Ship security alert system

(1) All ships shall be provided with a ship security alert system, as follows– (a) ships constructed on or after 1 July 2004; (b) passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft, constructed before 1 July 2004, not later than the first survey of the radio installation after 1 July2004; (c) oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and cargo high-speed craft, of 500 tons and upwards constructed before 1 July 2004, not later than the first survey of the radio installation after 1 July 2004; and (d) other cargo ships of 500 tons 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– (a) initiate and transmit a ship-to-shore security alert to a competent authority designated by IMMARBE, which in these circumstances, may include the company, identifying the ship and its location, and indicating that the Merchant Ships (Registration) 245 security of the ship is under threat or that it has been compromised; (b) not send the ship security alert to any other ships; (c) not raise any alarm on board the ship; and (d) continue the ship security alert system until deactivated or reset. (3) The ship security alert system shall– (a) be capable of being activated from the navigation bridge and in at least one other location; and (b) 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 (5) The requirement for a ship security alert system maybe complied with by using the radio installation fitted for compliance with the requirements of Chapter IV of the Convention provided that all the requirements of this regulation have been satisfied. (6) Where IMMARBE receives notification of a ship security alert relating to a ship entitled to fly the flag of Belize, it shall immediately notify the States in the vicinity of which the ship is presently operating. (7) Any contravention of subregulation (1) to (4) above shall be an offence by the company and the master of a ship. Merchant Ships (Registration) 246