In response to the increasing threats from increasingly frequent cyber attacks in the maritime transport and industry, the international maritime organization IMO has published “Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management”.
The aforementioned guidelines were published on 07/05/2017 by Circular MSC-FAL.1/Circ3. Through them, IMO includes certain cybersecurity requirements and issues in the International Maritime Safety Management Code (ISM Code) as a mandatory element as of January 1, 2021.
One of the requirements of these guidelines is to ensure the training of seafarers in the field of cyber security. In this regard, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy (NVNA) in Varna launched “Cybersecurity for seafarers“ courses:
- Course 1: Maritime Cybersecurity Essentials - Cyber Hygiene at Sea
- Course 2: Maritime Advance Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity at Sea
- Course 3: Maritime Cybersecurity Management
The recommended course order of completion is Course 1, followed by Course 2 and Course 3. The courses aim to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to enable them to contribute to the safety of shipping, life, and health of people on board, protecting the marine environment from pollution and property at sea, by mastering theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of cyber security.