Panama Flag Annual SSAS Compliance Management and Coordination
Panama Observa provides a specialist management and coordination service for the annual Ship Security Alert System testing requirements applicable to Panama-flagged vessels.
We assist shipowners, ship managers, Company Security Officers and Masters throughout the compliance process, from monitoring the annual due date to following up on and filing the official Successful Test Confirmation.
The vessel remains responsible for activating its SSAS equipment in accordance with the applicable instructions.
Panama Observa does not perform or technically validate the SSAS test and does not issue the official Successful Test Confirmation.
Our role is to prepare, coordinate, monitor and manage the administrative compliance process through the appropriate official channels.
Our Annual SSAS Service
Annual Compliance Monitoring and Reminders
Panama Observa maintains a compliance record for each enrolled vessel, records the date of its last successful SSAS test and monitors the next annual due date.
Advance reminders are sent to the designated shipowner, ship manager, Company Security Officer or company contact to allow sufficient time for preparation and scheduling.
Scheduling and follow-up assistance are provided to help the client complete the test within the required twelve-month period.
Applicability and Information Check
Before assisting with the test arrangements, we check the vessel and company information, including:
- Vessel name
- IMO number
- MMSI number
- Call sign
- Panama registration details
- Company and ISM information
- Company Security Officer details
- SSAS equipment and service provider information
- Previous Successful Test Confirmation
- Preferred date and time for the test
Documentation and Readiness Check
We review the available information and documentation to identify any missing, outdated or inconsistent details before the test is scheduled.
This may include checking:
- The latest Panama-endorsed CSO Declaration
- The previous Successful Test Confirmation or certificate
- Vessel and company particulars
- SSAS contact and equipment information
- Access to the relevant testing platform
- The information required for the SSAS test message
- The vessel’s readiness to follow the applicable test instructions
Test Scheduling and Coordination
Once the required information has been checked, we assist the client with arranging the test through the applicable official process.
Our assistance may include:
- Assisting with the scheduling of the test
- Coordinating instructions with the company, CSO and vessel
- Confirming the agreed test date and time
- Providing the vessel with the applicable operational instructions
- Confirming that the test has been scheduled before the vessel transmits the SSAS test message
- Assisting with coordination involving the Panama Maritime Authority and the relevant SSAS service provider or agent, as applicable
Test Monitoring and Follow-Up
We monitor the progress and reported outcome of the test.
Where a test remains pending or is reported as unsuccessful, we follow up through the appropriate channels and assist the client in identifying the next action required.
Successful Test Confirmation
Following the successful completion of the test, we:
- Follow up until the official Successful Test Confirmation is received
- Check the vessel and company details shown on the confirmation
- Deliver the confirmation to the client and vessel
- Retain the appropriate compliance record
- Register the next annual due date
Failed Tests, Retests and Malfunctions
Where a test is unsuccessful or the SSAS equipment does not operate as expected, Panama Observa can provide additional assistance with:
- Failed-test follow-up
- Retest coordination
- Review of the reported problem
- Communication with the relevant parties
- Equipment-malfunction documentation
- Assistance with requests or notifications required by Panama
- Monitoring the case until the appropriate action has been completed
Additional professional fees may apply depending on the circumstances and complexity of the case.
Annual Compliance Continuity
Our involvement does not end when the test is completed.
Panama Observa records the next due date and continues monitoring the vessel’s annual SSAS compliance cycle.
A case is considered complete only when:
- The official Successful Test Confirmation has been received
- The confirmation has been delivered to the client and vessel
- The relevant compliance records have been filed
- The next annual due date has been registered
Additional Services
Related ship security, regulatory and documentary compliance services are available upon request.
These may include:
- CSO Declaration applications and amendments
- Company, DPA and CSO detail amendments
- Ship Security Officer documentation support
- Company Security Officer documentation support
- International Ship Security Certificate applications, renewals and amendments
- Ship Security Plan approval and amendment coordination
- SSAS equipment or service provider changes
- SSAS exemption and dispensation assistance
- ISM/SMS procedure reviews and amendments
- LRIT conformance testing and annual monitoring
- Other Panama regulatory and documentary assistance
All additional services are subject to document review, the applicable requirements and, where relevant, approval by the Panama Maritime Authority.
Additional professional fees and official or third-party charges may apply.
ISM/SMS Procedure Support
Where a company’s existing ISM/SMS procedures do not reflect Panama’s annual SSAS testing requirement, we can review the relevant wording and prepare a suitable amendment for the company’s consideration, approval and implementation.
The company remains responsible for reviewing, approving and implementing any amendment within its Safety Management System.
Urgent Compliance Support
Where an annual SSAS test is overdue, has failed, remains pending or is affected by an equipment or documentary problem, Panama Observa can provide urgent assistance in identifying the issue and coordinating the appropriate next steps.
The action available will depend on the circumstances of the case, the applicable requirements and any instructions issued by the Panama Maritime Authority or the relevant SSAS service provider.
Request Our Assistance
For assistance with an upcoming annual SSAS test, a failed or pending test, an equipment problem or another related requirement, please contact Panama Observa.
REQUEST AN SSAS TEST
REQUEST ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE
Panama Observa — by ISM Shipping
We observe. We coordinate. We follow through.
Your Panama SSAS Compliance Companion.