Access Codes

The simplest means of keeping a communication secret is by using some sort of pre-agreed code essentially an artificial language that conceals the true information of the message. Starfleet encodes high-priority messages and has coded communications channels for (relatively) secure communications through subspace. Species like the Ferengi routinely encode all their communications. In the age of isolinear computer processors, codes can be very complex. Fortunately, with the help of the same computers (and universal translation software) it is still possible to break most codes, given time.

Security Codes

For Security Access Codes, please review Security Clearances

Starfleet maintains a variety of security codes for use during both peacetime and wartime. These codes are arranged by priority from 1 to 50. The function of the individual codes is summarized below.

• SSC's 1-10 are for normal peacetime transmissions of varying priorities, with routine transmissions between commercial planetary centers receiving a priority dispatch of 1 through 5, and levels 6 through 10 being used for Starfleet communications.
• SSC's 11-20 are used in conditions of hostilities between the Federation and a foreign power. These priorities are used to transmit orders regarding the disposition of vessels and ground troops, the relocation of civilian personnel, the assigning of Starfleet resources to different commands, operations orders for these commands and specific operations orders.
• SSC's 21-29 are for use by the Federation Diplomatic Corps.

Starfleet Codes 30-39 specify conditions of emergency, with variable priority levels given to specific problems or crisis conditions during peacetime operations.

• SSC 30 Transmission of a communication using SSC 30 indicates an emergency condition involving a planetary disaster other unspecified emergency. Use of this code means that the sending station is not able to adequately respond to the emergency and requires immediate help at the scene.
• SSC 31 is used for a medical emergency.
• SSC 32 indicates a planetary crisis of natural origin.
• SSC 33 is used for a bio-medical crisis requiring immediate evacuation of personnel.
• SSC 34 indicates a bio-medical crisis requiring immediate quarantine.
• SSC 35 signals an ecological disaster or similar planetary crisis.
• SSC's 36 through 38 are used for crises of unknown origin that require the immediate evacuation of a large segment of a planet's population.
• SSC 39 indicates an attack by unknown agents on Federation personnel or on civilian installations or residences.

Starfleet codes 40-47 indicate classified material and restrict dissemination of that material.

• SSC 40 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief Science Officer, for disclosure to ship or base command staff only.
• SSC 41 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief Science Officer, for disclosure to the senior officer present only.
• SSC 42 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief Medical Officer, for disclosure to ship or base command staff only.
• SSC 43 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief Medical Officer, for disclosure to the senior officer present only.
• SSC 44 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief of Security, for disclosure to ship or base command staff only.
• SSC 45 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief of Security, for disclosure to the senior officer present only.
• SSC 46 communications are directed to the Commanding Officer of a starship or starbase, for disclosure to ship or base command staff only.
• SSC 47 communications are directed to the Commanding Officer of a starship or starbase. They are not to be disclosed to ship or base command staff, and no acknowledgment or log entry of the communication is to be made.

Starfleet codes 48-50 indicate high-level origins of the communication, and are restricted to specific individuals.

• SSC 48 communications are reserved for the CinC Starfleet.
• SSC 49 communications are reserved for members of the Federation Council or their designated representatives.
• SSC 50 communications are reserved for the President of the Federation.

Departmental Access Codes

Departmental Access Codes are general codes for use by members of a ship's department. Such a code might be used to access log entries or other routine files and programs, or to issue orders to the computer. These codes consist of the ship's department, a Greek letter, and a numerical code. The higher the Greek letter in the alphabet, the greater the access. High-level access may require voiceprint confirmation, a Personal Access Code or authorization from a superior officer. An example of a Departmental Access Code might be: Engineering Access Code: Gamma three one four two.

Personal Access Codes

Personal Access Codes identify the person accessing a particular file or program, or issuing an order. They are given in a similar format to Departmental Access Codes, substituting the person's surname for the department name. All Personal Access Codes are voiceprint confirmed, and higher level access may require handprint or retinal scans for confirmation. An example of a Personal Access Code might be: Access Code: Perrini Delta five one two seven.