Virtual Maritime Academy

This course is for:

• Ship Masters and Officers: Those responsible for the overall safety and security of the vessel will gain essential knowledge to identify and mitigate cyber threats, ensuring operational continuity and protection of onboard systems.

• Shipboard Crew: All crew members will benefit from understanding the basics of cyber hygiene and the steps they can take to protect both personal and ship systems, contributing to a safer onboard environment.

• Shore-Based Personnel: Staff in IT, security, and operations roles will understand their responsibilities in safeguarding ship systems from ashore and learn effective communication protocols with shipboard teams for coordinated cybersecurity efforts.

• Shipping Company Executives and Managers: Those in leadership positions overseeing risk management, operations, and compliance will learn about the strategic importance of cybersecurity within maritime operations, gaining insight into regulatory requirements and best practices.

• Cybersecurity Professionals in the Maritime Sector: Individuals specializing in cybersecurity within the maritime industry will deepen their knowledge of specific vulnerabilities, threats, and mitigation strategies relevant to ships and maritime operations.

This course is ideal for anyone directly or indirectly involved in the operation, security, or management of maritime assets, aiming to build a proactive defense against emerging cyber threats.

Approved Training Courses:

Virtual Maritime Academy is recognized as an institution approved for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Prerequisite:

No formal prerequisites are required.

Regulations, Code, Convention Addressed:

• IMO Resolution MSC.428(98) – Maritime Cyber Risk Management in Safety Management Systems
• International Safety Management (ISM) Code
• ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management System (ISMS)
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cybersecurity Framework (based on NIST Cybersecurity Framework)
• International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code
• Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management (BIMCO, CLIA, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO)
• International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006

Learning Objectives:

• Identify Cyber Threats in the Maritime Domain: Gain an understanding of the various cyber risks specific to the maritime industry, including potential threats from external hackers, malware, and phishing schemes. Participants will learn where these threats originate and the specific vulnerabilities that ships and shore offices face.

• Understand the Implications of Cyber Incidents: Through real-world examples and case studies, the course highlights the significant consequences that cyber incidents can have on individuals, ship operations, and the wider organization. Participants will learn the potential operational, financial, and reputational impacts of a cyber breach.

• Roles and Responsibilities of Shore-Based Teams: Delve into the specific responsibilities of the shore office in maintaining cybersecurity standards. The course outlines best practices for shore-based personnel in protecting ship systems, emphasizing coordination and communication with the ship’s crew.

• Cyber Risk Assessment and Management for Masters: Learn how to perform a vulnerability assessment to determine the ship’s exposure to cyber risks. Masters will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to conduct a thorough evaluation of onboard systems, identify potential weak points, and implement protective measures.

• Implementing Cyber Hygiene Practices: Understand the importance of maintaining rigorous cybersecurity practices onboard. The course offers practical steps and procedural guidelines for minimizing cyber risks, such as secure password management, regular software updates, and safe use of personal devices.

• Responding to Cybersecurity Threats: Participants will learn how to recognize and respond to cyber threats in real time. The course provides a step-by-step approach to threat detection and response, ensuring that shipboard personnel know how to act swiftly and effectively in the event of a cyber incident.

Assessment:

There are multi-choice questions to complete at the end of each chapter and a final assessment. The passing mark is 70%. The Final Assessment is fully online and no need to attend any classroom. You will need a computer or tablet with a webcam and an ok internet speed for your Final Assessment. 

Length:

Approximately 4 hours.

You can enter and exit this course as often as you require.

Delivery:

The course is 100% online and no requirement to attend a test in a classroom.

Student Verification Requirements:

The student is required to complete a simple online verification form which links from the course, where they will submit a scan of an official photo ID such as a passport, CoC or similar. This is a requirement under Transport Canada, DNV, CPD Group. 

Training Certification:

This online Course is internationally accepted. 

Certificate:

A digital copy will be sent to your email, and a printed version can be mailed to your address for a $20 fee. Please contact us to request the printed copy.

Click here to download the Course syllabus now!

Revision: 0, 2024