Seafarers have demanding tasks to complete onboard that require full concentration and awareness. Misuse of personal devices (mob phones, mp4 players, tablets) whilst on duty in the workplace may cause distraction with potentially serious safety implications, CHIRP warned in a recent video.
Therefore, seafarers need to understand and avoid such distractions as well as apply basic best practices for internet security. In the second edition of ’’Crew Welfare Management and Mental Wellness’’, INTERTANKO focuses on cyber wellness which refers to the positive wellbeing of internet users, highlighting that seafarers need to focus on safe and responsible use of mobile devices onboard.
Did you know?
- Mobile use distraction was identified as a main contributing factor in the grounding of the general cargo ship Priscilla in July 2018 and the grounding of the tanker “Attilio Levoli” back in 2004.
- UK MAIB suggested the introduction of restricting mobile phone use in pilotage and restricted waters; as such, the UK MCA recommended the use of RED ZONES aboard vessels.
- The idea of a red zone is to highlight an area on the voyage plan where mobile phones should not be used to make outgoing calls, and importantly where incoming calls are diverted to a phone message.
- For example, as Red Zone should be considered areas with a high density of navigational hazards such as offshore installations and structures and the approach to harbours, anchorage and under pilotage.
7 key tips to be Cyber Aware
The award- winning ‘Be Cyber Aware At Sea’ industry initiative shares the following tips to raise awareness of the increasing maritime cyber threats:
#1 Focus on cloud security
Use secure passwords; keep anti-virus software up to date; back up the more important files
#2 Be aware of phishing mails
Check out for misspellings and grammatical mistakes; don’t click on any attachments/ links
#3 Shopping online needs caution
Make sure personal details are protected
#4 Focus on safe & secure web browsing
A green locked padlock and the ‘S’ in HTTPS represents security
#5 Turn off auto connect when devices are not in use
Disable features like Bluetooth connectivity
#6 Social Media: Once sed, the web is fed
Think: How do you want to be known?
#7 Be aware of unknown texts
Smishing is the SMS version of phishing scams.
BUILDING RESILIENCE: Read in this series
