SSAS in maritime allows vessels on international waters to alert the coastal authorities if any emergency arises. These account for any piracy, attacks, or hijacks that threaten the crew’s life onboard and the ship’s integrity. SSAS, or the ship security alert system, helps transmit silent distress signals to the concerned authority without alerting the people onboard. It is a tool used by various ships sailing on the sea to ensure maritime security and increase crew safety. Let us learn more about SSAS in maritime.

What is the ISPS code?

The ISPS, or the International Ship and Port Security Code, is used in maritime shipping to ensure the security of sea vessels on voyage and port facilities. Introduced by the International Maritime Organisation in 2004, the ISPS code was implemented to establish comprehensive rules and regulations concerning the security of ships and ports. ISPS code lies under the SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) convention and strives to prescribe policies for the government and port authorities, shipping companies, and seafarers so that all these groups collaborate to improve maritime security in shipping. The ISPS code is implemented at three levels, considering the urgency and degree of maritime threat. SSAS falls under the ISPS code and helps improve maritime security. Let us learn how SSAS ensures safe transport for ships and seafarers.

What is the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?

The SSAS, or ship security alert system, is a maritime security system designed to alert the port authorities about any security threat or unfortunate event overseas. The SOLAS convention was introduced to ensure the safety of seafarers onboard during the voyage. Under the SOLAS regulation, ships must install SSAS as an emergency solution. For this, ship owners must apply for SSAS at the BSH, a German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency that issues approval for all maritime equipment. According to SOLAS and ISPS, it is essential to have two security alert buttons onboard. One of the buttons is installed on the bridge, whereas the other is installed in prominent places accessible by the crew. The crew must know the location of at least one of the two buttons while giving instructions onboard.

Need for SSAS in maritime 

The International Maritime Organisation introduced the SSAS in maritime in 2002 along with the ISPS code, which was later implemented in 2004. After the 9/11 attack in the United States and their threats to maritime safety, the ISPS code was introduced. Under this, in case of maritime threats that account for security level 3 actions, the SSAS triggers a warning signal from the ship’s crew to the port authorities to alert them. In the aftermath of the 9/11 warning, the IMO requested every ship above 500 gross tonnage to install a ship security alert system.

What information does the Ship Security Alert System offer?

The alert created by any ship under threat is not just an alert; it carries definite information that allows the shore authority to send help and track the ship constantly to provide security. By getting ship specifications through cybersecurity in marine, military, and other security personnel can build contingency plans to save the ship and crew onboard. Whenever a ship uses SSAS in maritime, the flag state authority receives the following information on its screen.

• Name of the ship
• Date and time when the ship alerted the shore authority 
• IMO, the number allotted to the vessel
• With digitalization in the maritime industry, the location of the ship with its accurate position according to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
• The digital identification number of the ship is also known as the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI).

How does SSAS work?

• The SSAS is installed in ships and combines various components, such as a GPS receiver connected to a transmitter, an active power supply, software, and activation buttons. 
• In maritime threats or emergencies where the ship’s crew decides to alert the coast authorities, the SSAS button is pressed to transmit an alarm. 
• The signals emitted by the SSAS are silent and do not alarm any nearby vessels, nearby security forces, or people on the vessel. There are no audio-visual signals in SSAS, instead it is installed to signal the coast authorities directly. 
• Any SSAS signals from a vessel are first transmitted to the ship’s owner or a managing company set up by the SSAS. After this, it is transmitted to the flag state authority to alert them that the ship’s safety has been compromised under uncertain circumstances. 
• After getting an SSAS signal, the coast authorities are responsible for the state and international security forces nearest the distressed ship.
• Local law authorities or anti-terrorist forces take the matter forward by initiating relevant measures and deploying special or military forces to take appropriate actions to secure the ship and eliminate all threats.

What happens if the security alert button is accidentally pushed?

As the ISPS code mandates, all security alert buttons installed inside the ship must have proper latch covers to prevent any unwanted initiation that triggers a ship security alert. These accidental operations can be triggered by anyone, the crew, or any passenger by mistake who is not aware of the button. Once the security button is pushed, the SSAS will continue to transmit signals to the ship owner, SSAS management, and flag state authority until the security system is reset or deactivated. Therefore, anyone near the ship alert system must be made aware of the button and its use.

Which ships must install the Ship Security Alert System?

To maintain the international standards of safety concerning the security of ships and port facilities, the SOLAS amendment states that SSAS must be installed on ships in the following cases-

• All vessels constructed in or after 2004 must have SSAS.
• All passenger ships and high-speed crafts for passengers were constructed before July 2004. 
• The same applies to oil tankers, bulk carriers, chemical tankers, and gas carriers with a capacity of 500 gross tonnage and beyond that were constructed before July 2004.
• Cargo ships of or above 500 GT must also have SSAS installed.

What is the purpose of SSAS in maritime?

The use of SSAS in ships is as follows –

• It helps alert the coastal authorities covertly without alarming nearby vessels or people onboard. 
• The main aim of SSAS is to provide effective and quick responses to the crew’s alert. SSAS works on real-time technology to convey information rapidly.

Benefits of SSAS in maritime

There are several advantages of SSAS in maritime. Let us learn more about them.

1. Ensures safety of crew – In case of any terrorist hijacking or piracy, SSAS is a crucial anti-piracy measure that helps protect lives that can otherwise be put in danger by terrorists if they learn that the crew has been sending distress signals and ask for help. Giving discrete information helps in spending more time and getting an adequate response from the authorities.
2. Reliable information sharing – The SSAS is connected to satellite communication channels that provide global coverage and can send distress signals to any location. This way, ships can easily communicate with shore authorities, even from remote places on the sea.
3. Enhances maritime security – SSAS helps increase seafarers’ trust in ship authorities, as the authorities are taking all possible measures to secure their lives at sea. Under the SOLAS convention, shipowners must install SSAS to comply with international shipping standards.
4. Reduces risks of cargo theft – Piracy and terrorist attacks are used to either steal the cargo onboard or cause harm to the ship and its crew. In both cases, shippers can suffer financial losses due to cargo damage from maritime threats. By pushing the SSAS button, the ship crew can prevent the risks of cargo damage as the coast authorities can send for help within time.

These benefits of SSAS in maritime trade help the crew of ships on the voyage by connecting them with coastal authorities under emergency or uncertain circumstances.

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