The 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.
The Ocean Alert Ship Security Alert System, from Satamatics , complies fully with all SOLAS XI-2/6 mandatory regulations and performance standards for Ship Security Alert Systems.
Ocean Alert SSAS provides global coverage and fully automatic roaming across all the world's ocean regions.
Its ease of installation, low power consumption and proven network reliability, make Ocean Alert SSAS a cost-effective, low-maintenance, dependable solution to the immediate Ship Security Alert System regulations, which also provides fleet operators with a vital long-range tracking facility to meet their demanding commercial requirements today.
Ocean Alert also includes an expansion capability in readiness for further Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) regulatory requirements in the future.
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.
