Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)

SSAS to be installed on Hong Kong registered ships should:-

1. comply with relevant IMO requirements and approved by one of the Marine Department's Recognized Security Organization (RSO); and
2. pass the compatibility test with the reception facilities in the Hong Kong Marine Emergency and Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (HKMRCC)

Acceptance of Equipment

The IMO requirements governing SSAS are stipulated in SOLAS Chapter XI-2/Reg. 6; IMO Res. MSC.147(77) and MSC/Circ.1072. Currently, the types and models of SSAS accepted by Marine Department are as follows:-

A SSAS maker seeking to obtain Marine Department acceptance is required to submit all the RSO approval certificates, together with a soft or hard copy of the equipment specification and technical manual to the Senior Surveyor/Security & Quality Assurance for perusal. The request may be sent by fax at Fax No.: (852) 2545 0556 or by e-mail at sqa@mardep.gov.hk

If the submitted documents are found in order, a compatibility test will be arranged. The test signal may either be transmitted from a Hong Kong registered ship, or from the manufacturer's workshop witnessed by a RSO representative. Upon satisfactory completion of the test, an acceptance letter will be issued to the manufacturer.

Ship managers intending to install particular types of SSAS on their vessels which have not been formally accepted by HKMD are advised to ask the manufacturers to contact HKMD for the compatibility test before installing the SSAS on board.

Testing of SSAS after installation

Testing of installed SSAS on board a Hong Kong registered ship to confirm correct functioning and settings of equipment, which involves sending of test message to the HKMRCC, should follow the below guidance:

1. The SSAS alert test message should be printed with the word " TEST " either in the message or in the Subject row.
2. If the above arrangement was not applicable for the SSAS, the CSO (Company Security Officer), SSO or ship's master should inform the Security and Quality Assurance (SQA) Section (sqa@mardep.gov.hk) and Marine Emergency and Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) (hkmrcc@mardep.gov.hk) by email before and after the test.
3. SSAS should be reset immediately after the test so as to avoid unnecessary re-send of test message.
4. Reply will be given by SQA Section as soon as possible. If long time not receiving our reply, please contact the SQA Section.
5. Under special condition, test may be arranged during holidays. However, application by email should be made in advance to the SQA Section. No respond to the test by Marine Department (MD) will be given during holidays if no such application is made in advance.

The competent authority for receiving the SSAS alert message for Hong Kong registered ships is the Marine Emergency and Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC). The email address for receiving the SSAS message is ssalert@mardep.gov.hk. This email address should only be used for receiving of the SSAS message and not for general communication with Marine Department.

Enquiry

Any queries in respect of SSAS acceptance by Marine Department or test after the installation should be directed to the Senior Surveyor/Security & Quality Assurance at Tel. No.: (852) 2852 4503, Fax No.: (852) 2545 0556 or by e-mail sqa@mardep.gov.hk.