Panama – Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)

C23069 | 16 November 2023

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators / Surveyors/ Auditors

This circular is issued to advise that the Panama Maritime Authority has issued Circular MMC-133, which supersedes Circular MMC-371.

The circular gives instructions and procedures for the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) as per SOLAS 74’ as amended Chapter XI-2 Reg 6, IMO Resolution MSC.136(76) and Resolution No. 106-107 DGMM, dated October 9th, 2017.

The key points are:

All Panama flag vessels must configure the email address ‘threat@amp.gob.pa’, as the main recipient on their SSAS-designated terminal. The annual SSAS test will be received only through the SSAS Community electronic platform: https://polestarglobal.force.com/SSAS/login.

Once the SSA terminal has been configured the company operator must request access to the platform by email to: info@panama-ssas.com, and should submit a copy of the last Declaration of Company Security Officer (CSO) endorsed by this Administration to receive an email from info@panama-ssas.com, with their access credentials and instructions for using the platform, and to be able to schedule the annual SSAS test.

The circular details the information required to be included in the SSAS test message and specifies how this information must be entered.

Only one annual SSAS test is mandatory and must be scheduled through: https://polestarglobal.force.com/SSAS/login, it can be scheduled 24 hours in advance.

Once the test has been carried out, the CSO receives a confirmation email indicating that the test has been successful, and this is to be kept on board. The circular includes instructions on how to proceed should a ‘Successful Test
Confirmation’ not be received.

Further instructions are included for various scenarios, i.e.

• Vessel’s change of name
• SSAS Malfunction Authorization
• Entering High Risk Areas
• Vessels excluded from the requirements

The circular states that noncompliance with the Panama Authority Regulations may result in:

• The International Security Certificate (ISSC) not being issued;
• Additional audits of the ISPS code may be required.

Act now

Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators / should ensure that these requirements are followed, that the SSAS is properly configured, and that the annual test is arranged on time.