SATAMATICS
OCERN ALERT
SHIP SECURITY ALERT SYSTEM (SSAS)
Regulations
The Satamatics Ocean Alert SSAS Ship Security Alert System
complies fully with all mandatory regulations, guidance
notes and performance standards for Ship Security Alert
Systems.
To view or buy a copy of the definitive ISPS Code regulations
from the IMO website, click here.
Note: the resource link above is the official version
authorised by the IMO - details obtained from any other
source should be used with caution.
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 Long Range
Ships' Identification and Tracking system have yet to
be finalised, but regulations are due to follow Comsar
and MSC meetings scheduled in 2004.
Overview
Tracking
Ocean Alert SSAS continuously monitors the ship's location,
together with its external power supply and alert activation
points, automatically transmitting the ship's precise
location back to the fleet operating company (optionally,
according to airtime_packages) up to 6 times per day,
via Satamatics' worldwide telemeters service.
Dedicated website
The precise location and status of every ship in your
fleet can be tracked on any desktop or laptop computer
connected to the Internet, using a standard web browser,
via Satamatics' Ocean Alert SSAS website, which requires
a secure password login.
Using the Ocean Alert SSAS web interface, fleet managers
can also optionally interrogate the satellite terminal
on-board ship for a current position report, or remotely
upgrade the terminal to an increased tracking frequency
airtime package.
The user-friendly web interface allows fleet managers
to setup nominated contact names, mobile phone numbers
and Email addresses for automatic SMS and Email alert
notifications in the event of a number of conditions arising
including emergency alert activation and power interruptions.
Email and SMS Alert Notification
In an emergency where the security of the ship is compromised,
the triggering of any of the covert activation points
will immediately raise the alert, automatically sending
SMS text and Email alert messages to the fleet operator's
chosen points of contact.
During such ongoing alert conditions, Ocean Alert SSAS
will automatically increase the frequency of its position
report transmissions to every 30 minutes, until the emergency
has been resolved.
Ongoing alert messages will continue to allow the ship's
precise location to be tracked, identifying which alert
activation point has been triggered, and reporting any
tampering with the external power supply.
Features
Bundled Airtime Packages
Ocean Alert SSAS is a full, end-to-end solution - not
just the hardware.
Ocean Alert SSAS comes in a range of 4 bundled airtime
packages to suit different end user requirements, which
offer 'heartbeat' position reports at frequencies of 2,
4 or 6 times per day, or 'alert only' without regular
heartbeat position reports.
All airtime packages provide end users with passworded
login access to the Ocean Alert website for ship location
tracking and status monitoring, plus flexible setup in
routing position reports, warnings and security alert
messages to e-mail and SMS, including routing to flag
approved competent authorities.
From the website, users can also remotely upgrade the
terminal to an increased tracking frequency airtime package.
Further 'Bolt-On' options allow end users to interrogate
the satellite terminal on-board ship for a current position
report at any time.
There are no 'hidden' monthly airtime costs, and each
package comes with 3 year warranty, Type Approval and
EN60945 compliance.
Global Coverage
Satamatics' global service provides coverage throughout
the world, utilising the Inmarsat system of geostationary
satellites (see coverage maps) and the proven and dependable
Inmarsat D+ protocol, ensuring maximum quality of service
and rapid message delivery.
Automatic Roaming
Unlike other systems, Ocean Alert SSAS can automatically
switch between geostationary satellites without any intervention
as ships sail the high seas, allowing complete, seamless
and uninterrupted global roaming across all ocean regions
of the world.
Ultra-Low Elevation Angle
Sealed and certified to IP66 for operation above decks
in heavy seas, the Ocean Alert SSAS compact and concealable
omni-directional antenna maintains reliable communications
with satellites at elevations as low as just five degrees
above the horizon, ensuring unrivalled levels of operation.
Intelligent Satellite Terminal
Ocean Alert SSAS utilises the compact and easily concealable
Satamatics SAT-101 advanced satellite terminal with integrated
12-channel GPS receiver, D+ transceiver, programmable
processor and integrated back-up battery.
Tamper Proofing
In the event of an external power supply interruption
including malicious disconnection, the Ocean Alert SSAS
integrated back-up battery will take over. The terminal
will immediately broadcast a power supply interruption
warning message and switch into 'power-saving' mode, continuing
to monitor the covert activation points for activation
or further tampering.
Test and Maintenance
Ocean Alert SSAS provides a keyswitch operated Test mode,
in order that a competent authority on board ship may
test the entire end-to-end system - from activation points
through to the web interface, SMS and Email messages -
without inadvertently generating a false alarm to the
authorities.
In addition the system can be disabled from the keyswitch,
which will electrically isolate all exposed activation
points and switchgear, and disable transmission of tracking
and alert messages.
Accidental transmission of alert messages on re-activation
of the system after maintenance, are avoided by first
switching into Test mode.
