BIMCO, ICS publish new cybersecurity guide for crew

The following is text of a news release from BIMCO:

(LONDON) — BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have published a new cybersecurity workbook meant to serve as a guide for the master and officers on board ships and thereby help them prepare for a potential cyberincident.

The digitalization of maritime operations and the reliance on technology and network connectivity for daily onboard and on shore operations means that shipping is vulnerable to the threat of cyberincidents. To help crew prepare, both on the bridge and in the engine room, the new “Cyber Security Workbook for On Board Ship Use” includes several checklists of how to protect, detect, respond and recover from a cyberincident, and thereby offers a practical and easy to use guide for the master and the officers.

BIMCO is continuously raising awareness to shipowners on issues such as the cyber threat and helps lead the work by issuing industry guidelines to assist companies in formulating their own approaches to cyber-risk management onboard. Based on contributions by BIMCO, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently decided to identify cyber-risks as specific threats, which companies should try to address to the same extend as any other risk that may affect the safe operation of a ship and protection of the environment. Guidance on these issues can be found in the "Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ships."

To protect multimillion-dollar floating assets, cyber-risk should be managed as any other risk that may affect the safe operation of a ship and jeopardize the protection of the environment. The new workbook gives an easy introduction to incorporating cybersecurity into the ship’s management system.

“Cybersecurity risk management is not just an IT issue. Managing the complex interactions between technology and humans correctly will be key to avoid a cyberincident, and to recover from them, should an incident happen,” said Aron Frank Sorensen, head of maritime technology and regulation at BIMCO. “I see the workbook as a valuable tool that will help officers manage cyber-risks while carrying out their daily routines on board."

The guide can be purchased by clicking here.

By Professional Mariner Staff