ClassNK Consulting Service (NKCS) has launched a new service to support ship management companies in complying with ISM requirements for cyber security that come into effect on 1 January 2021.
In line with IMO Resolution MSC.428(98), which recommends that a safety management system should take into account cyber risk management in accordance with the ISM Code requirements, the number of flag states making it compulsory from 2021 is increasing. In particular, the US Coast Guard (USCG) has announced that it will make this recommendation mandatory for US flagged vessels and foreign flagged vessels that call on ports in the US However, detailed information is not always enough at present, and NKCS is aware that many shipping companies are struggling with the specifics of how to handle this issue.
In response to this situation, NKCS has launched the service to incorporate cyber risk management into an existing SMS manual as its support for ship management companies in complying with ISM requirements for cyber security. Based on a systematic and comprehensive approach to the cyber risks that may occur onboard and the recommended elements (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover) to be included in line with the MSC.428(98), NKCS provides a manual, network conceptual diagram and risk assessment template, which are tailored to the individual ship’s situation and easy to customise.
