Fact finding
۱. The parties to a dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the provisions of this Convention relating to (l) fisheries, (۲) protection and preservation of the marine environment, (۳) marine scientific research, or
(۴) navigation, including pollution from vessels and by dumping, may at any time agree to request a special arbitral tribunal constituted in accordance with article ۳ of this Annex to carry out an inquiry and establish the facts giving rise to the dispute.
۲. Unless the parties otherwise agree, the findings of fact of the special arbitral tribunal acting in accordance with paragraph ۱, shall be considered as conclusive as between the parties.
۳. If all the parties to the dispute so request, the special arbitral tribunal may formulate recommendations which, without having the force of a decision, shall only constitute the basis for a review by the parties of the questions giving rise to the dispute.
۴. Subject to paragraph ۲, the special arbitral tribunal shall act in accordance with the provisions of this Annex, unless the parties otherwise agree.