1. This Circular informs shipowners, managers and operators of SRS of the test procedures for SSAS. This Circular supersedes Shipping Circular No. 15 of 2015.
Testing Requirements for SSAS
2. The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization had adopted circulars MSC.1/Circ.1190 on Guidance on the provision of information for identifying ships when transmitting ship security alerts (Annex A) and MSC/Circ.1155 on Guidance on the message priority and the testing of ship security alert systems (Annex B).
3. Shipowners, managers and operators are requested to ensure that SSAS on board SRS are configured to be capable of delivering the following information within SSAS messages, in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1190 (paragraph 3 of the Annex):
i. Name of ship;
ii. IMO Ship identification number;
iii. Call Sign;
iv. Maritime Mobile Service Identity;
v. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position (latitude and longitude) of the ship; and
vi. Date and time of the GNSS position.
4. The procedures for testing of SSAS on board SRS are to be carried out in accordance with MSC/Circ.1155, and as outlined below:
a) The frequency of SSAS alert testing should coincide with the periodical safety radio survey of the ship. b) Companies and ships carrying out testing of SSAS should notify the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) – not more than 2 days in advance and not less than 4 hours prior to the test – by sending a pre-test notification via email to Shipalert@mpa.gov.sg, to facilitate the tracking of the testing notifications and to avoid unintended emergency response actions.
c) For the testing of SSAS, the test alert message should be configured to contain the word “TEST” in the subject heading to avoid unintended emergency response actions. The alert message is to be configured back to the original wordings after the SSAS testing is completed.
d) The Master and the Company Security Officer (CSO) should ensure and verify that SSAS equipment are fully functional, and that test alert messages are sent and received by the correct and relevant addresses, including Shipalert@mpa.gov.sg.
e) In instances where the SSAS equipment is verified to be faulty and continues to transmit repeated false alert messages, the designated CSO shall notify MPA via email at Shipalert@mpa.gov.sg & shipping@mpa.gov.sg. The CSO shall make relevant arrangements with shore maintenance staff to rectify the technical fault expeditiously. The CSO shall also notify MPA when the SSAS equipment has been restored to normal operation via the same email addresses as listed above.
f) Shipowners, managers and operators shall ensure that any internal correspondences or emails should not be forwarded or copied to Shipalert@mpa.gov.sg. This designated email should only be pre-test alert
notifications, SSAS activation messages and notification of SSAS faulty.
g) If shipowners, managers and operators would require a response from MPA on the test of SSAS, a request should be stated explicitly within the pre-test notification email and test alert message. MPA staff will then response to the Master and/or CSO of the vessel upon receipt of the test alert message. If MPA receives multiple/subsequent alerts on the same day, or outside the stipulated test time, normal procedures would be undertaken to validate the nature of the alert with the Master and/or CSO.
5. The testing of SSAS should be undertaken when the ship changes of flag to SRS.
6. The Master and CSO are reminded that in any instances where false or erroneous SSAS alerts are transmitted, expeditious actions should be taken to ensure that all concerned parties are made aware that the alert is false and that no emergency actions are initiated.
7. The direct telephone relating to SSAS test alerts, activation and/or emergencies is (65) 6226 5539.
8. Any queries relating to this shipping circular should be directed to MPA via the following emails Marine@mpa.gov.sg and Shipping@mpa.gov.sg, or telephone (65)6272 7777.