Which minimum gross tonnage threshold is associated with SSAS applicability for cargo ships?

• A. 250 GT
• B. 500 GT
• C. 750 GT
• D. 1000 GT

Answer: (B)

SSAS is a discreet security-alert capability required on ships to quietly notify authorities if the crew is under threat. For cargo ships, the mandate is tied to vessel size, since larger vessels on international routes face greater exposure and have the resources to support a security system. The threshold is 500 gross tonnage, meaning cargo ships at or above this size must have an SSAS installed. This size-based requirement helps balance cost with risk, ensuring ships with higher security risk on international voyages can summon help without tipping off potential aggressors. Smaller vessels below this threshold aren’t mandated to have SSAS, though they may implement it voluntarily if desired.