Web Alert: IACS publish new recommendations on cyber safety

On 27 September the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) published nine of its twelve recommendations on cyber safety with the aim of enabling the delivery of cyber resilient ships whose resilience can be maintained throughout their working lives. This is part of a long-term initiative from IACS that has been supported by and received input from the wider industry.

Following a huge increase in the use of onboard cyber-systems, IACS has developed a series of Recommendations with a view to reflecting the cyber resilience that will be required of vessels with increasing interdependencies. 
 
The IACS Chairman, Mr Jeong-kie Lee of the Korean Register, stated 'These 12 Recommendations represent a significant mile-stone in addressing safety concerns related to cyber issues.  IACS focus on Cyber Safety reflects our recognition that cyber systems are now as integral a part of a ships safety envelope as its structure and machinery and IACS is committed to providing industry with the necessary tools as part of our wider mission to deliver safer, cleaner, shipping.'
 
These Recommendations are only the start in the ongoing efforts to maintain the cyber integrity of vessels. IACS has launched these Recommendations in the expectation that they will rapidly evolve as a result of the experience gained from their practical implementation.  Furthermore, IACS recognises that these Recommendations are only an ‘interim’ product and that they will be subject to amalgamation and adaptation over time.
 
The 12 Recommendations are: