SSAS Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ is based on the Panama Maritime Authority Merchant Marine Circular MMC-133 – August 2025 Revision and has been prepared to help shipowners, managers and Company Security Officers understand the principal Ship Security Alert System requirements applicable to Panama-flagged vessels.
Panama Observa, by ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd., can assist with annual SSAS Test coordination, vessel name changes, malfunction cases, failed or pending tests and follow-up through to Successful Test Confirmation.
SECTION 1 – BASICS, APPLICABILITY AND ANNUAL TESTING
What is SSAS?
SSAS stands for Ship Security Alert System. It is a covert security alert system designed to transmit an alert from the vessel to designated shore recipients when the ship is under threat or its security has been compromised.
Which Panama-flagged vessels are subject to MMC-133?
The Circular applies to Panama-flagged vessels engaged on international voyages of 500 gross tonnage and above.
How often must the SSAS Test be carried out?
Only one successful SSAS Test is mandatory each year, within a period not exceeding twelve calendar months.
Must the test be scheduled in advance?
Yes. The test must be scheduled in advance. A test scheduled only after the SSAS message has already been received will not be considered valid.
What information must be included in the SSAS Test message?
The message must include the vessel name, IMO number, MMSI, call sign, date and time in UTC, vessel position, heading and speed, in the format required by the Panama Maritime Authority.
Why must the word “TEST” appear in the message?
The word “TEST” must appear so that the message is clearly identified as a test and not as a genuine security alert. If it is omitted, the Panama Maritime Authority may contact the Company Security Officer to confirm the status of the vessel and crew.
Who receives the SSAS alert for Panama-flagged vessels?
The Panama Maritime Authority requires threat@amp.gob.pa to be configured as the main recipient on the vessel’s SSAS-designated terminal.
What happens after a successful SSAS Test?
The Company Security Officer receives a Successful Test Confirmation by email. This confirmation should be sent onboard and retained, as it may be checked during initial, intermediate and/or renewal ISPS verification.
SECTION 2 – FAILED TESTS, PENDING TESTS AND NAME CHANGES
What happens if the SSAS Test fails?
If the test does not comply with the required configuration, it will remain recorded as a Failed Test and must be rescheduled after the necessary corrections are made.
What is a Pending SSAS Test?
A test may remain pending where it cannot be carried out as scheduled. In such cases, the reason and the new proposed date must be notified in advance.
Does a change of vessel name require action?
Yes. The Company Security Officer Declaration must be updated to reflect the new vessel name, and a new SSAS Test must then be scheduled under the new name.
Can ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd. assist following a vessel name change?
Yes. ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd. can, if required, assist with the necessary arrangements and follow-up relating to the Company Security Officer Declaration update and the new SSAS Test.
SECTION 3 – MALFUNCTIONS AND HIGH-RISK AREA TRANSITS
What should be done if the SSAS equipment is not operating correctly?
An SSAS Malfunction Authorization may be required. Once the malfunction has been addressed, a new SSAS Test must be carried out to verify that the equipment is working properly.
Is a technical report required following an SSAS malfunction?
Yes. The relevant technical report must be provided to the Panama Maritime Authority.
What should be done before entering a High-Risk Area?
The Panama Maritime Authority recommends that the crew be fully briefed and that a piracy drill be carried out before entry into the High-Risk Area. The SSAS equipment should also be correctly configured and fully operational.
What guidance applies to High-Risk Area transits?
The Circular refers to the current Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMP MS) and the applicable Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor requirements.
SECTION 4 – EXCLUSIONS AND NON-COMPLIANCE
Are any vessels excluded from the Circular?
Yes. The Circular identifies exclusions including vessels holding an SSAS Exemption Certificate and vessels that are formally out of service or laid up under the applicable documentation.
What happens if the annual SSAS Test is not successfully completed?
The International Ship Security Certificate will not be issued if the annual SSAS Test has not been successfully carried out.
Can additional ISPS audits be required in cases of non-compliance?
Yes. The Panama Maritime Authority may authorise additional ISPS Code audits for vessels demonstrating non-compliance with the requirements of MMC-133.
Can Panama Observa assist with annual SSAS compliance?
Yes. Panama Observa, by ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd., can assist with annual due-date monitoring, readiness checks, test coordination, failed or pending tests, vessel name changes, malfunction cases and follow-up through to Successful Test Confirmation.
NEED ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR VESSEL’S SSAS COMPLIANCE?
Panama Observa can, if required, assist with:
- annual SSAS due-date monitoring;
- test readiness checks;
- annual SSAS Test coordination;
- Failed or Pending Test follow-up;
- Company Security Officer Declaration updates following vessel name changes;
- new SSAS Tests following vessel name changes;
- SSAS malfunction cases;
- technical documentation follow-up;
- new SSAS Tests following malfunction; and
- follow-up through to Successful Test Confirmation.
We observe. We coordinate.
We follow up until the end.
ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd. is a London-based maritime company providing registration, compliance and accreditation services for ships and seafarers, with over 46 years of maritime experience.