N.T. BRANCH CIRCULAR NO : NT/ISPS/Security Notice No. 01/2008
No.10-NT(10)/2004                                   

Dated :29.04.2008

Subject : Standard Operating procedure to be followed in case of Non Operational Ship
             Security Alert System Equipment.


The Directorate General of Shipping has noted in the recent past, that the ship owners requests for permission to sail to the next port with non operational Ship Security Alert System equipment have been on the rise.

It is reiterated that the equipment must be kept in working order at all times under the provisions of the ISPS Code. However, should the equipment become non functional while the vessel is at sea and repair facilities are not available at a port, Company Security Officers and Masters on Indian flag vessels shall follow the following procedures:  

  1. The Master/ Company Security Officer shall inform the 24 X 7 DG Commcentre that the ship security alert system is non operational.
  2. If the vessel is in port, every effort shall be made to have the equipment repaired prior to sailing.
  3. In case it is not possible to have the equipment repaired, the Master/ Company Security Officer shall inform the DG Commcentre to that effect stating the reasons for the same.
  4. In case the equipment fails at sea, the Master/ Company Security Officer shall immediately inform the DG Commcentre and thereafter e-mail a position report to the DG Commcentre every 6 hrs. stating the vessel's position, Course, Speed, name of next port of call with ETA.  The security status of the vessel shall be reported in these messages. These position reports shall be sent till the vessel arrives at the destined port.
  5. The Company Security Officer shall report to the DG Commcentre immediately if the vessel's position report is overdue by more than 2 hours.
  6. The ship security alert system shall be repaired at the next port of call and DG Commcentre shall be notified accordingly.
  7. Upon completion of repairs, the same shall be tested with the DG Commcentre and compliance obtained as prescribed in NT Branch Circular no. NT/ISPS/03/07 dated 18th January 2007.

The contact details of the DG Commcentre are as follows:

Tel nos: 00 91 22 2261 0606; 2261 4646; 32959320
Fax:       00 91 22 2261 3636
E-mail:   dgcommcentre@satyammail.net; dgcommcentre@vsnl.net 

Company Security Officers may please note and comply with this circular with immediate effect and forward a copy to all Masters/ SSO in their fleet. 

CAPT. RAKESH AWASTHI
Nautical Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General of Shipping (Tech).

Back to nt circulars main page