IN 1291 – Recent release of Guidelines on cyber security onboard ships

Members will wish to be aware that new guidelines for cyber security measures onboard ships have been published by BIMCO in a document supported by Cruise Lines International Association, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners.

The aim of the document is ‘to offer guidance to ship-owners and operators on how to assess their operations and put in place the necessary procedures and actions to maintain the security of cyber systems onboard their ships’.

The guidance stresses that company plans and procedures for cyber risk assessment should complement other security arrangements and procedures which may be required by the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

It advises that cyber security should be of concern at all levels within a company from senior management to the crew members onboard. Importantly, the guidelines link cyber security to safety culture within organisations thereby improving safety and efficiency onboard.

Full details can be found on the BIMCO website and the Cyber Security Guidelines are available online for free download.