1. The proceedings consist of two parts: written and oral.
2. The written proceedings shall consist of the communication to the Tribunal and to the parties of memorials, counter-memorials and, if the Tribunal so authorizes, replies and rejoinders, as well as all documents in support.
3. The oral proceedings shall consist of the hearing by the Tribunal of agents, counsel, advocates, witnesses and experts.
In every case submitted to the Tribunal, the President shall ascertain the views of the parties with regard to questions of procedure. For this purpose, he may summon the agents of the parties to meet him as soon as possible after their appointment and whenever necessary thereafter, or use other appropriate means of communication.
Time-limits for the completion of steps in the proceedings may be fixed by assigning a specified period but shall always indicate definite dates. Such time-limits shall be as short as the character of the case permits.
The Tribunal may at any time direct that the proceedings in two or more cases be joined. It may also direct that the written or oral proceedings, including the calling of witnesses, be in common; or the Tribunal may, without effecting any formal joinder, direct common action in any of these respects.
The parties may jointly propose particular modifications or additions to the Rules contained in this Part, which may be applied by the Tribunal or by a chamber if the Tribunal or the chamber considers them appropriate in the circumstances of the case.
The proceedings before the Tribunal shall be conducted without unnecessary delay or expense.
The Tribunal may issue guidelines consistent with these Rules concerning any aspect of its proceedings, including the length, format and presentation of written and oral pleadings and the use of electronic means of communication.
All communications to the Tribunal under these Rules shall be addressed to the Registrar unless otherwise stated. Any request made by a party shall likewise be addressed to the Registrar unless made in open court in the course of the oral proceedings.
1. All communications to the parties shall be sent to their agents.
2. The communications to a party before it has appointed an agent and to an entity other than a party shall be sent as follows:
(a) in the case of a State, the Tribunal shall direct all communications to its Government;
(b) in the case of the International Seabed Authority or the Enterprise, any international organization and any other intergovernmental organization, the Tribunal shall direct all communications to the competent body or executive head of such organization at its headquarters location;
(c) in the case of State enterprises or natural or juridical persons referred to in article 153, paragraph 2 (b), of the Convention, the Tribunal shall direct all communications through the Government of the sponsoring or certifying State, as the case may be;
(d) in the case of a group of States, State enterprises or natural or juridical persons referred to in article 153, paragraph 2 (b), of the Convention, the Tribunal shall direct all communications to each member of the group according to subparagraphs (a) and (c) above;
(e) in the case of other natural or juridical persons, the Tribunal shall direct all communications through the Government of the State in whose territory the communication has to be received.
3. The same provisions apply whenever steps are to be taken to procure evidence on the spot.
1. The parties shall be represented by agents.
2. The parties may have the assistance of counsel or advocates before the Tribunal.