-related measures, including systems for staff stand-by and departure which will allow rapid response in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In addition, a communication system will be built, in which the contact points at each related company is specified to allow swift communication.
[2]Preparations include procurement of the necessary materials and raw materials, reconstruction or conversion of equipment, printout of all ledgers and data needed for business, and backups of system data needed for system restoration. Discussions with companies, financial institutions and trading parties which cooperate in systems clarify in advance what alternative methods can be used if required.
[3]Concerning the support that should be received in the event of unforeseen circumstances from the companies which develop, manage and maintain systems and those which sell, manage and maintain equipment, the contact points at each company, their support systems and the division of their responsibilities will be determined in advance and compiled in a manual.
[4]Information will be exchanged with other companies with products which could be used interchangeably and contact systems between companies prepared to allow the arrangement of flexible measures. The contact points at each company will be clarified in advance and notified to all concerned.
[5]Multiple channels of communications will be arranged for all necessary contact channels.
[6]Administrative processing systems and equipment will be started up after the change of the year but before the first business day and tested to confirm that they are operating correctly.
[7]Rehearsal training of responses to unanticipated situations will be conducted to enable faster implementation of actual procedures and organizational cooperation and smooth execution of contingency plans.
The MITI Energy and Resources Agency has been calling for operators to prepare contingency plans. In future it will make detailed investigations of those contingency plans with input from knowledgeable external sources to enable more effective crisis management.
| 3.The data communications field |
[1]Electrical communications industry groups prepared a model of contingency plan in April for presentation to each company in the industry so that their plans can be completed by the end of September.
[2]As of the end of June, 40.7% of operators had completed their plans. By the end of September, 99.2% are scheduled to have completed their plans.
[1]Electrical communications operators are preparing contingency plans in order to devise swift and sure countermeasures to Y2K-related problems. These plans will set the operations and facilities to be covered by countermeasures, the methods for dealing with problems which arise, the organization and role of countermeasures units and the specific action plans to be executed in the event of problems.
[2]Furthermore, electrical communications operators will enhance their systems over the New Year period on the basis of their contingency plans to guard against Y2K-related unforeseen problems.
The "Electrical Communications Y2K Liaison Group", which comprises industry groups of electrical communications operators and equipment manufacturers etc. are considering the establishment of an industry-wide liaison system by the end of August. Liaison training will be carried out thereafter.
The ministry is reinforcing its instruction that all operators adopt contingency plans by the end of September.
[1]As media with a high degree of public benefit, broadcasters ordinarily have "disaster manuals" and "emergency response manuals" in place. These manuals are revised whenever necessary and all company staff are made well aware of them.
Based on these existing systems for response to disasters etc., broadcasters will prepare Y2K contingency plans to ensure broadcasting is unaffected by any problems which may arise.
[2]The results of a survey conducted at the end of June showed that 78% of broadcasters were scheduled to have contingency plans ready by the end of September.
[1]"Y2K Emergency Response Units" will be established to devise swift and sure countermeasures.
[2]In preparation, necessary data backups will be made and other measures taken in readiness. In addition, systems for stand-by and liaison of key staff will be reinforced to enable faster execution of countermeasures such as switching to backup facilities and alternative methods in the event that the continuation of broadcasting becomes difficult.
[3]Based on the contingency plan, a "Y2K Crisis Management Manual" will be prepared for staff and distributed to them to deepen their understanding of the contingency plan and ensure that all staff are well aware of important points.
An industry-wide liaison system is to be set up by the end of August in readiness for 2000.
The ministry is conducting interviews with individual broadcast companies reinforcing its instruction to encourage early action towards the adoption of contingency plans by the end of September.
| 4.The transport field |
Of the 11 scheduled airlines, seven had completed their contingency plans by the end of June. The remaining four intended to complete their plans by the end of August at the latest and are now working towards that end. After adopting their contingency plan, each airline plans to revise the plan for coordination with the contingency plans of the Civil Aviation Bureau and international civil aviation agencies.
Each company has determined the operations which will be covered by their contingency plan and included the preparations to be made and the action plans to be executed in the event of problems. In order to deepen understanding of the contingency plans and ensure their effective execution, they plan to carry out relevant training.
The bodies set up by each airline to handle Y2K-related problems over the New Year period will be central to the implementation of countermeasures. On days when particular caution is required, or in the event of major problems, countermeasure units can be set up to gather information and take necessary measures for the continuation of operations.
Of the 37 major railway companies, four have already completed their contingency plans. The remainder will complete their plans by the end of August.
[1]Railway companies are directed to include the operations to be covered by the contingency plan, the preparations to be made, and actions plans to be executed in the event of problems.
[2]Railway companies are already prepared with close liaison systems with the police and fire services in readiness for equipment failures or accidents. They are also equipped with emergency manuals that include emergency staff calls, evacuation guidance for passengers, contact to government agencies, restoration of equipment failures and other problems, quite apart from their Y2K preparations. They carry on education and training based on these manuals. Thus the basic systems needed for contingency plans are already in place.
[3]A Rail-related Y2K Liaison Group meeting was held on 26th April 1999 to promote the exchange of information on the Y2K problem between railway companies. Views were discussed on each company's preparations etc.
| 5.The medical field |
(1) State of action on contingency plans
Of 549 companies handling microchip-equipped medical appliances, 19% have completed their contingency plan and a further 58% are either preparing their plans or intend to do so.
The ministry asks manufacturers of medical appliances to prepare contingency plans and provides such manufacturers with guidance in the building of interlinked crisis management systems.
Of the medical institutions in Japan, those which could pose a high risk to the health and lives of their patients in the event of Y2K-related problems (emergency medical centers, disaster response hospitals, and hospitals with ICUs (including CCUs and NICUs)) and which have been selected by prefectural authorities as key medical institutions, 8% have already completed contingency plans, 29% will have completed their plans by the end of September and 44% will have completed their plans by the end of November.
The "Guidelines for the Preparation of Contingency Plans" call for all medical institutions to establish systems for dealing with Y2K-related problems and check the operation of all medical equipment. In particular, medical institutions which will hold patients at the turn of the year are asked to establish the necessary systems to protect the health and lives of their patients over the New Year period, such as securing sufficient staff.
At the end of June 1999 the Ministry adopted the "Guidelines for the Preparation of Contingency Plans" and called for prefectural governments to notify all key medical facilities etc. of the guidelines. In future all key medical institution are to be given thorough guidance towards adopting contingency plans including necessary systems over the New Year period, such as securing sufficient staff.
Furthermore, all prefectural governments are called upon to adopt contingency plan for their regions to guard against large numbers of Y2K-related accidents in medical institutions or accidents outside medical institutions. The Ministry will prepare and distribute a manual for such plans.
| [Reference] Computer vendors (hardware and software) |
Computer hardware vendors will establish thorough systems centered on their user support departments to support users tests over the New Year period, to receive messages concerning possible breakdowns and to support the restoration of the affected hardware so that the users of their products and services can greet the new year with peace of mind. They have already set up year 2000 action offices and other specialist service departments to provide information and respond to user enquiries. In addition they are providing information on their Y2K compliance status to those users who can be identified in advance, as well as disseminating product information to unidentified users in the general public through Internet websites and other channels.
In readiness for possible problems in their users' computer systems or in their own, they are building systems and methods, including substitute measures, to minimize the impact of the problems and to support the restoration of affected systems.
The first step in the preparation of vendors' contingency plans is to build on the users' wishes, needs and crisis management systems. After that, plans should be comprehensively reviewed before the New Year period in line with the above needs to produce final systems.
[1]Each company sets a "contingency plan" including a company-wide system headed by a person of director rank. The establishment of "Countermeasures Working Group (provisional name)" as a control center is planned to allow swift response in the event of problems in users' systems over the New Year period.
[2]"New Year Period User Support Systems" will be established and applied to the implementation of final rehearsals, including New Year period crisis management for user systems and the start of work in 2000.
[3]Response systems and alternative methods will be established to guard against unexpected situations in the vendor's own internal equipment to avoid any hindrance to the provision of goods and services to users.
[4]For user enquiries over the New Year period, the usual business and maintenance services plus 24-hour company-wide direction of enquiry reception and handling is under consideration.
Each company is using the Internet to disseminate information on compliance etc.
Japan Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA) is carrying out the following activities to dispel the concerns of general users and to promote appropriate responses.
[1]JEIDA is pushing its view of the Y2K problem and its critical dates, as the view of the industry as a whole, to be of reference to general users. Among other channels, it has opened an Internet website (http://www.jeida.or.jp) including the 1999 problem, the 9th September 1999 problem etc.
[2]It has prepared and distributed pamphlets on the preparation of contingency plans for the reference of general users. The pamphlet can also be viewed on the website.
[3]JEIDA is planning to issue a "support declaration" for the industry as a whole concerning user support systems over the New Year period.
[4]JEIDA plans to distribute a pamphlet to general consumers to inform them of the Y2K compliance of personal computers.
[5]JEIDA website is to feature troubleshooting databases to support users' tests.
[6]JEIDA is considering opening "Year 2000 Command Center" (provisional name) to disseminate information for the industry as a whole and respond to enquiries.
Computer software vendors are giving first consideration to making a smooth response to Y2K-related problems in their users' computer systems. They have established "Y2K Countermeasures Working Group" under the authority of their managers to prepare lists of clients, recheck the Y2K compliance of their own products, clarify responsibility for related matters and take other preparatory measures as necessary to handle the Y2K problem.
These software vendors are also using their websites and other channels to push their message on Y2K compliance to their users.
The first step in the preparation of vendors' contingency plans is to build on the users' wishes, needs and crisis management systems. After that, plans should be comprehensively reviewed before the New Year period in line with the above needs to produce final systems.
[1]Basic approach
In response to the government's Y2K Action Plan, which was published in September 1998, Y2K Working Committee headed by company presidents were set up in November of that year. The working committee works on investigations, studies of measures for compliance, management of compliance status, studies of solutions to problems and the adoption of contingency plans.
[2]The preparation of contingency plans
As these companies do business nationwide in a wide variety of fields, their contingency plans comprise three elements: company-wide plans, plans for each department within the company, and plans for each client.
[3]Response over the New Year period
The period 29th December 1999 ~ 4th January 2000 is set as a special response period in which shift work systems should be set up for 24-hour operation. The shift system should be extended to all business activities. Staffing of help desks will be increased.
[4]Review of contingency plans
Each plan that has been prepared will be reviewed at the end of September. After that, individual items may be added or revised as necessary.
[1]Japan Information Service Industry Association (JISA) began Y2K-relaed activities in 1995. Since then it has been providing information through the preparation of educational videos, pamphlets, texts and a website. In January 1999 it prepared the "Manual of Y2K Risk Prevention for Small and Medium Businesses" to encourage action by small and medium business computer users.
[2]Now JISA is also preparing a "Y2K User Support Guide" to encourage the preparation of contingency plans in the industry. The guide is to call for companies to adopt contingency plans by the end of September and is to provide examples of how companies should set up "Y2K Countermeasures Working Group" headed by their presidents, conduct final tests, post and organize key personnel, and set up liaison networks in their systems for the New Year period. Through the guide and other measures, JISA intends to go on encouraging companies to prepare their contingency plans as soon as possible, including systems for the New Year period.
[3]In future JISA is considering setting up an internal "Y2K Command Center" (provisional name), building a liaison network with all member companies and acting as a coordinator of Y2K measures with the backing of its member companies and related agencies to provide users with the following support activities, among others:
Among central government agencies and special corporations (excluding medical institutions) holding A-rank systems (systems closely linked with the national life or business, such as those involved in people's lives, activities and assets, the economic activities of businesses, or public safety and order, or which affect trust relationships with other countries and international agencies) 364 out of 558 such bodies (65%) have completed preparation of their contingency plans. Among medical institutions the rate is 627 out of 1,245 (50%).
==National Police Agency (traffic signals etc.)==
For three types of systems, namely driver management systems, traffic control systems and command communications systems, nearly all prefectures had completed contingency plans by the end of June 1999. Those plans specified orders of priority for restoration in the event of unexpected system stoppages, and substitute methods to minimize the impact on the general public.
==General Affairs Agency (pension payments etc.)==
The General Affairs Agency has completed its contingency plan, which defines action to be taken in the event of problems in the general pension administration system or in loaned administrative systems such as that loaned to the Northern Territories Land Issue Policy Association (special corporation) for former licensed Northern Territories fishermen. Crisis management response systems have been set up in line with the plan. At the start of 2000, systems will be checked to confirm before the start of normal business that there is no impediment to their normal function.
==National Defense Agency (defense systems etc.)==
Most systems equivalent to A-rank systems have been revised and dry-run tested. Crisis management plans are now being prepared to deal with possible Y2K-related problems.
==Ministry of Foreign Affairs (travel ticket issuance systems)==
A detailed contingency plan is being drawn up to allow a flexible response to problems in line with the time required for restoration. If the need arises in such cases to urgently issue tickets for humanitarian reasons, such tickets issuance will be processed offline.
==Ministry of Justice (registrations etc.)==
[1]In May 1999 the Ministry of Justice adopted a contingency plan for its registration information systems to minimize the impact of any unforeseen situation in those systems. The plan has been circulated to all local offices.
[2]Information systems for records of entries to and departures from Japan, comprehensive management systems for scrutiny of entries and departures, administrative support systems for the scrutiny of qualifications to stay in Japan, and support systems for deportation procedures are to be covered in a contingency plan scheduled to be completed by September 1999.
==Ministry of Health and Welfare (hospital information, pensions etc.)==
[1]Crisis management plans for all national hospitals and clinics were completed by the end of March 1999 on the basis of the "Guideline and Manual for the Implementation of Y2K-related Countermeasures in National Hospitals and Clinics" which was prepared in November 1998. The contingency plans must be constantly updated based on the latest data. Therefore in July 1999 the "Model Y2K Contingency Plan for National Hospitals and Clinics" was prepared with the direction that existing contingency plans be updated on that basis. The model contingency plan has also been posted on the Ministry of Health and Welfare website so that it can be widely used by private hospitals.
[2]The contingency plan for the general information network system for national hospitals etc. (HOSPnet) was completed in June 1999. The contingency plan for the pension payment system and the application and collection system is scheduled for completion by the end of August. Assistance systems were Y2K compliant from the time they were built and suffered no significant problems during dry-run tests in March 1999. The contingency plan for these systems is now being prepared.
==MITI (Electronic application systems for patents etc.)==
[1]Of 31 systems closely linked with the national life and business activities, contingency plans for 20 (excluding 11 related to trade insurance) had been completed by 30th June 1999. The contingency plans for the 11 systems related to trade insurance are scheduled for completion by the end of August 1999.
[2]The contingency plans include system monitoring and liaison arrangements to ascertain the nature of any Y2K-related problems which arise and rapidly execute remedial measures to minimize their effects. Alternative measures have been prepared for the time period until ordinary systems can be restored. Furthermore, in order to respond securely to Y2K-related problems, individual contingency plans will be revised in future as appropriate.
==Ministry of Transport (control information systems etc.)==
[1]In line with the Y2K Action Plan, Y2K contingency plans were completed for 12 control information systems owned by the Civil Aviation Bureau by the end of June 1999.
[2]The contingency plans establish special stand-by systems in local aviation bureaus, airport offices, and flight control systems etc. on days which require particular caution. Backups will be made of all data that might be required in the event of a problem and close liaison systems will be established with system vendors, electrical power companies and communications operators. Furthermore, all relevant posts and departments will receive training to ensure that the contingency plans function effectively.
[3]The contingency plan for aircraft in flight on domestic and international routes between 31st December and 1st January are scheduled to be adopted by the end of July and to be approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) by the end of August, in the case of international routes.
==Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (mail services, postal savings, insurance etc.)==
[1]Crisis management plans were completed by the end of June 1999 for ten systems in fields such as postal services, savings and insurance.
[2]The contingency plans include plans for restoration from unanticipated problems, substitute measures and emergency liaison systems.
==Fire Defense Agency (wireless systems for fire and disaster prevention etc.)==
A contingency plan has been adopted for the wireless equipment (both terrestrial and satellite) for fire and disaster prevention that are used for disaster-related communications between the Fire Defense Agency and prefectural governments, and for the related disaster prevention information systems. The plan specifies measures to take in the event of Y2K-related problems and systems for operation trials and readiness states to be used on particularly hazardous dates.
Of systems in prefectural governments which are ranked A or B, contingency plans have been completed for 51%. In municipalities, contingency plans have been completed for 13% of such systems. By the end of October the plans are scheduled to have been completed in 92% of such systems at the prefectural level and 67% at the municipal level.
Plans for dealing with problems in the community have been adopted by two prefectural-level bodies and 178 municipal-level bodies. By the end of October such plans are scheduled to have been completed by 93% of prefectural-level bodies and 49% of municipal-level bodies.
[1]The 1998 G8 Birmingham Summit Communique noted the importance of the Y2K problem and called for the implementation of a succession of meetings for exchanges of views on efforts from G8 countries and more widely around the world. This year's Cairns Summit Communique reaffirmed the gravity of the Y2K problem and announced that a special conference would be held by the G8 in the second half of the year concerning contingency plans. Japan was selected to serve as the chair for the energy field. Preparations for the conference are now under way between the G8 nations.
[2]The UN has broad coverage over the world in terms of both regions and fields and it has long been taking the lead in promoting Y2K preparations in many countries, regions and fields. So far, two UN plenary sessions have been held, involving all member nation and relevant specialist agencies. These sessions have exchanged views and information on the importance of Y2K preparations and the adoption of contingency plans in each country, region and field. UN initiatives have led to the holding of regional conferences in many areas, including two to date for Asia. The UN has also established the International Year 2000 Cooperation Center (IYCC) and is working as a coordinator for Japan's energy field.
[1]The Basel Bank Audit Committee established a Y2K taskforce for the following tasks:
[2]In April 1998 the Basel Bank Audit Committee, IOSCO, IAIS, the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) and the Committee for Payment and Settlement Systems (CPSS) joined together to establish the "Joint Year 2000 Council" as a forum for debating common problems. The Council has published policy papers since its establishment.
[3]Bilateral exchanges of views on Y2K readiness have been held between the auditing authorities of pairs of countries.
==International Energy Agency (IEA)==
[1]Seminars
Seminars have been held in Venezuela, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Russia since March to exchange information and raise awareness in oil-producing developing countries of the potential impact of the Y2K problem on the oil industry. The seminars focus on preventive measures and contingency plans and are attended by the representatives of government agencies, private and national oil companies, and related equipment and infrastructure companies.
==Implementation of emergency response simulation exercises==
The IEA's SEQ is scheduled to run exercises in September simulating emergency situations. The scenarios envisioned for these exercises are to include "shutoff of oil supply due to Y2K problems".
==Information provision through websites==
The IEA website has pages devoted to the Y2K problem which are intended to exchange information and raise awareness of the impact of the problem on the oil industry and energy security.
==International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA)==
[1]IAEA published "Basic Procedures for Y2K Compliance" in March 1999. That document was produced to provide guidance to member countries on the preparation of plans for Y2K compliance in their nuclear power stations. It covered preparatory measures and contingency plans.
[2]IAEA is scheduled to stage an "Information Exchange Workshop on Contingency Plans" in Vienna in October 1999 or later.
[3]In addition, the following steps are being taken:
| April 1998: | Questionnaires sent to member countries concerning their measures to deal with the Y2K problem. |
| October 1998: | Dedicated Y2K-related website opened to disseminate information. (including each country's replies to the above questionnaire). |
| January and July 1999: | Held information exchange workshops on preventive measures. |
| April 1999 onward: | Dispatch of expert review teams to countries which request one. |
==Action by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development/ Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/ NEA)==
OECD/ NEA plans to conduct international training in the implementation of global-scale contingency plans (systems for international information communication and response concerning Y2K problems in nuclear power stations), beginning in Fall 1999. It is coordinating efforts between member countries, including Japan.
It has also taken the following steps:
| June 1998: | Established e-mail boxes for information exchange between member countries. |
| February 1999: | Held an international workshop on the Y2K problem. |
[1]International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Y2K Task Force Business Community Planning (BCP) Sub-group has prepared guidelines and a model for Y2K contingency plans and posted it on the ITU website, among other informational activities.
[2]ITU Y2K Task Force Early Warning (EW) Sub-group are considering allowing telecommunications operators around the world to use the ITU's Web database to record information on any Y2K-related problems they encounter, thus allowing information sharing between ITU members.
==Action by International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO)==
ICAO has held seven coordinating conferences between November 1998 and April 1999 concerning the adoption of contingency plans for major international transport flows in the Asia-Pacific region. These conferences agreed on the establishment of crisis management channels for international routes, the expansion of control intervals, and basic rules for establishing substitute means of communication. At present, member countries are working to adopt their own contingency plans, which are scheduled to be approved by ICAO by the end of August.
APANPIRG aims to revise each country's plans and adopt contingency plans for each region by the end of August 1999.