All three SSAS systems have been developed to meet the requirements for Ship Security Alert Systems as specified in the amendments to SOLAS, chapter XI, Annex 6 (Dec. 2002). The details are described in the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code)*. The objective of this code is to establish an international framework for detecting and assessing security threats and taking preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.

SOLAS Resolution XI-2/6

As piracy and terrorist attacks have increased over the years IMO has defined a set of mandatory requirements in the SOLAS Resolution XI-2/6 to improve security for ships.

The new SOLAS resolution 6 states that the Ship Security Alert System shall provide ships with two alarm buttons, which can be activated in case of a piracy or terrorist attack. The alarm is a covert signal, which will have no sound and no flashing lights so that it is in no way obvious to any intruders on board the ship.

The SOLAS Resolution XI-2/6 requires vessels of +500 GT (Gross Tonnes) constructed before 01 July 2004 to install a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) no later than the first radio survey after 01 July 2004. Other Cargo ships of +500 GT and mobile offshore drilling units constructed before 01 July 2004 must be fitted no later than the first radio survey after 01 July 2006.

The following vessels are required to have a Ship Security Alert System installed:
Type of vessel	Deadlines for implementation*
Passenger ships, including high-speed passenger crafts	No later than the first survey on or after 1 July 2004
Oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and high-speed cargo vessels of 500 gross tonnage and upwards	No later than the first survey on or after 1 July 2004
Other cargo vessels of 500 gross tonnage and upwards	No later than the first survey on or after 1 July 2006

* ISPS CODE, 2003 Edition, International Maritime Organization, ISBN 92-801-5149-5

Approvals

IMO and the International Committee have not specified the required technical details for an SSAS system, but have laid out flexible guidelines for SSAS solutions. This provides manufacturers with an opportunity to develop systems that are not completely unified, thus making it more difficult for an aggressor on board a vessel to identify the equipment. National Authorities or the relevant Classification Society must approve a vessel’s SSAS installation as part of the Ship Security Plan.