SOLAS XI-2/6

The regulations state:

1. All ships shall be provided with a ship security alert system, as follows;

1. ships constructed on or after 1 July 2004;
2. passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft, constructed before 1 July 2004, not later than the first survey of the radio installation after 1 July 2004;
3. oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and cargo high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 July 2004, not later than the first survey of the radio installation after 1 July 2004;
4. other cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upward and mobile offshore drilling units constructed before 1 July 2004, not later than the first survey of the radio installation after 1 July 2006.
   

2. The ship security alert system, when activated shall;

1. initiate and transmit a ship-to-shore security alert to a competent authority designated by the Administration, which in these circumstances may include the Company, identifying the ship, its location and indicating that the security of the ship is under threat or has been compromised;
2. not send the ship security alert to any other ships;
3. not raise the alarm on board the ship, and;
4. continue the ship security alert until deactivated and /or reset.

3. The ship security alert system shall;

1. be capable of being activated from the navigation bridge and in at least one other location, and;
2. conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organisation

4. The ship security alert system activation points shall be designed so as to prevent the inadvertent initiation of the ship security alert.

5. The requirement for a ship security alert system may be complied with by using the radio installation fitted for compliance with the requirements of chapter IV, provided all the requirements of this regulation are complied with.

6. When an Administration receives notification of a ship security alert, that Administration shall immediately notify the State(s) in the vicinity of which the ship is presently operating.

7. When a Contracting Government receives notification of a ship security alert from a ship which is not entitled to fly its flag, that Contracting Government shall immediately notify the relevant Administration and, if appropriate, the State(s) in the vicinity of which the ship is presently operating.

Source: SOLAS 2004 (as amended)