Mumbai, 28^th August 2017

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), leading classification society, in a bid to address the cyber risks of emerging technologies that are being introduced to the Indian maritime industry, has developed class rules based on guidelines set by International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as appropriate standards such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology – US Department of Commerce (NIST).

With the rise of cyber attacks on information and operational technology systems, cyber security is critical not only for data protection but also for safe and reliable operations.

Executive Chairman Mr. Arun Sharma said today: “Cyber attacks on ship’s control systems, IT, navigational and other critical systems can result in damage or even losing course of the ship – which can drastically affect the safety of the ship, port facilities and marine property.”

“As the industry continues to introduce new technologies, IRClass as a classification society, plays a significant role in ensuring that the safety of a vessel and its crew are not compromised by such attacks,” he added.

The implementation of these rules help IRClass to identify the cyber risk issues from as early as the design stage of the vessel. A final verification then takes place once the vessel is built, and periodically during annual surveys. A vessel, together with its shipping back office, that is certified for cyber safety is one that complies to the class rules as well as additional class notation.

A member of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), IRClass actively participates in the association’s forums like ‘Cyber Systems Panel’ and ‘Joint Working Group with Industry on Cyber Systems’ to exchange views and knowledge on cyber risk management.

In addition to the class rules, IRClass has also developed the first edition of ‘Cyber Safety Guidelines for Port and Shipping Company Facilities’, a guide to safeguarding technology systems from internal and external cyber threats. These guidelines would help a company to identify gaps and mitigate risks and IRClass is in a position to offer end to end solutions.