Cyber Security Awareness for Seafarers Course

Online Cyber Security Awareness Course Specifically Tailored for Seafarers Working and Living Onboard Vessels

Vessel navigation and propulsion systems, cargo handling and container tracking systems at ports and on board ships, and shipyard inventories and automated processes, are all controlled using software that is fundamental to smooth running operations. Highly-skilled, non-ethical hackers continue to demonstrate their ability to penetrate systems that are used by the maritime industry, with potentially disastrous consequences. Events over the last four years continue to suggest that these types of systems are growing increasingly vulnerable to these forms of attack, resulting in extremely costly results for the sector.

About the Course

The newly updated ‘Cyber Security Awareness for Seafarers’ course by VIRSEC examines the definition of Cyber Security, the Cyber Threats that exist, the vulnerabilities onboard that there may be in ship Information Technology (IT) and Operations Technology (OT) systems, and how they may be exploited. The course then examines the measures that can be taken to mitigate and defend against these types of threats. This course is designed to provide the user a firm grounding in Maritime Cyber Security issues and to encourage the understanding amongst all individuals in an organisation, because ‘Cyber Security is everyone’s responsibility.’

The Aim of the Course

This course is designed to provide the user, who is at any level in the company or on board ship, with a firm grounding in Maritime Cyber Security issues, and to provide seafarers the basic knowledge and training to enable them to safeguard on board equipment vulnerable to cyber security threats, as well as to introduce measures within the shipboard safety management system (SMS) to ensure that vessels are operationally resilient to cyber risks.

Best-Practice Guidance

This course sets out practicable Best-Practice Guidance on areas such as:

General knowledge of Cyber Threats and how they are effective, including real-world case studies to put context to the learning.
Best practice ‘Cyber Hygiene’: The steps we can take to avoid falling foul of an attack.
Spotting a threat or an attack in progress and what to do in the event of security incidents.
Developing and following a Cyber Security Assessment and Plan.
Awareness and application of the mitigation measures that are most appropriate.
Knowledge of the correct structures, roles, responsibilities and processes that facilitate a sound Cyber Defence.

Subject Areas

There are five main subject areas covered within this course; they are as follows:

Information and Operational Technology, IT and OT Systems Onboard
Common Threats and Vulnerabilities
Best Practices and Basic Cyber-Hygiene
Cyber Security and Safety Management System (SMS)
Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Successful Cyber Attacks

Course Duration

The course lasts for approximately 4.5 to 5 hours depending on the learner’s abilities and reading speed. However, you can enter and exit this course as often as you require but you must complete each assessment in one sitting as they will reset if you exit during an assessment phase.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required for ship’s personnel to get entry on to this course, which can be delivered on board ship or ashore.

Target Audience

This online course has been created to give staff and crew of all levels a firm grounding in Cyber Security. The course can be utilised as an intrinsic part of an organisation’s overall risk management and is intended to be used by any seafarer. Additionally, the course can be taken by those with accountability for protecting the ships (both when underway and when at port), crew, other personnel, cargo, cargo transport units and ship’s stores from the risk of a security-related incident. This course is aimed at:

Anyone of any rank or capacity, working on or around a ship.
This course can also be useful for any crew or staff.

Your Course Certificate

On successful completion of this online course, the learner will be able to download a VIRSEC Certificate of Course Completion in PDF Format. This certificate can be also found under the Certificates tab on the Learner Portal. Once printed off, the Learner should sign the certificate in the space provided.

Bulk Purchases

Book your course at VIRSEC, where you can learn about Cyber Security Awareness for Seafarers. If you have any questions about the course or any of our other Maritime Courses, please contact us to inquire about bulk purchasing and associated discounts. You can also call us on +44 (0)161 763 4427 and ask for Olivia or Cathy who will happily assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What Certification does this course have?

Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion provided by VIRSEC that demonstrates your commitment to completing the course.

How long do I have to complete my online course?

You have six months to complete this course. This starts from the date of purchase, and you can buy extensions to the course if you run out of time.

Do I need to take notes?

No, you do not need to take notes as we will provide notes for download in each lesson, but it is your decision if you wish to.

Is there an assessment?

There are four small assessments during this course. You must successfully complete the assessment to progress to the following lesson.

What happens if I don’t pass?

Don’t worry! If, for some reason, you do not pass an assessment you can simply retake the assessment.

Do I need to attend a test centre to take the assessment?

This course is entirely online including the assessment, so no, you do not need to attend a test centre.

Do I need to submit any documents or ID?

No, the system uses your name to populate the end of course certificate, so please make sure that you use your full, correct name.

How do I receive my certificate when I pass?

On successfully passing your assessment, we will email you a digital copy of your course completion certificate.

Is there a minimum time limit I must spend on this course?

There is no minimum time required to complete this course.

Can I take breaks, or must I complete the course in one sitting?

Yes, of course! Each lesson is self-contained and focuses on one specific subject related to Cyber Security Awareness. You can work through all lessons in one sitting or take individual lessons separately. It’s entirely up to you.