USCG issues guidance on commercial vessel cyber risk

Written by Nick Blenkey
DNV beefs up cybersecurity

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In a regulatory update, ABS Group reports that the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a new work instruction (USCG Work Instruction CVC-WI-0270), providing guidance on the USCG commercial vessel compliance program’s approach to assessing cyber risk on vessels.

The work instruction emphasizes the need for owners and operators to address IMO Resolutions MSC.428(98) and MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3.

NOT JUST A PAPER EXERCISE

This, says ABS Group, means that addressing cyber risk management is not just a paper exercise. Soon marine inspectors and Port State Control Officers will be looking for evidence of basic cyber hygiene and implementation of cybersecurity controls onboard your vessels.

ABS Group says that the work instruction:

  • Applies to vessels of all flags that call on U.S. ports
  • Applies to SMS vessels as well as non-SMS vessels that have VSP
  • Details deficiency and ship detention penalties for not meeting cybersecurity requirements
  • Details grounds for issuing deficiencies (including examples)

ABS Group notes that IMO’s resolution calls for companies to address cyber risk management in their safety management system no later than the first annual verification of the company’s Document of Compliance after January 1, 2021.

More from ABS Group HERE.

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