Ship Security Alert System Messages
In accordance with Regulation 6/ XI-2, all ships that are referred to in Regulation 2/ XI-2 shall be provided with a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). The SSAS shall meet the performance standards laid down by the Resolution MSC. 147 (77), MSC/Circ. 1072 and MSC.1/Circ 1190.
As per section 9.1 of Annex 3 of SDM Circular 24/2015, the Ship Security Alert System shall be programmed to transmit the following information:
Name of ship;
IMO Ship Identification Number;
Call Sign;
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI);
GNSS position (Latitude and Longitude) of the ship; and
Date and time (UTC) of the GNSS position.
Additional information such as the name and contact phone number for the CSO (and alternate CSO) may be included if the SSAS is capable of such programming but this additional information is not mandatory.
The SSAS, when activated in real mode, must transmit a ship to shore security alert to the ship management company as well as to the DMS, to the email address that is dedicated to receive such alerts. The email address is: ssas@dms.gov.cy (see Circular 11/2018).
Procedures to be followed when receiving a real Ship Security Alert message
(see Section 9.4 of Annex 3 of SDM Circular 24/2015)
The SDM must be informed immediately of a REAL SSAS activation due to a threat by the CSO and or alternate CSO of the ship on the dedicated 24/7 telephone number +357 99 377988.
The CSO or his alternate, after they have confirmed that the ship is under threat, must also provide to the SDM, the information stated on the Security Incident Report on a Cyprus Ship Form.
Furthermore, Τhe DMS strongly advises all concerned parties to refer to the SDM Circular 4/2009 for revised instructions on piracy and response to SSAS as well as SDM Circular 13/2014 for vessel movements registration with MSCHOA.
Ship Security Alert System Testing
(see Section 9.2 of Annex 3 of SDM Circular 24/2015)
The SDM urges ship owners, ship managers and operators to exercise extreme care when commission the SSAS on board a Cyprus flag vessel to avoid false activation of the system.
It is advisable that when a technician is attending the vessel or if for any reason the system will be activated in real mode, the DMS is notified in writing at least 24 hours in advanced providing the following details:
1. Name of ship
2. IMO of ship
3. Call Sign
4. MMSI
5. Date and time of activation
6. Type of activation (REAL mode)
7. Reason for activation
All notifications must be transmitted to maritime.security@dms.gov.cy.
The SDM requires an activation in real mode of the SSAS to be carried out as soon as the system has been initially commissioned. Thereafter, the SSAS shall be tested (activation of the system in real mode) annually, either as a part of the annual ship security exercise or independently, i.e. once between the calendar months January to December.
The SSAS must also be tested (activation of the system in real mode) when a ship changes management company or service provider.
The SDM will only confirm reception of a ship security alert provided that this was requested prior to the activation of the SSAS (in real mode) providing details of the ship (name, IMO number, Call Sign and MMSI) and date and time of activation. Confirmations will be carried out by the SDM during normal working hours of the DMS.
The SDM does not wish to receive security alerts due to the activation of SSAS in test mode, as a part of the routine testing of the system between the ship and its company. The DMS will not confirm reception of such test messages.
The records of real SSAs, including confirmations from the DMS, must be available for examination during shore-based verifications of the safety management system of the Company by the RO issuing the DoC of the Company as per the provisions of the ISM Code.
Ship Security Alert Systems
The IMO requirements governing SSAS are stipulated in SOLAS Chapter XI-2/Reg. 6; IMO Res. MSC.147(77), MSC/Circ.1072 and MSC.1/Circ 1190. Currently, the types and models of SSAS accepted by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping are as:
| | TYPE | MANUFACTURER |
| 1 | OCEAN ALERT | SATAMATICS LTD |
| 2 | JUE-75C, JUE-85, JUE-87 | JAPAN RADIO CO LTD |
| 3 | JUE-95SA | JAPAN RADIO CO LTD |
| 4 | FELCOM 12, 15, 16, 18, 19 | FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD |
| 5 | TT-3000SSA | THRANE &THRANE A/S |
| 6 | TT-3027C SA | THRANE & THRANE A/S |
| 7 | SAILOR 6120 SSA | THRANE & THRANE A/S |
| 8 | PURPLEFINDER DSAS | POLE STAR SPACE APPLICATIONS LTD |
| 9 | SHIP GUARD | TRANSAS TELEMATICS LTD |
| 10 | SJA-101 | MONOHAKOBI TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE |
| 11 | SEAGUARD | MARINE TRACK LTD |
| 12 | COM | MVS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS |
| 13 | SHIPLOC VI | CLS COLLECTE LOCALISATION SATELLITES |
| 14 | DMR200C IMMARSAT D+ TRANCEIVER, DSAS | POLE STAR SPACE APPLICATIONS LTD |
Any equipment not mentioned above (which have yet to be accepted by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping) may be included in the approved list of SSAS, provided that:
1. A request for approval (including description of equipment) has been submitted to the Shipping Deputy Ministry – Maritime Security Section.
2. Equipment complies with relevant IMO requirements and,
3. Equipment is furnished with approval certificates by Competent Authorities and / or Recognised Organisations (RSO´s). These to be submitted with the request for approval.