engineering information technology : Ship Security Alert System

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What is Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?

SSAS Ship Security Alert System - ISPS

SSAS Ship Security Alert System complies fully with all mandatory regulations, guidance notes and performance standards for Ship Security Alert Systems.

The IMO International Maritime Organisation's ISPS Code has introduced new maritime regulations to protect ports and international shipping against terrorism, by improving early detection and monitoring of potential threats.

All ships over 500 gross tonnes are required to be equipped with a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), which is capable of discreetly raising the alarm to the relevant authorities and tracking the vessel if the security of the vessel is compromised.

Summary of the IMO ISPS Code / SOLAS XI-2/6

The International Maritime Organisation's SOLAS Regulation XI-2/6 defines the mandatory requirements and guidance for SSAS Systems:

Provide a minimum of two alert activation points, one of which must be on the bridge.
Allow covert activation which transmits an alert signal from ship to shore, indicating to a competent authority that the security of the ship is under threat or has been compromised.
Not raise the alert on board ship, nor alert any other ships.

In addition the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) should comply with defined performance standards:

The radio system used for the ship security alert systems should comply with relevant international standards.
The ship security alert system should be powered from the ship's main source of electrical power. It should, in addition, be possible to operate the system from an alternative source of power.
Activation points should be capable of being used on the navigation bridge and in other locations. They should be protected against inadvertent operation. It should not be necessary for the user to remove seals or to break any lid or cover in order to operate any control.
The activation points should operate a radio system such that transmission of the security alert does not require any adjustment of the radio system, i.e. tuning of channels, setting of modes or menu options. Operation of the activation point should not cause any alarm or indication to be raised on the ship. The operation of the ship security alert system should not impair the functionality of the GMDSS installation.
In all cases, transmission initiated by security alert system activation points should include a unique code/identifier indicating that the alert has not been generated in accordance with GMDSS distress procedures. The transmission should include the ship identity and current position. (Footnote: a position should normally be associated with time). The transmission should be addressed to a shore station and should not be addressed to ship stations.

Exact requirements for the proposed future LRIT Long Range Ships' Identification and Tracking system have yet to be finalized, but regulations are due to follow COMSAR and MSC meetings scheduled in 2004.