Pole Star’s overall solution consists of the DSAS ship security alert system with alert activation points, Inmarsat service, integration into Pole Star’s proprietary PurpleFinder web based shore application/alert verification system, and after sales customer/technical support.

Pole Star’s CEO Darrel Sheinman said, ‘Many flag-state administrations have been waiting on UK flag-state approval before approving the DSAS ship security alert system for use on their own flag vessels. With this now in place we anticipate the accelerated take up of the solution in many parts of the world.’

The MCA’s Head of Maritime Security, Phil White added, ‘UK ship owners must ensure that Ship Security Plans are submitted no later than 31 January 2004 to<$>allow the approval process to take place and the plans to be put into operation before a verification visit is carried out. Our approval of Pole Star’s DSAS solution opens the way now for the maritime industry to procure a ship alert security system with confidence that it has been stringently tested to meet the SOLAS XI-2/6 carriage requirement and performance standard.’

MJ Information No: 18812