Remote Data Application

Beam Communications was the first Iridium supplier to release an approved SSAS solution. The Beam terminals provide the flexibility of having an integrated Vocie & Data SSAS installation. Allowing for such services as Crew Calling and tracking whilst meeting the (IMO) regulations.

SSAS Regulation

The SSAS regulations were adopted by the IMO to enhance maritime security in response to the increasing threat from terrorism and piracy. After July 1, 2004, most deep-sea passenger and cargo ships must be fitted with a device that can send an alert message containing the ship’s ID and position whenever the ship is under threat or has been compromised. The distress message must be activated covertly from a switch on the navigation bridge or other shipboard location, and transmitted only to the designated authority without being received on other ships or raising an alarm on the ship under attack.

Beam’s SSAS solution provides ship owners with a flexible array of choices to meet the IMO carriage requirements and flag administration specifications. Using the Iridium network, SSAS messages are routed directly to the designated authority specified by the flag state.

Iridium provides several options for sending SSAS messages through its global satellite network, using Short Burst Data (SBD), Short Messaging Service (SMS) or circuit switched data protocols, with calls routed through public switched telephone networks, virtual private networks or the Internet. The SSAS terminal can be programmed at installation, based on the ship owner’s service plan and flag requirements.

The following outlines the specifications under IMO Solas Regulation XI-2/5 and requires the following to which Beam is 100% compliant, the terminal SSAS terminal must;

- Initiate and transmit a ship-to-shore security
- Identify the ship
- Provide the Ships GPS location
- Provide Date & Time of transmission
- Identify the Ship is under threat or being compromised
- Capable of being activated from the navigation
- Capable of being activated from one other location
- The alert will continue transmitting until equipment is reset
- Allow a test of the unit to be carried out
- Pre-empt all communications
- Not raise any alarms on board the vessel
- Will not require any acknowledgments on board the vessel
- Not allow inadvertent operation

The Beam Intelligent Handset, RST970, is an ideal accessory for voice and SMS communications. The handset is compact, lightweight, easy to install and comes complete with hang-up cup and mounting brackets. The handset has a built in ringer, supports full SMS functionality as well as an easy menu system to access phone settings. The Intelligent handset is included in an In-Vehicle Telephone Kit as well as the Beam RST973 In-vehicle accessory kit.

When using the Hands-free Interface (HFI), included with the RST620 or as an accessory with the other terminals this provides high quality, full duplex, and hands-free voice communications. Other key features of the HFI include; Horn Alert Radio Integration Radio Mute. The intelligent handset can be easily removed from its cradle if a private conversation is required.

Whilst the installation and integration to the terminal is very straight forward, selecting the appropriate antenna and antenna cable for the installation is also important to ensure greatest call quality over the satellite network. There is a range of suitable antenna installation types for various applications. In order to maximize the signal penetration in some locations the antenna can be installed some distances away from the main terminal in a more appropriate location.

The antenna should always have as clear line of sight to the sky as possible, eight degrees above the horizon is always ideal, however the clearer the view to the sky the greater the reliability of service.

The below diagram depicts a typical SSAS Installation on board a vessel. As you can see from the installation option there is the ability using the RST100 to support standard phone equipment in the installation for Crew Calling or flexible cordless handsets anywhere on the vessel. The terminal supports up to 500 metres, 1500 feet, per alarm loop. As the loops are constantly monitored this provides extra security and will raise an alert I the even the cable is cut

The GPs inputs vary depending on the terminal chosen for the installation. When using the RST035 TrackALERT this will support either the Garmin Smart GPS antenna, which allows long lengths of data cable to run to the terminal, or the ships NMEA input. On the RST030 TrackALERT an active or passive standard GPS antenna can be used or the NMEA input form the ship

In the installation configuration below the Beam Battery Backup, RST050 has also been incorporated into this installation to give absolute peace of mind and security.

Installation Overview Diagram

Alert Simulation Diagram