The purpose of this Technical Note is to communicate the modifications on the instructions and procedures of the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) according to SOLAS 74’, as amended Chapter XI-2 Reg. 6, the IMO Resolution MSC.136(76) and Resolution No. 106-107-DGMM dated October 9th, 2017.
This instruction applies to all Panama flag vessels engaged on international voyage of 500 gross tonnages and above.
From October 2017, through Resolution No.106-107-DGMM dated October 9th, 2017 Panama Maritime Administration communicated that all vessels must configure the email address threat@amp.gob.pa as the main recipient on their SSAS-designated terminal from January 2018, the annual SSAS TEST, will be received only through the SSAS Community electronic platform in the following link: https://polestarglobal.force.com/SSAS/login.
Once the SSA terminal has been configured with the main email address threat@amp.gob.pa, the company operator shall request access to platform by email to the e-mail address: info@panama-ssas.com, and should submit copy of the last Declaration of Company Security Officer (CSO) endorsed by this Administration in order to receive an email from info@panama-ssas.com, with their access credentials and instructions for using the platform and be able to schedule the annual SSAS TEST.
Only one annual SSAS TEST is mandatory and must be schedule through the following link: https://polestarglobal.force.com/SSAS/login , in a period no longer than twelve (12) calendar months and can be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Test that is scheduled after the SSAS message has been received will not be valid.
Once the SSAS test has been carried out, the CSO will receive a flag confirmation by email indicating that the SSAS test has been successful, as the model is attached (Successful Test Message) and the CSO shall ensure to send the flag confirmation on board the vessel in view of the fact that it will be subject to verification during the ISPS initial, intermediate y/or renewal verification.
In case of not receiving a Successful Test Confirmation: there are two possible scenarios to be considered:
FAILED TEST: If the test does not comply with the configuration described in paragraph 2, it will remain as a failed test and must be reprogrammed through the SSAS platform.
PENDING TEST: In the event that the SSAS TEST cannot be carried out, and this must be notified by email to the account info@panama-ssas.com 24 hours in advance, the reasons and the new date of programming through the SSAS platform.
In cases of noncompliance with the Panama Maritime Authority Regulations may impose the following sanctions:
- If the SSAS annual test is not carried out successfully, the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) will not be issued.
- Additional audits of the ISPS Code may be authorized to vessels that demonstrate non-compliance with the provisions of this Circular.
