Your examiner asks: "What is the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), and what does it do when activated?" Give a complete answer.

A. The SSAS is a covert alert system required by SOLAS Regulation XI-2/6. When activated, it transmits a ship-to-shore security alert identifying the ship and its location. Critically, the SSAS alert is silent on board — it does NOT activate any alarm, light, or sound on the vessel, so as not to alert intruders that help has been summoned. The alert goes to the CSO and the flag state.

B. The SSAS is a shipboard alarm system that sounds throughout the vessel to alert crew of a security threat. It also automatically broadcasts a MAYDAY on Channel 16.

C. The SSAS sends an automated distress message to the MRCC that includes the vessel name, position, and nature of threat. It operates identically to a GMDSS distress alert.

D. The SSAS is activated by the master only and sends a coded radio message to the nearest naval vessel. It is only used in cases of piracy.

A. The International Safety Management Code is a mandatory international standard for the safe management and operation of ships. It is given mandatory effect by SOLAS Chapter IX, which requires companies and ships of 500 GT and above on international voyages to hold a Document of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC).

B. The ISM Code is a voluntary industry guideline published by the ICS that sets out best practice for ship safety management. Compliance is required for ships over 3,000 GT only.

C. The ISM Code is an MCA statutory requirement published under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. It applies to all UK-flagged vessels regardless of size.

D. The ISM Code is mandatory under MARPOL Annex VI for vessels in emission control areas and requires a Safety Management System to be in place covering pollution prevention.

A. The Document of Compliance (DOC) is issued to the company by the flag state or a recognised organisation on its behalf, confirming the company's SMS meets ISM Code requirements. The Safety Management Certificate (SMC) is issued to each individual ship, confirming the ship's SMS operates in conformity with the approved DOC.

B. The DOC is issued to the master personally confirming the master is competent to manage the ship's SMS. The SMC is issued to the company for all its ships collectively.

C. Both the DOC and the SMC are issued to the ship by the port state control authority after a PSC inspection. They are valid for the port in which the inspection took place.

D. The DOC covers environmental management under MARPOL and the SMC covers safety management under SOLAS. Both are issued to the ship owner.