The FELCOM 16 / SSAS facility is a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) based on Inmarsat mini-C mobile earth station. The standard performance of the FELCOM 16 / SSAS facility meets the requirements of IMO MSC. 136(76) and MSC. 144(77). The Inmarsat mini-C system is proven for VMS (Vessel Monitoring System), guaranteeing high security alert performance.

The system is intended for transmitting a security alert when the ship is under attack by pirates, terrorists, etc. It notifies a preset flag administration on land that the ship is under threat, without generating any audio/visual alarms to prevent others onboard from sensing that a security alert is transmitted. Its multi-addressed transmission function enables reports to a ship’s owner as well as to a flag administration in parallel.

The information transmitted includes ship’s current position and identification. Ship’s position, obtained by using the built-in GPS receiver, is sent at regular intervals so that a flag administration and the ship owner are kept informed of the position of the ship. A backup battery is available as an option to drive the system up to five days for continual data transmission. Furthermore, its polling function enables tracking of a ship even after the loss of ship's communication.

The FELCOM 16 / SSAS facility can be easily installed anywhere in the bridge thanks to its compact size. To generate the alarm is simple; just flip up the protection cover and press the alert button. There is no need for setting of the system. Additionally, all Inmarsat Mini-C services are also available when connected to a PC.