New guidelines for improving cyber security

Bureau Veritas developed an approach to help operators in addressing maritime cyber risks. With a series of classification notations, guidelines and services, operators can have a tool to help them comply with regulatory requirements, safeguard their crews and protect their assets from cyber attacks.

Specifically, Bureau Veritas offers two cyber notations. The first, called SW-Registry, focuses on software change management, ensuring that new software versions are properly tracked. This requires the creation of a certified register of software to be used in the ship’s onboard systems. SW-Registry is compulsory for newbuilds using digital systems.

The second notation, called SYS-COM, regards cyber security, and aims to prevent malicious cyber attacks. SYS-COM is a voluntary notation regarding the exchange of data between ship and shore.

Moreover, NI 641- Guidelines for Autonomous Shipping was released at the end of December 2017. This guidance note contains instructions for the risk assessment of ships including autonomous systems, recommendations for a minimum level of functionality of autonomous and the guidelines for improving essential systems within autonomous ships.