SSAS

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Overview

The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) is part of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. It is a maritime security measure, aimed at strengthening a ship’s security and providing a means to raise an alarm to competent authorities and company security officers in the event of a piracy or terrorism incident.

Regulatory Instruments

SOLAS Chapter XI-2 sets out 'Special measures to enhance maritime security'.

Regulation 6 of Chapter XI-2 defines the applicability and functional requirements for SSAS.

Regulation 6 applies to:

• All passenger ships including high-speed passenger craft
• All cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and above

Regulation 6 sets out the following functional requirements:

The SSAS, when activated, shall:

1. initiate and transmit a ship-to-shore security alert to a competent authority designated by the Administration.

Performance Standards

• Resolution MSC.136(76): Performance standards for a ship security alert system
• Resolution MSC.147(77): Revised performance standards for a ship security alert system