FACTSHEET ON THE RECAAP INFORMATION NETWORK SYSTEM

 

 

What is the Information Network System?

 

1.                 The Information Network (IFN) System is a 24-hour, secure, web-based information system that supports the ISC in the collection, organization, analysis and sharing of piracy and armed robbery information among ReCAAP member countries.  It links up the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) in Singapore with the designated Focal Points of ReCAAP member countries to enable the dissemination and exchange of information.  These Focal Points (e.g. national coast guard, maritime authority) are designated by each individual ReCAAP member country as the points of contact for the ISC.   

 

 

2.                 When a piracy or sea robbery incident occurs, the victim reports to the closest Focal Point which would respond to the incident as well as submit an incident report to the ISC through the IFN.  The ISC would be able to communicate with this Focal Point and other Focal Points via the IFN, as well as disseminate alerts to other Focal Points.  The ISC would also post messages on the ISC website to alert the shipping community to the incident.

 

 

Who is the Developer of the Information Network System?

 

3.                 The IFN System is being developed as a turnkey project by ST Electronics (Info-Software Systems), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ST Electronics Limited, which has extensive experience in intelligence and homeland security systems.

 

What are the Key Features of the Information Network System?

 

4.                 The key features that the IFN provides are:

 

§        24/7 Information Management – This enables the expeditious sharing of information on piracy and armed robbery incidents among ReCAAP member countries, no matter what time of day an incident occurs.  This feature is particularly critical when an incident reported by one member country requires the immediate assistance of other member countries, such as in the tracking of hijacked vessels. 

 

§        Powerful analytical and reporting tools – These tools enable the ISC to easily identify patterns and trends in pirate behaviour.  Such insights can help member countries improve enforcement and preventive measures as well as the shipping community avoid and deter attacks.   

 

§        Secured Access – The IFN may only be accessed by authorised users issued with user ids and passwords.  The system also makes use of encrypted connections and firewalls to ensure the security and integrity of information captured. 

 

5.                 The IFN System also facilitates interaction between Focal Points of ReCAAP member countries through the use of on-line collaboration tools such as an electronic forum, document exchange and news alerts.

 

6.                 The technical specifications of the IFN System are summarised as follows:

 

 

Main Functional & Operational Features

 

1.     Facilitates 24-hour submission of incident reports by ReCAAP member countries’ Focal Points via the internet.

2.     Enables ISC Staff to create incident reports

3.     Supports workflow for handling each incident reported by ReCAAP member countries.

4.     Supports information management through an electronic document system which correlates multiple documents.

5.     Supports various types of electronic documents including graphical images, charts, pdf and other common document formats.

6.     Generates both textual and graphical reports for analysis.

7.     Disseminates information and news alerts to ReCAAP member countries.

8.     Facilitates the publication of information and news onto the ReCAAP website for the general public/shipping & maritime community.

9.     Manages records through a Database Management System

10. Offers internet and email services for ISC operations.

 

 

7.                 The prototype of the ISC IFN System is expected to be ready for trial in June 2006.

 

 

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Ministry of Transport

20 April 2006

 

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