The Jeddah convention and its attached protocol concerning the regional cooperation in combating pollution by oil and other harmful substances in the case of emergency (1982), which came into force in 20 August 1985, are together, the legal instruments setting out the core principles of Co-operation in Dealing with Pollution Emergencies in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Areas.

With regard to the Jeddah Convention, PERSGA member states shall co-ordinate their national plans for combating pollution in the marine environment by oil and other harmful substances in a manner that facilitates full co-operation in dealing with pollution emergencies.

This Protocol to the Regional Convention for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment deals principally with an effective response to emergencies caused by pollution by oil and other harmful substances of the marine environment and coastal zones in the area to which the Convention applies. With this Protocol, the Contracting Parties established the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre, EMARSGA. The Protocol also defines duties of the Contracting Parties to assist the Centre and to cooperate with other Contracting Parties in the manner as provided for in this Protocol; sets out a duty to take measures to prevent, mitigate and respond to emergencies; provides for supervision of the Centre by the Council of the Regional Organization for Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment and requires each Contracting Party to establish and maintain an appropriate authority to carry out fully its obligations under this Protocol.