PS SSAS UserGuide AlertAdvanced DSASL PSv1

Pole Star Space Applications
Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)

Alert Advanced User Guide
DSAS-L
Pole Star Direct v1 Issued Sep 2006

Getting Started 3
Introduction 3
What is the SSAS Management System? 3
What is the DSAS-L? 3
What is Alert Advanced? 3
How does the system work? 3
How is the DSAS-L installed? 4
How is my account activated? 4
Where can I get help if I need it? 4
Recommended Procedure for Set Up, Installation and Testing 4
Initial Set Up 5
1 Check login details 5
2 Enter username and password 5
3 Replace the temporary password(s) 5
4 Check notifications details 6
Installation and Testing 7
1 Preparing for Installation and Testing 7
2 Installation 7
3 Installation Testing 8
Pre-launch 10
Launch 10
Operating your SSAS Management System 11

Position Reports 11
1 Summary of report types 11
2 Report contents 11
3 Different report types 12
Maps: Accessing information 15
1 Map options 15
2 Map functionality 16
3 Controlling position reports 18
Postings: Inserting data into a position report 20
Notifications: Alert routing 22
How to configure routing for your SSAS Management System 23
Managing a Test Security Alert 28
1 To prepare for the Test Security Alert 28
2 To run the Test Security Alert 29
3 To reset the Test Security Alert 29
4 To replace the TPR in your login 30
Reports 31
1 Position report history 31
2 Traffic history 32
Tickets for Technical Support 33
Deactivating the Asset 34
Glossary 35
PS-SSAS-UserGuide-AlertAdvanced-DSASL-PSv1 Page 2 of 35
Getting Started
Introduction
This User Guide has been prepared to take you through the basic operations of your Pole Star SSAS
(Ship Security Alert System) Management System. It covers: initial on-line set up; installation of
hardware and testing procedures; on-line operations. As the designated Company Security Officer
(CSO), it will be your responsibility to manage these areas. To assist you in setting up your account,
one of the Pole Star Customer Support team will telephone to go through the set up, installation and
testing procedures.
From experience, we know that new users often have questions about the system and how it
functions. If you have already covered this, you may want to skip this section and go on to
Recommended Procedure for Set Up, Installation and Testing (page 4). If not, the following
questions and answers give an introduction to your SSAS Management System.
What is the SSAS Management System?
Pole Star’s series of SSAS products is designed to ensure compliance with the ISPS code which
requires every ship of over 500 tons on an international voyage to be equipped with a ship security
alert system. The SSAS Management System consists of two separate components: the hardware
installed onboard the vessel and the software package you access on the Internet via your pc. You
have chosen the DSAS-L hardware with the Alert Advanced software option.
What is the DSAS-L?
This unit consists of a compact, integrated Inmarsat D+/GPS satellite transceiver and breakout box
linked to two separate external alert activation points (“panic buttons”) which can be pressed in the
event of a security alert. When an alert activation point is triggered, there is no noise or any other
indication onboard the vessel that an alarm has been raised.
What is Alert Advanced?
Alert Advanced provides a fully comprehensive package of benefits for the user:
• Unlimited alert cycles for tests and real alerts.

• Up to four position reports per day.
• Full access to Pole Star SSAS Management System.
• Interactive C-Map marine chart mapping.
• Global meteorological forecasting.
• Unlimited email/SMS/fax addresses for tests and alerts.
• Technical and customer support from your local distributor.
How does the system work?
Data reporting and security alerts are managed through Pole Star’s SSAS Management System –
powered by PurpleFinder. The unit is programmed to send up to four standard Automatic Position
Reports (APR) daily to designated recipients via email, SMS and/or fax. In the event of a security alert,
when an alert activation point is pressed, the system is programmed to send a Security Alert Position
Report (SPR) to your designated recipient(s), alerting them to a potential breach of security.
By going on to the PurpleFinder website and logging in with a username and password, you and other
authorized users can access data relating to your fleet anytime on your desk top. All you need is
access to the web and the latest version of Java installed on your pc.
How is the DSAS-L installed?
The DSAS-L, with a full Installation Guide, will shortly be despatched to the vessel where it must be
installed by a suitably qualified engineer. As CSO, it is your responsibility to ensure that the
installation procedure is carried out correctly. This will require consultation and liaison with some or all
of the following onboard personnel: Ship Security Officer; the engineer carrying out the installation; the
Master of the vessel.
How is my account activated?
Installation automatically activates the SSAS monthly subscription fee, charged per calendar month.
The registration fee is charged to the first monthly invoice.
Where can I get help if I need it?
The DSAS-L Alert Advanced is designed to be managed completely by the user. However, if you have
any queries or problems with on-line operations, please contact the Pole Star Customer Support team.
For any problems with the hardware, please refer to Tickets for Technical Support (page 33) for
information on our on-line technical support.
Recommended Procedure for Set Up, Installation and Testing
This table outlines the procedure we recommend that you follow to set up your SSAS Management
System.
Table 1: Set Up, Installation and Testing
Stage Responsibility Action

Initial Set Up CSO On-line in your PurpleFinder login
DSAS-L connected to power supply & in line of sight of satellite
Engineer / SSO
DSAS-L sends position report to activate account
Installation
& Testing Test onboard alert activation points
CSO Reset alert on-line
Engineer Checklist sent to Pole Star
SSO / CSO Optional familiarisation period – 7 days
Pre-launch
CSO Update notifications to include all external recipients
Launch CSO Fully operational and ready to launch
Initial Set Up
Please note: For all applications in your login, use the left click on your mouse or touchpad.
1 Check login details
The email accompanying this guide gives your account login details, comprising a username and three
temporary passwords. The three passwords provide three different levels of access to PurpleFinder.
As CSO, you will need to use the Master password, but you can delegate certain tasks and
responsibilities to other people by authorizing them to use the Assistant and View passwords, as
follows:
• Master: this gives full access to the system, allowing complete control of all functions.
When the unit is in Alert mode, the Master password is the only password which can
authorise a Reset command.
• Assistant: same as View (below) but with Master access to some basic administration
features.
• View: the lowest level access, with limited Read Only access to PurpleFinder.
For security purposes, you will be asked to replace your temporary password with your own
permanent password as part of the initial set up.
2 Enter username and password

• Go to www.purplefinder.com.
• On the Homepage, enter your username and Master password. This will take you to the
PurpleFinder Fleet list. Only the unit serial number(s) will appear on the Fleet list at this
stage – unless the DSAS-L unit has already been installed, connected to power and in line
of sight of a satellite. Once the unit has been connected, the Fleet list shows the latest
position report data for each vessel registered to your PurpleFinder login.
• Above the Fleet list is the toolbar with the main menu options:
Figure 1: Alert Advanced Toolbar
• Fleet gives access to the fleet details, security alert management and on-line operations.
• Maps takes you to a range of map options, depending on whether you want to look at
information for the entire fleet or more detailed information on individual vessels.
• Reports allows you to review historical position reports and traffic history.
• Setup gives access to your account details and administration features, eg Fleet details,
login, passwords.
• Use Help if you have any queries.
3 Replace the temporary password(s)

• Go to Setup>Passwords>Update password.
• Complete the boxes as directed.
• Click on UPDATE in order to activate your own secure permanent master password.
To update the Assistant and View passwords:
• Repeat the procedure by going back to the Homepage, entering the username and
Assistant password, then going to Setup>Passwords>Update password to change the
password as above.
• Repeat procedure to change the View password.
4 Confirm account details

• Go to Setup>My Account>Account details.
• Check all account details are correct.
5 Check notifications details
The Notifications function allows you to control the distribution of position reports, by specifying a
report type and entering the email, SMS or fax details of the authorised recipient.
On your registration form you were asked for an email address of the person responsible for
installation testing. This email address has already been entered into your vessel’s notifications list. To
check this:
• Go to Fleet>Tools>Notifications.
• Go to the Asset name box and click on the arrow for the drop-down menu listing all units
registered to your login.
• Scroll down and click on the selected vessel.
• Check that the notification details have been entered correctly. You can add, delete or edit
an entry, as required. (For how to do this, see Notifications: Alert routing, page 22). Do
not test the notifications at this stage as this will activate your account.
Please note: We advise during the installation, testing and familiarisation phase that you restrict
contact details to internal company destinations i.e. CSO(s). Once this initial phase is complete, you
can add to the notifications list as required.
IMPORTANT: Do not enter external details such as the Flag Administration until installation testing is
complete.
The initial setup is now complete.
Installation and Testing
1 Preparing for Installation and Testing

• Liaise with the Master or Ship Security Officer (SSO) onboard the vessel to agree date and
time of installation and testing. Remember to allow sufficient time to test each alert
activation point activation point individually.
Please note: the Master or SSO may need to hire in an external engineer who is suitably qualified to
install and test the DSAS-L. If this is the case, it is likely they will install and test in one session. It is,
therefore, critically important to liaise with the vessel to agree date and time so that everyone is
properly prepared
2 Installation
You may find it useful to keep in telephone contact with the SSO or Master while the DSAS-L is being
installed so you are fully apprised of the situation onboard.
i) Monitor installation of unit

• Log in to PurpleFinder using your master password.
• If you have not already done so, go to Fleet>Tools>Notifications to check that only
internal company addresses have been entered and will, therefore, be the sole recipients
of reports generated from this test. Notifications at this stage must be confined to the email
addresses of the CSO(s) or person responsible for installation testing.
• Now go to Fleet>Security>Manage alerts. The alert mode will be grey Dormant,
signifying that the DSAS-L has not yet been connected.
• Once installation is complete, with the unit connected to a power supply and in line of sight
of a satellite, the DSAS-L will automatically send its first Automatic Position Report (APR)
to PurpleFinder. When this happens:
o The alert mode on Manage alerts will change to green Normal;
o A green icon will appear on the Fleet map, marking the status and position of the
vessel;
o The information from the position report for the individual vessel will be displayed on
the Fleet list.
ii ) Insert vessel name and IMO number

• Go to Fleet>Tools>Asset details.
• Go to the Asset name box, click on the arrow for a drop-down menu listing all units
registered to your login. The first time you enter, the units will appear as serial numbers.
• Scroll down and click on the relevant serial number. This will take you through to the next
page where you can add or change details.
• Go to the Asset name box and replace serial number with the name of the vessel.
• Go to IMO number and insert number.
• Click on the UPDATE button at the bottom of the page. This will take you back to the
Asset details and display a message at the top of the page confirming the asset details
have been updated.
iii ) Insert Call sign, Flag Administration, MMSI number and CSO details
• Go to Fleet>Tools>Postings.
• Scroll down and click on vessel name.
• Click on ENTER.
• Fill in the Posting title, by clicking on the Call sign option in the shaded prompt box to the
right.
• Fill in the Posting content box with the Call sign.
• Go to Post to: and click on Asset.
• Click on INSERT to confirm and complete. This will automatically take you back to the
Postings page where you can view the information you have just added.
• Now repeat the procedure to insert details of the Flag Administration, the MMSI number
and the contact details of the CSO(s).
Now the DSAS-L is installed and you have inserted the above information, you may want to confirm
this with the vessel before moving on to the testing phase.
3 Installation Testing
This is a critical part of the Installation phase. It is designed to:
• Test each onboard alert activation point individually to ensure the DSAS-L is properly
installed and fully operational in the event of a real security alert. The exercise must,
therefore, be carried out twice – once for each button.
• Take you through exactly what happens in a real security alert, but in a controlled
environment.
Please note: The test procedure you will follow here is for Installation Testing and follows the
procedure of a real Security Alert. It is not the one you will use for routine testing of the DSAS-L.
You are advised to carry out routine testing of the DSAS-L on a regular basis as part of your security
plan in accordance with the ISPS code. Managing a Test Security Alert (page 28) gives full
instructions for routine testing
i) To prepare for installation testing
• Go to Fleet>Security>Manage alerts.
• Click on life cycle of an alert to see the following diagram which gives an overview of the
procedure.
Figure 2: Life cycle of an alert
The diagram shows two different modes for a security alert. On the left-hand side the red shows the
real Alert mode which you will follow in the event of a real security alert. Even though you are about to
take part in a “test” as part of the installation, you will follow the red Alert mode, in order to familiarise
yourself with the procedure of a real Security Alert.
The orange Test Alert mode on the right-hand side is the procedure that you, as CSO, will initiate and
control when you carry out routine testing. (See Managing a Test Security Alert, page 28).
ii ) To run the installation test

• Go to Fleet>Security>Manage alerts. The alert mode will be green ie Normal.
• Contact the vessel to request they proceed with the testing of the first alert activation point.
• When an alert activation point is pressed onboard the vessel, the DSAS-L automatically
transmits a Security Level: 2->Initial Ship Security Alert. You will receive an emailed
version of this initial alert in which you will see the vessel icon is now red. The alert mode
on the Manage alerts interface will also change to red ie Alert, signifying a real Security
Alert.
• Optional: Go to Fleet>Fleet list. You will see your vessel has been given a Security
Level: 2–>Initial Ship Security Alert and the icon will be red, signifying Alert status. On
the Fleet map and Asset map, you will also see the vessel icon is now red.
• As you are controlling the test, you will go on to reset the alert immediately. However, in a
real situation you would now have 30 minutes in which to verify the alert status and reset
the system.
• If the unit is not reset or if it fails to reset, the unit will then transmit a second SPR, but this
time it will be a Security Level: 3->Ship Security Alert. This alert will repeat in 30 minute
cycles.
iii ) To reset the alert
• In Fleet>Security>Manage alerts, click on RESET ALERT. The alert mode will change to
Resetting, still in red. The system remains at this stage for 10 minutes.
• Within a few minutes, when the DSAS-L has reset, it will send you a Security Level: 1-
>Ship Security Alert: manual reset via email and the alert mode will revert to green
Normal.
• Optional: Go to Fleet>Fleet list. The icon will have changed back to green and the
security level reads Security Level: 1->Ship Security Alert: manual reset. This latest
position report will remain on PurpleFinder until the next APR is received.
• If after 10 minutes the manual reset alert is not received, the alert mode will automatically
progress to green Normal. In the unlikely event that the unit has not reset (see below -
Reasons a unit may not reset), a Security Level: 3->Ship Security Alert will be
received within 30 minutes and the alert mode will revert to red Alert. You then need to
click on RESET ALERT once again to reset the unit. In this case, it is important that you
monitor Manage alerts for the next 40 minutes after resetting to ensure the reset has been
successful.
Reasons a unit may not reset:

• Satellite interference.
• Timing. At the time you click the RESET ALERT button, the unit is already preparing to
transmit the next Security Level: 3->Ship Security Alert so the commands will “pass” each
other and the reset will fail.
• Now repeat procedures ii) To run the installation test and iii) To reset the alert for the
second onboard alert activation point in order to complete the Installation Testing.
Pre-launch
The DSAS-L installation and testing have now been completed, but you may decide to keep the
system solely for internal company use for a further familiarisation phase of seven days. You do this
simply by keeping notifications confined to internal company destinations.
To prepare for the launch:
• Confirm with the engineer/SSO that the installation checklist has been completed and sent
back to Pole Star.
• Go to Fleet>Tools>Asset details to check the IMO number has been entered. (See
Insert vessel name and IMO number, page 7.)
• Go to Fleet>Tools>Postings to enter contact details of CSOs and details of Call sign,
Flag Administration and MMSI number have been entered. (See Postings: Inserting data
into a position report, page 20.)
• Go to Fleet>Tools>Notifications to enter traffic and destination details to ensure position
reports will be received by the authorised recipients. (See Notifications: Alert routing,
page 22.) In particular, check the specific requirements of your Flag Administration.
Usually, a Flag Administration demands to be sent Security Reports (Security Levels 2 and
3) and Alert Reset Acknowledgement (Security Level 1), although some also may demand
routine Test Position Reports and Alert Reset Acknowledgements (see Position Reports,
page 11).
Launch
You are now fully operational and ready to launch.
Operating your SSAS Management System
Position Reports
1 Summary of report types
Once installed and fully operational, the DSAS-L will report with the following report types. The report
types are colour-coded for ease of recognition. Coloured icons are displayed on the maps and the
Fleet list so you can see the status of your vessel(s) at a glance.
Table 2: SSAS report types and colour coding
Report Types Icon Colour Message Type

Automatic Position Report (APR) Green Standard daily report
Security Alert Position Report (SPR) Red Security Alert
Alert Reset Acknowledgement (ARA) Green Alert Reset
Test Position Report (TPR) Orange A security alert when the unit has been
placed in Test Mode for routine testing
(See page 28 for instructions)
No report received Grey No report has been received for 48 hours.
This may be due to a hardware problem
or satellite interference.
2 Report contents
The contents of the Automatic Position Report (APR) form the basis of all position report types. A
typical APR is shown here.
Figure 3: Report contents – Automatic Position Report
The same information is given for each individual vessel in Fleet>Fleet list.
The information on the position report comes from three different sources: CSO, DSAS-L unit,
PurpleFinder.
Table 3: Sources of information for position reports
Data Origin Fields Comment

Asset name Set in Fleet>Tools>Asset details
IMO number Set in Fleet>Tools>Asset details
CSO contact details Set in Fleet>Tools>Postings
Set by CSO
Call sign Set in Fleet>Tools>Postings
Flag Administration Set in Fleet>Tools>Postings
MMSI number Set in Fleet>Tools>Postings
Position date & time
Latitude/Longitude
Recorded by DSAS-L at the time of the transmission
Generated by Speed
DSAS
Heading
Traffic status Status of unit at time of the transmission
Security Level Level of security alert
Communicator model The DSAS-L hardware model
Proximity name Of port or city within 500 nautical miles of vessel
Calculated by
PurpleFinder Average speed Calculated between previous and current position report
Optional: Go to Fleet>Tools>Asset details>

Meteorological data
Meteorological archiving, to activate.
3 Different report types
On the following pages, you will find examples of the various position report types as they appear on
the Fleet map and Asset map:
• Automatic Position Report

• Security Alert Position Report
• Alert Reset Acknowledgement
• Test Position Report
i) Automatic Position Report - APR
Icon: green
The DSAS-L unit can transmit up to four standard APRs daily, as part of the Alert Advanced package.
At installation it is programmed to send one APR per day, the timing of which is random, based upon
the time of installation. To change the frequency of the reports or to poll for an immediate position
report, see Controlling position reports, page 18.
An example of an APR is shown here:
Figure 4: Automatic Position Report
ii ) Security Alert Position Report - SPR
Icon: red
When one of the two alert activation points is pressed onboard the vessel, indicating a potential
breach of security, the DSAS-L automatically transmits a Security Alert Position Report. This contains
the line Security Level: 2–>Initial Ship Security Alert and the icon on the map is red.
If the unit is not reset within 30 minutes, the unit will then transmit a second SPR, but this time it will
contain the line Security Level: 3–>Ship Security Alert.
The unit will continue to send an SPR every 30 minutes until reset.
Figure 5: Security Alert Position Reports - Levels 2 and 3
iii ) Alert Reset Acknowledgement - ARA
Icon: green
Once the DSAS-L has been reset, the unit transmits an Alert Reset Acknowledgement. This contains
the reset message which is a Security Level: 1 -> Ship Security Alert: manual reset. The icon on
the map reverts to green.
Figure 6: Alert Reset Acknowledgement
iv ) Test Position Report – TPR
Icon: orange
A TPR is a Security Alert Position Report when the DSAS-L has been placed in Test mode (see
Managing a Test Security Alert, page 28). The sequence of reports is the same as for a real security
alert, but the colour coding is different. In Test mode all position reports, including the reset, are
orange. This means the icon remains orange, until the next APR is sent.
Figure 7: Test Position Report
Maps: Accessing information
1 Map options
There are two map options specifically designed for accessing vessel information in your login:
• Fleet map: This provides access and information for every vessel in your account.
• Asset map: This provides access and information for an individual vessel.
i) Fleet map
The PurpleFinder Fleet map allows you to see the current status and position of your vessel(s) at a
glance. It also provides access to other information relating to the vessel(s). To access the Fleet map:
• Go to the toolbar and select Maps>Fleet map.
Figure 8: Fleet map showing a SPR
ii ) Asset map
Each vessel has a dedicated Asset map. It is the easiest way to access information for a specific
vessel and is particularly useful when the Fleet map is crowded and you need to clarify the location or
access a position report for a specific vessel. It also automatically displays the vessel’s history trail of
position reports, as shown in Figure 9: Asset map on the next page.
To access an Asset map for a specific vessel:
• Go to Maps>Asset map.
• Go to the Asset name box and click on the arrow to reveal the drop-down menu listing all
vessels registered to your login.
• Scroll down and click on vessel name. This will take you to the Asset map for your
selected vessel. An example is shown here.
Figure 9: Asset map
2 Map functionality
There are various ways to access information on the maps, depending on your requirements.
Table 4: Map functionality
Maps Which click? Results
To display the latest position report for the selected

Left click directly on a vessel icon
vessel.
Fleet map &
Asset map To display the right click menu for additional options
Right click directly on a vessel icon relating to the vessel. (See 3 Controlling position
reports below.)
To bring up the right click menu for access to all
Fleet Map only Right click anywhere on the map
vessels in the fleet.
The functionality explained here works on the Fleet map and Asset map.
i) To zoom in on a vessel
This is useful if you have several vessels in close proximity on the Fleet map and want to isolate one
or you want to enlarge the area immediately around a vessel on the Asset map to focus in on the
location:
• Position your mouse directly on the vessel icon you want to isolate.
• Left click and drag to form a rectangle over the area required, then let go to zoom in.
• Repeat the previous step to zoom in closer until you have isolated the vessel or enlarged
the area sufficiently.
ii ) To display a position report for a vessel
• Left click directly on the vessel icon to display the latest position report.
• If you are on the Fleet map and cannot easily isolate the vessel required, use the Asset
map instead.
iii ) To access more options for a vessel
On the Asset map:
• Right click directly on the vessel icon to display the right click menu.
• Use the top section of the menu to access information and functions as required.
On the Fleet map:
If you can easily locate or isolate the vessel required:
• Use the top section of the menu to access information and functions specifically for that
vessel.
If you cannot locate or isolate the vessel required:
• Right click anywhere on the map and use the second section of the menu. The options
here are linked to drop-down menus listing all vessels in your login.
• Select the command you require.
• Click on the selected vessel. An example of the right click menu is shown in Figure 10:
Fleet map – Right click menu.
Figure 10: Fleet map – Right click menu
The right click menu provides access to the following information and functions:
• Show history: To display the vessel’s history trail on the map

• Request position: To poll a unit for an immediate position report
• Communication window: To change the frequency of the position reporting
3 Controlling position reports
To request an immediate position report or to change the frequency of position reporting, use the right
click menu accessed via the Fleet map or Asset map.
i) To poll for an immediate position report for a vessel
On the Asset map or Fleet map:
If you can easily locate or isolate the vessel required:
• On the top section of the menu Left click on Request position
• This will immediately poll the unit for a position report.
Alternatively:
• Go to Communication window.
• Click on Command for drop-down menu and click on Poll for position report.
• Current data will be displayed in the window.
• Click on Poll at the bottom of the window to request a position report.
On the Fleet map:
If you cannot locate or isolate the vessel required:
• Right click anywhere on the map to display the right click menu.
• Go to the second section of the menu, to Request Position > Select >. This will display a
list of vessels registered to your login. Click on the required vessel to request an immediate
position report.
ii ) To poll for an immediate position report for the whole fleet

• Go to Fleet map and right click anywhere on the map to display the right click menu.
• Go to the second section of the menu, to Request position, to display a further three
options. Click on Fleet.
• This will immediately poll every vessel in your fleet to request an immediate position report.
iii ) To change reporting frequency for a specific vessel
If you are on Asset map or you can isolate a specific vessel icon on the Fleet map:
• Right click directly on the icon to display the right click menu.
• Use the top section of the menu, click on Communication window.
• Click on Command for drop-down menu to view options.
• Click on Start regular position reporting.
• Go to Every [xxxx] minute(s) box and enter appropriate number of minutes. (For
example, 360 = every 6 hours = 4 APRs per day.)
• Click on Start.
• Monitor the timing of position reports over the next 24 hours to ensure the command has
been successful.
iv ) To change reporting frequency for the fleet
• Go to Fleet map and right click anywhere on the map to display the right click menu.
• Go to the second section of the menu to Communication window and select ANY vessel.
• Click on Select to view a drop-down menu.
• Click on Select Fleet
• Next click on Command for drop-down menu.
• Click on Start regular position reporting.
• Go to Every [xxxx] minute(s) box and enter appropriate number of minutes. (For
example, 360 = every 6 hours = 4 APRs per day.)
• Click on Start.
• Monitor the timing of position reports over the next 24 hours to ensure the command has
been successful.
Please note: More than 4 APRs per day and/or excessive use of the poll function may incur charges
above the fixed monthly fee.
Postings: Inserting data into a position report
The Postings function allows you to insert and update certain lines of information (or “Postings”)
which appear on the position report. They will usually cover:
• CSO contact details

• Call sign
• Flag Administration
• MMSI number
For all posting applications, whether for individual vessels or for the entire fleet:
• Click on Fleet>Tools>Postings.
• Scroll down and click on vessel name.
This is a typical example of a Postings page:
Figure 11: Postings
You can add, delete or edit a posting, as required, for individual vessels or for the whole fleet.
You can, however, only enter one posting at a time and must complete that application before you
move on to the next.
i) To add a posting
To add a posting for an individual vessel:
• Click on ENTER.
• Fill in the Posting title, using the options provided in the shaded prompt box to the right.
• Fill in the Posting content. This will be the name and contact details of the CSO(s) or the
Call sign details, name of the Flag Administration or the MMSI number.
Postings page for the vessel where you can view the information you have just added.
If you want to add a posting for all vessels:
• Click on ENTER.
• Fill in the Posting title, as above.
• Fill in the Posting content, as above.
• Go to Asset name(s) box at the top of the page and click on the arrow to reveal options.
• Scroll down and click on All.
• Click on INSERT.
ii ) To delete a posting
Please note: When deleting a posting, you will not be asked to confirm the step. So make sure you
select the correct line before pressing the DELETE button.
To delete a posting for an individual vessel:
• Click on the DELETE button to the right of the posting you wish to remove. This will delete
the whole posting line for this particular vessel.
If you want to delete the same posting from all vessels:
• Click on the EDIT button to the right of the line you wish to delete.
• Click on DELETE.
iii ) To edit a posting
To edit a posting for an individual vessel:
• Click on the EDIT button to the right of the posting line you wish to edit. This will take you
on to the editing page.
• Edit the lines of the entry as required, using the shaded prompt box for the choice of
Posting title and filling in the Posting content with appropriate information.
Postings list page for the vessel.
Please note: If you change the Posting title as part of your edit, you will see both the new entry and
the original entry, when you return to the Postings list page. To remove the original entry, click on the
DELETE button to the right. The same procedure applies to a change of Posting title for all vessels,
explained below.
If you want to edit a posting for all vessels:
• Click on the EDIT button to the right of the posting.

• Go to the Asset name(s) option at the top of the page, scroll down and click on All.
• Edit the postings in the appropriate boxes, then click on INSERT.
Notifications: Alert routing
The Notifications function allows you to control the distribution of position reports and other
messages, by specifying a report type and entering the email, SMS or fax details of the authorised
recipient.
You can add, delete, edit and test these notifications, as required, but you must complete one
notification before you move on to the next.
For all applications:
• Go to Fleet>Tools>Notifications.
• Scroll down and click on selected vessel. This will take you to the Notifications list.
Figure 12: Notifications
You will need to complete all fields, as appropriate:
• Traffic name controls which type of message will be sent. In Alert Advanced, this will
always be Position report.
• Traffic status dictates which type of Position report: select Standard, Security alert, Reset
acknowledgement or Test, as appropriate.
• Translator controls the way the information is sent, that is, by email, SMS or fax.
• Resource address is the email address, SMS or fax number of the designated recipient.
For help completing the Translator and Resource address, refer to the tables below.
Please note: it is important to consider who receives which type of traffic status. There should be a
clear division between traffic for internal company destinations and traffic for external destinations. For
example, a Flag Administration will not want to receive Standard or Test Position Reports. They need
only be notified of Security Alerts and Reset Acknowledgements, unless otherwise directed.
How to configure routing for your SSAS Management System
Table 5: Configure routing for Standard Automatic Position Reports (APR)

Routing Field Example Comment
Traffic name Position report

Traffic status Standard
email Position report (with Map) in html. Long version for company
Translator dsas-internal.xsl
operations
Resource address dailyops@company.com
Table 6: Configure routing for Security Alert Position Reports (SPR) & Reset Acknowledgement
(ARA)

Security Alert or
Traffic status
Reset acknowledgement
dsas-flag-2.xsl SSAS alert with Map (use for generic Flag States)
dsas-flag-1.xsl SSAS alert for UK
email
Translator norsar.xsl SSAS alert for Norway
dsas-plain.xsl Position Report (No Map) in plain text
dsas-xml.xsl Position Report in XML format
Resource address cso1@companyname.com

Security Alert or
Traffic status
SMS Reset acknowledgement
Translator dsas-sms.xls
Resource address sms://+447985486357 Prefix with sms://+ enter number with international country code

Security Alert or
Traffic status
Fax Reset acknowledgement
Translator dsas-fax.xsl
Resource address fax:// +447985486300 Prefix with fax://+ enter number with international country code
Table 7: Configure routing for Test Position Reports (TPR)


Traffic status Test
email
Translator dsas-flag-2.xsl SSAS alert with Map – with vessel name in email subject
Resource address cso1@companyname.com
Traffic status Test

SMS
Translator dsas-sms.xls
Resource address sms://+447985486357 Prefix with sms://+ enter number with international country code

Traffic status Test
Fax
Translator dsas-fax.xsl
Resource address fax:// +447985486300 Prefix with fax://+ enter number with international country code
Example of configuring routing: Security Alert sent to email
(See Table 6 above)
• Traffic name: Position report

• Traffic status: Security alert
• Translator: dsas-flag-2.xsl - for an SSAS alert with Map (for generic Flag States).
Figure 13: Security Alert sent to email
i) To add a new entry
To add a new entry for an individual vessel:
• Click on ENTER, positioned beneath the main list (as shown in Figure 12: Notifications).
• Complete the boxes as required, as shown below.
Figure 14: Edit notifications
• Click on INSERT to complete the process. This will take you back to the Notifications
main page.
If you want to add a new entry for all vessels:
• Click on ENTER, positioned beneath the main list.

• Complete the boxes as required.
• Go to the Asset name(s) option at the top of the page, click on the drop-down arrow on
the right, scroll down and click on All.
• Click on INSERT to complete the process. This will take you back to the Notifications
main page where you can view the change you have made.
ii ) To delete an entry
Please note: When deleting a notification, you will not be asked to confirm the step. So make sure
you select the correct line before pressing the DELETE button.
To delete an entry for an individual vessel:
• Click on the DELETE button to the right of the entry. This will delete the whole entry for this
particular vessel.
If you want to delete the same entry from all vessels:
iii ) To edit an entry
To edit an entry for an individual vessel:
• Select the EDIT button to the right of the details you wish to change.
• Scroll down or type in correct details, as required.
• Click on INSERT. This will take you back to the main page where you will see your new
entry and the original entry.
• Now click on the DELETE button to the right of the original entry in order to remove the
original entry.
If you want to edit the same entry for all vessels:
• Select the EDIT button to the right of the details you wish to change.
• Scroll down or type in correct details, as required.
• Go to Asset name(s) at the top of the page and click on the arrow to reveal options.
• Click on INSERT. This will take you back to the Notifications home page.
• Select an individual vessel, go through to the main listing page where you will see your
new entry and the original entry.
iv ) To copy an existing vessel’s list
The COPY function gives you an easy way of copying one vessel’s notification list to another vessel. It
does not overwrite existing details, but simply ‘adds’ to any existing list.
To copy a list from one vessel to another:
• Go to the Asset name option at the top of the page, scroll down and click on the vessel
whose list you wish to copy (see Figure 12: Notifications).
• The vessel’s Notifications list will appear. Beneath the list go to To asset name(s): and
click on the arrow for the drop-down menu. Select the vessel you wish to copy the list to.
• Click on COPY.
• Go back to the Asset name box at the top of the page. Scroll down and click on the name
of the vessel you just copied the list to. The vessel’s new list will be displayed. You can
now edit or delete the list as required.
If you want to copy a list to all vessels:
• Go to the Asset name option at the top of the page, scroll down and click on a vessel
whose list you wish to copy.
• The vessel’s Notifications list will appear. Beneath the list go to To asset name(s): and
click on the arrow for the drop-down menu. Select All.
• Click on COPY. This will copy the list to all vessels in your login.
• You can now edit lists of individual vessels as required. Go back to the top of the page to
the Asset name box. Scroll down and select the vessel whose list you wish to edit. The
vessel’s new list will be displayed. You can now edit or delete as required.
v) To test routing
This test ensures the communication channels – email, SMS, fax – are working and that reports are
reaching designated recipients. It does not test any functionality of the DSAS-L itself, but simply
ensures the information is reaching its destination, by sending a copy of the last report to the selected
Resource address.
This is particularly important for email which might come up against firewalls or spam filters.
It is also important for mobile telephone numbers that have been transferred between operators, as
they may not be deliverable without intervention from your SMS service provider. Messages are
routed according to the country code and the network prefix. For example, country code 44 and
network prefix 7986 will be routed to the Virgin network in the UK. If this number is transferred to
another UK network operator such as Vodafone then problems in SMS transmission may occur.
To carry out the test:
• Click on the TEST box to the right of the resource address you wish to test.
• You will normally receive an email/SMS/fax within one minute. No acknowledgement of the
test will appear on the screen.
Managing a Test Security Alert
These instructions explain how to carry out a routine Security Alert Test in accordance with the ISPS
code. You are advised to carry out routine testing of the DSAS-L on a regular basis as part of your
Ship’s Security Plan, as a minimum on an annual basis for your annual survey.
1 To prepare for the Test Security Alert

• Go to Fleet>Security>Manage alerts.
• Click on life cycle of an alert to see the following diagram which gives an overview of the
procedure.
Figure 15: Life cycle of an alert
The diagram shows two different modes for a security alert. On the left-hand side, the red shows the
real Alert mode which you will follow in the event of a real security alert. The orange Test Alert mode
on the right-hand side is the procedure that you, as CSO, will use now as you carry out a routine Test
Security Alert. In Test mode:
o Test position reports are all colour-coded orange and are clearly marked Traffic
status: test;
o the email subject line includes the word ***TEST***;
o emails are routed to designated Test recipients.
• Liaise with the Master or Ship Security Officer (SSO) onboard the vessel to agree date and
time of testing. Remember to allow sufficient time to test each alert activation point
individually.
2 To run the Test Security Alert
• Go to Fleet>Tools>Notifications to check that only internal company addresses will
receive reports of this simulation. That is, only they will receive Traffic status marked Test.
• Go to Fleet>Security>Manage alerts. The alert mode will be green, ie Normal.
• Liaise with Master/SSO on the vessel to check they are ready to start.
• Click on START TEST for selected vessel.
• The Alert mode will now be orange and read Test started. If an alert activation point is not
pressed, the unit will remain in Test mode for the next 4 hours, before reverting to green
Normal.
• Once the test has started, if necessary, you can click on the CANCEL TEST button and
start again at a more suitable time. The mode will return to green Normal after 40 minutes.
• If everything is ready for the test, the Master/SSO can now press the first alert activation
point.
• You (and any other specified notifications) will receive a Test Position Report (Security
Level: 2->Initial Ship Security Alert) in a few minutes by email/SMS/fax and the mode on
the Manage alerts page will change to Test alert.
• Optional: Go to Fleet>Fleet list. You will see your vessel has been given a Test Security
Level 2–>Initial Ship Security Alert and the icon will be orange signifying Test Alert
status. Click on the magnifying glass to go to the Asset map where the vessel will be also
represented by the orange icon.
• You now have 30 minutes in which to verify the alert status and reset the system. If the unit
is not reset, it will transmit a second SPR, but this time it will be a Security Level: 3->Ship
Security Alert. This will repeat in 30 minute cycles. It is up to you whether you reset the
system after the Level 2 or you wish to wait for the Level 3.
3 To reset the Test Security Alert

• In Fleet>Security>Manage alerts, click on RESET ALERT. The alert mode will change to
Test resetting. The system remains at this stage for 10 minutes.
• Within a few minutes, when the DSAS-L has reset, it will send a *** Test *** Security
Level: 1->Ship Security Alert: manual reset via email/SMS/fax and the alert mode will
revert to green Normal. This latest position report will remain on PurpleFinder until the
next APR is received.
• If after 10 minutes a manual reset is not received, the alert mode will automatically move
from Test Resetting to Test Ending. It will remain at this stage for 40 minutes, then revert
to green Normal. This time frame ensures that if a unit fails to reset and subsequently
sends another TPR, the alert sent will still have an orange Test status.
• In the unlikely event that a unit does not reset (see below - Reasons a unit may not reset)
within 40 minutes, a *** Test *** Security Level: 3->Ship Security Alert will be received
and the alert mode will change to orange Test Alert. You then need to click on RESET
ALERT once again to reset the unit. In this case, it is important that you monitor Manage
alerts for the next 40 minutes after resetting to ensure the reset has been successful.
Reasons a unit may not reset:

• Satellite interference.
• Timing. At the time you click the RESET ALERT button, the unit is already preparing to
transmit the next Security Level: 3->Ship Security Alert so the commands will “pass” each
other and the reset will fail.
4 To replace the TPR in your login
The TPR will remain on PurpleFinder, displayed as orange icons on maps, position reports and the
Fleet list until the next APR is sent. However, you can replace the TPR, if you wish, by polling for an
immediate position report:
• Go to Maps>Asset map.
• Right click on the icon to bring up the right click menu.
• Left click on Request position on the top section of the menu.
• This will immediately poll the unit for a standard position report. A text box will come up on
the screen, notifying you that the poll has been successful.
Reports
1 Position report history
This feature provides immediate access to all historical position reports received for an individual
vessel, or for all vessels in your login, with the option to download the report on the screen or send to
an Excel spreadsheet.
This provides an audit trail for your SSAS testing.
To access:
• Go to Reports>Position report history.
Figure 16: Position report history
• Go to Asset name and click on the arrow for the drop-down menu listing all units
• Click on individual vessel or select All if you want to see position reports for the whole
fleet.
• Go to From date & time and then To date & time, using the prompt boxes to the right to
enter a time frame as required.
• Click on either VIEW to display the data on the screen or DOWNLOAD to save the data in
an Excel spreadsheet.
Figure 17: VIEW – Position report history
2 Traffic history
This feature provides immediate access to all historical traffic for an individual vessel, or for all vessels
in your login. It gives you the option to download the report on the screen or send to an Excel
spreadsheet.
• Go to Reports>Traffic history.
• Go to Asset name and click on the arrow for the drop-down menu listing all units
• Click on individual vessel or select All, if you want to see the traffic history for the whole
fleet.
• Go to From date & time and To date & time and use the prompt boxes to the right to
enter a time frame as required.
• Click on either VIEW to display the data on the screen or click DOWNLOAD to save the
data in an Excel spreadsheet.
Please note: The Received messages option which appears on the toolbar (Figure 16 above) is not
functional within the DSAS-L Alert Advanced package.
Tickets for Technical Support
The Tickets function is a free technical support service available to customers who might experience
a problem with the DSAS-L unit:
• Log in to www.purplefinder.com with your master password.

• Go to Help>Tickets>Open ticket.
• Go to Asset name box, click on the arrow, scroll down and click on selected vessel.
• Enter your contact details in relevant boxes.
• Fill in the CC email address if you wish a colleague or other contact to be on the
distribution list for this ticket.
• Fill in the Log statement with a title or short description of the issue eg “Unit not
reporting”.
• Fill in the Log details with a description of the issue and action taken so far.
Figure 18: Open Ticket
• Click on OPEN.
• At the top of the Ticket opened page, you will see a unique ticket number has been given
to your request.
• You will also receive an acknowledgement email. This will include the details you entered
and the unique ticket number.
• The Pole Star Technical Support team will attend to your query and respond as soon as
possible.
This system is designed to keep an audit trail for any problem until it is resolved. You can view the
status of a ticket, by using the View ticket option.
Deactivating the Asset
If you wish to permanently deactivate a vessel from your login:
• Log in to www.purplefinder.com with your master password.

• Go to Setup> My Account >Deactivate asset.
• Go to Asset name box, click on the arrow, scroll down and click on the vessel you wish to
delete.
• Go to Deactivation date & time. Using the options provided in the shaded prompt box to
the right, select a date and time for deletion. This must be at least 30 minutes into the
future.
• Go to Reason for deactivation and select a reason for deactivation from the drop-down
menu.
• Click DEACTIVATE.
• Your selection will be displayed on screen. Click CONFIRM to start the deactivation
process.
• A confirmation message DEACTIVATION INITIATED will appear on the screen and you
will be sent a confirmation e-mail.
An example of the Deactivate asset page is given here:
Figure 19: Deactivate asset
Glossary
The following acronyms are used in this document:
Acronym Description
APR Automatic Position Report
ARA Alert Reset Acknowledgement
CSO Company Security Officer
SPR Security Alert Position Report
SSO Ship Security Officer
TPR Test Position Report

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Pole Star Space Applications

Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)

Pole Star Direct v1 Issued Sep 2006

Operating your SSAS Management System 11

What is the SSAS Management System?

What is the DSAS-L?

What is Alert Advanced?

• Unlimited alert cycles for tests and real alerts.

How does the system work?

How is the DSAS-L installed?

How is my account activated?

Where can I get help if I need it?

Recommended Procedure for Set Up, Installation and Testing

Table 1: Set Up, Installation and Testing

Stage Responsibility Action

1 Check login details

2 Enter username and password

Figure 1: Alert Advanced Toolbar

3 Replace the temporary password(s)

4 Confirm account details

5 Check notifications details

The initial setup is now complete.

1 Preparing for Installation and Testing

i) Monitor installation of unit

ii ) Insert vessel name and IMO number

This is a critical part of the Installation phase. It is designed to:

Figure 2: Life cycle of an alert

ii ) To run the installation test

Reasons a unit may not reset:

To prepare for the launch:

1 Summary of report types

Table 2: SSAS report types and colour coding

Report Types Icon Colour Message Type

Figure 3: Report contents – Automatic Position Report

Table 3: Sources of information for position reports

Data Origin Fields Comment

Optional: Go to Fleet>Tools>Asset details>

3 Different report types

• Automatic Position Report

An example of an APR is shown here:

Figure 4: Automatic Position Report

ii ) Security Alert Position Report - SPR

Figure 5: Security Alert Position Reports - Levels 2 and 3

Figure 6: Alert Reset Acknowledgement

iv ) Test Position Report – TPR

Figure 7: Test Position Report

• Go to the toolbar and select Maps>Fleet map.

Figure 8: Fleet map showing a SPR

Figure 9: Asset map

Table 4: Map functionality

Maps Which click? Results

To display the latest position report for the selected

iii ) To access more options for a vessel

On the Asset map:

On the Fleet map:

If you can easily locate or isolate the vessel required:

If you cannot locate or isolate the vessel required: