Why should you have the Ship Security Alert System?

Legal and regulatory compliance Ensure legal and regulatory compliance Uphold moral responsibility for your crew and passengers Fulfill duty of care obligations Business continuity and operational disruption Avoid potential financial loss, legal cost and reputational damage

Benefits of choosing a third party SSAS management company?

Strengthens your ship’s security and enhances the safety of your crew Ensures compliance – ISPS / Flag State / Annual Radio Survey, SOLAS chapter XI-2 Never miss or react late to an alert which could cause threat to the life and/or vessel Testing is essential to check it is functioning properly in case of a real incident Third party management takes the onus off your CSO and staff so they can concentrate on other tasks Streamline the processes and procedures of your fleet

SSAS Alert Management (SSAS 24/7 Alert Response)

Q: What is the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?

The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), under SOLAS regulations, is a system onboard designed to raise the alarm ashore in case of a security threat or security incident, so that help from security forces can be deployed to the scene.

Q: Why Securewest?

A proven market leader, since 2002 Trusted by some of the worlds largest Shipping and Oil & Gas companies Our Maritime Assistance Centre (MAC) is 24 hour, 7 days a week We ensure you conform to IMO standards and are fully compliant We take the burden away from your CSO We react within five minutes to the alert, notifying pre-agreed organisations, authorities and personnel We monitor online tracking service platforms (TSPs) to manage SSAS alerts on your behalf Additional services are included in the annual costs including our Weekly Maritime Threat Summary Referral program for clients

What is the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?

The ship security alert system is a silent safety system designed to enable ships to send a distress message directly to shore authorities under attack. It is distinguishable from standard distress signals in that it will not notify potential attackers or disturb normal communication onboard. Instead, it makes a silent call for help while protecting crew safety and quick response without escalating the situation.

The SSAS system is a mandatory requirement by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and forms part of the SOLAS rules under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). It is not an optional compliance. International voyages by ships above 500 gross tons must be equipped with an operating SSAS ship security alert system. Regular testing, monitoring, and preparedness for response are therefore required for regulation adherence and safety for all on board.

Ship Security Alert System Monitoring and Management

Why Professional SSAS Alert Management Matters

Even though several firms have in-house Company Security Officers (CSOs) to deal with warnings, it is dangerous to be reliant upon them, as they are not necessarily present, and delays in responding to an immediate SSAS warning are possible. The threats generated by such delays are death, cargo, and vessels. Piracy attacks, hijackings, or terrorist conspiracies necessitate a rapid and professional response.

A poorly managed or unmanaged SSAS alarm is the distinction between a contained incident and a catastrophic security breach. Having SSAS ship security management entrusted to an experienced service ensures that whenever an alarm triggers, it is automatically responded to, irrespective of personal availability or geographical location disparities.

How Our SSAS Alert Response Service Works

Our alert management strategy for SSAS at Securewest International is simple and thorough. The setup is straightforward, with the monitoring emails programmed in a manner that all the alerts feed directly into our Maritime Assistance Centre (MAC). Following this, our team provides:

24/7 real-time monitoring: Our GRC operates 24 hours a day to ensure no SSAS ship alert slips through.

Immediate escalation procedures: Trained security staff analyse all alarms in real time and interact with relevant authorities.

Quarterly testing: Periodic testing keeps your SSAS ship security system in prime working order and up to date.

Proper logging and reporting: All alarms, whether drill or actual event, are recorded for compliance, audit, and operational evaluation.

This collaboration of manpower and good processes safeguards your ship from ever becoming vulnerable.

Integrating With Your Existing Systems

Our SSAS management service is designed to complement, but not replace, your existing vessel management or fleet tracking solutions. We understand that many shipping companies already possess sophisticated monitoring systems. Securewest offers an essential added layer of security by focusing entirely on SSAS maritime compliance and incident response.

When your SSAS on ship is activated, our platforms integrate with yours quietly, providing enhanced coordination without disrupting your operations. This two-layered approach strengthens your ship’s security position and ensures nothing falls between the cracks.

Benefits of Securewest’s SSAS Management Service

Choosing Securewest for your SSAS ship security alarm system provides clear advantages:

Peace of mind: With around-the-clock monitoring, you know your ships are safe at all times.

Instant response: No delay, no doubt, our experts react the instant an alert is triggered.

Compliance guarantee: Our service assures that SSAS SOLAS requirements are met, protecting you from administrative penalties.

Lower risk: Expert monitoring cuts the risk of missing alerts or delayed reaction.

We take the burden away from your CSO

We react within five minutes to the alert, notifying pre-agreed organisations, authorities and personnel

We monitor online tracking service platforms (TSPs) to manage SSAS alerts on your behalf

Who Needs SSAS Alert Management?

Global SSAS regulation demands that all vessels over 500 gross tons that engage in global travel will fall under it. This includes bulk carriers, tankers, cargo vessels, and passenger vessels. To the operator, this means that having a capable and functional SSAS marine management process is not just a regulatory mandate, but also a defense against severe financial and human danger.

Businesses that conduct operations in high-risk maritime zones, like the Gulf of Guinea, Red Sea, or South East Asia, are especially best served by professional SSAS security management, where piracy or terrorist threats are more imminent.

Why Choose Securewest?

Securewest International has more than 30 years of experience and is a preferred supplier to some of the world’s leading shipping companies. We are the only provider that offers:

Human expertise: Trained maritime security guards on-site for real-time decision-making and escalation.

Global reach: Our GRC runs around the clock, providing international reach and reliability.

Trusted processes: We follow international best practice and comply fully with SOLAS regulations.

Client confidence: Our history of providing security solutions speaks volumes.

Although some competitors also offer SSAS services, Securewest differs in that it offers a truly global, integrated solution with decades of established results.

Stay Compliant, Stay Protected

The purpose of the SSAS maritime model is self-evident: to protect individuals, vessels, and cargo from serious maritime danger. Securewest’s experienced management ensures your SSAS ship security protocols are fully compliant with all regulations, yet offer robust, realistic security.

By choosing Securewest, you don’t just get compliance, you get peace of mind. You know that when a security alert system is activated on an SSAS vessel, your crew is never left alone, and specialist support is only a click away.

Get Started With 24/7 SSAS Monitoring

Your crew and assets are protected with reliable SSAS ship security alert system management. Securewest streamlines the process, making it effective and completely compliant.

Find out more about our Maritime Security Solutions, learn about our dedicated SSAS Monitoring Services, or contact our team today to learn how we can safeguard your fleet.

Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your vessels secure with Securewest International’s SSAS Alert Management.

Frequently Asked Questions

No—SSAS is not a tracking system, but it works seamlessly alongside one. While vessel tracking software shows your ship’s location, SSAS provides an emergency alert mechanism. When integrated, SSAS ensures that security alerts are routed directly to Securewest’s 24/7 Maritime Assistance Centre, without interfering with your existing tracking tools.

When activated via a physical SOS button onboard, the SSAS silently sends an alert to Securewest’s Maritime Assistance Centre. Our trained maritime professionals respond immediately, coordinating with relevant authorities such as coast guards and the designated person ashore. The team supports the vessel in real time, advising on safety protocols and, if necessary, guiding evasive actions to counter threats like attempted boarding or piracy.

SSAS isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protection, preparedness, and peace of mind. In high-risk regions like the Gulf of Aden, a slow or uncoordinated response to a threat can lead to loss of cargo, harm to crew, or reputational damage. Securewest ensures alerts are handled by trained professionals who can act quickly and effectively when every second counts.

In-house management often relies on a CSO or similar personnel who may be off-duty, in transit, or managing other responsibilities. This creates vulnerability, as delays in acknowledging or responding to alerts can have serious consequences. With Securewest, every alert is handled by a dedicated, 24/7 response team, ensuring nothing is missed and the right actions are taken immediately.

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