Question 1

How often must the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) be tested, and who is typically involved?

Accepted Answer

SSAS should be tested periodically (commonly as part of routine GMDSS/radio checks, with results logged), with the test typically coordinated with the company security officer/flag state so that an activation does not trigger an actual security response, confirming the alert is correctly transmitted to the designated competent authority The Ship Security Alert System must be tested at appropriate intervals to confirm it remains operational, since it is a covert system intended to alert the company and relevant authorities to a security threat (such as piracy or hijacking) without alerting those onboard who may pose the threat. Testing is coordinated carefully — often via the company security officer liaising with the flag state's designated authority — so that a test activation is recognised as a test and does not trigger an unnecessary security response. Records of testing should be maintained as part of the ship's security records.

Question 2

You need to send a distress alert because the vessel is taking on water faster than the pumps can cope. Which message format and channel/priority is correct?

Accepted Answer

A "Mayday" distress call on Channel 16 / DSC distress alert, giving position, nature of distress and assistance required Grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance (e.g. uncontrolled flooding) requires a Mayday distress call / DSC distress alert — Pan-Pan is for urgency without immediate danger to life, and Securité is for navigational safety information.

Question 3

True or False: An EPIRB should be registered with the relevant national authority, and the registration details kept up to date so that a false alarm can be quickly resolved or a real activation correctly attributed.

Accepted Answer

True True. EPIRB registration links the unique beacon ID to vessel and contact details, allowing SAR authorities to quickly verify activations (genuine or false) and contact the vessel/owner — unregistered or out-of-date beacons slow down the SAR response and waste resources.