Digital Skills 2

The intended learning objective of the “Maritime Cybersecurity Course” is to provide maritime professionals with the knowledge and skills required to minimise ships’ vulnerability, prevent main cyber risks, and respond effectively to cyber incidents and attacks.

The following subject areas will be covered:
1. Cybersecurity Awareness – essential elements, actual context and scenarios, main threats, actors, techniques and tactics;
2. Maritime cybersecurity awareness – risks and threats for shipping industry and vessels instigated by onboard IT and OT systems vulnerabilities; digital transformation for the shipping industry and on board ships;
3. EU framework on Cybersecurity, IMO references and industry guidelines related to maritime cyber risk management;
4. Maritime cyber risk management process - key elements and best practices for maritime professionals;
5. Cyber-attacks in the shipping industry - analysis and case studies.

The goal of this course is to provide knowledge and therefore awareness, in terms of cyber risk management in the maritime domain and understanding of operating vessels in an increasingly technological and digitalized maritime environment.

The course is intended for maritime professionals who hold responsibility positions onboard and also for ashore personnel to make them aware of the safety and security management related to cyber threats on board, in particular:

Onboard: Master, Chief Mate, Chief Engineer, 2nd Engineer, Ship Security Officer (SSO), Ship Safety Officer, and any other position identified by the company.

Ashore: Company Security Officer (CSO); Data protection officer (DPO); Designated Person Ashore (DPA); IT manager and any other position as identified by the company.

EQF LEVEL 4/5/6 The minimum competence requirement is National Equivalent of EQF level 4,5,6 or relevant industry experience.  The range of levels reflects the progression from Digital Skills 1 package and the further development of those skills in this package, whilst remaining accessible to those at EQF Level 4.

Onboard experience as a deck or engine officer (STCW table A-II/1 or Table A- III/1) or at least one-year working experience as ashore-based employee.

The suggested number of contact hours is of indicatively up to 24 hours, which includes indicatively 2/3 hours for assessment.

It is recommended to complete the course in a period of up to 4 weeks. 

Also, up to 21 hours are suggested for independent learning and research.

Assessment of the acquired learning outcomes will be carried out using:
- diagnostic self-assessments;
- formative assessment (e.g. socrative questioning, self-assessment, oral presentation).
- Summative assessment using:
multiple choice questions test and/or
practical exercises (case studies, simulation, gaming).

• Course description