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SHIP SECURITY ALERT SYSTEM (SSAS) IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR ST. KITTS FLAG VESSELS

 ST KITTS & NEVIS INTERNATIONAL SHIP REGISTRY

MARITIME CIRCULAR – MC 15 09 (Rev.1)

SHIP SECURITY ALERT SYSTEM (SSAS)

1.

Purpose

1.1.

The purpose of this Maritime Circular is to provide guidance on the verification procedure of Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS) by this Administration. This Circular is issued to the attention of Ship Owners, Ship Managers, Ship Operators, Recognised Organisations and Recognised Security Organisations, and other parties involved.

2.

National Authorities Responsible for Ship Security

2.1.

Having entered into force under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, on 1 July 2004, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) has since formed the basis for a comprehensive mandatory security regime for international shipping.

2.2.

The SOLAS Regulation XI-2/13 lays down specific obligations for Contracting Governments to the Convention to communicate specified maritime security-related information to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Hence, SOLAS Contracting Governments are invited to nominate a single national point of contact to interface with the Organisation for maritime-security matters.

2.3.

The Director of Maritime Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis is the Government official for security related issues. The Director shall set security levels for St. Kitts and Nevis ships.

2.4.

The Coast Guard of St. Kitts and Nevis shall set security levels and ensure the provision of security level information to ships operating in the territorial sea of St. Kitts and Nevis or ships that have communicated an intention to enter the territorial sea.

The Coast Guard Point of Contact is:

Email: skndfcg@sisterisles.kn

Tel: + 1 869 465 8384 / 466 7312

Fax: + 1 869 465 8406

3.

Ship-to-Shore Security Alerts

3.1.

The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) is a safety measure for strengthening ship’s security and subduing acts of piracy and/or terrorism against shipping. As a part of the ISPS Code, the SSAS complements IMO’s attempts to increase maritime vessel security.

3.2.

The SSAS is a type of silent ship security alarm system which, when activated, does not issue any audio-visual signal on the ship or to nearby vessels or security forces. The alert in most cases is first received by the ship’s owner or an SSAS management third party, then passed to the ship’s Flag State, and these receivers are obliged to inform the national authorities of the coastal states where the ship is sailing.

3.3.

The SOLAS Regulation XI-2/6 requires all vessels to be equipped with SSAS. Only exception are non-passenger vessels of less than 500 GT constructed before 1 July 2004. The SSAS shall meet the

performance standards laid down by

Resolution MSC. 147 (77), Circulars MSC/Circ.1072 and MSC.1/Circ.1190.

3.4.

The Flag State decides who will be the initial recipient of the security alerts from the ships. The recipient may be one or more parties designated by the Flag State as a Competent Authority, which may include the Company (Ship Owner) or a SSAS management third party.

3.5.

The SSAS, where these are required to be fitted to a ship, should be programmed to transmit the following information:

•

Name of ship;

•

IMO Ship Identification Number;

•

The Call Sign of the ship;

•

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI);

•

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position of the ship in latitude and longitude; and

•

Date and time (UTC) of the alert according to the GNSS position (as per the current time the ship is sailing).

3.6.