Kate B. Belmont
BIMCO and its international shipping association partners CLIA, ICS, Intercargo, and Intertanko, recently released the first set of cybersecurity guidelines targeted to shipowners and operators, “The Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ships.” Recognizing the maritime industry’s over-reliance on information technology (“IT”) and operational technology (“OT”), and the risks associated with unauthorized access or malicious attacks to ships’ systems and networks, BIMCO and its partners created these guidelines specifically for the maritime industry. The guidelines provide direction, awareness, and “guidance to shipowners 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.” Continue reading “Major Shipping Associations Issue Cybersecurity Guidelines for Shipowners and Operators”
Whether voluntarily or as required by the International Safety Management Code, the American Waterways Operators’ (“AWO”) Responsible Carrier Program, or some other rule or regulation, investigations of accidents and near-miss situations are routinely conducted by companies in the maritime industry. This is due to the widespread recognition that careful examination of the root causes of such incidents can help to prevent future occurrences. Faulty procedures, defective equipment, and inadequate training can all be identified in the investigation exercise. Conducting investigations is now a critical part of the job for vessel officers, shoreside safety managers, and company executives.