Bunker Fuels
Safe, reliable and swift delivery of quality marine fuels at competitive prices
Launch Services
Round-the-clock ship supply services
Contract Logistics
Specialised solutions to improve supply chain efficiency
GAC Mobile Directory App
Shipowners, managers and operators are requested to ensure that Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS) on board Singapore-registered ships (SRS) are configured to be capable of delivering the following information within SSAS messages, in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1190:
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 [email protected], 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] and [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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.
The testing of SSAS should be undertaken when the ship changes of flag to 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.
The direct telephone relating to SSAS test alerts, activation and/or emergencies is (65) 6226 5539.
(For information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at [email protected])
Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Shipping Circular No.13 of 2024 dated 30 October 2024