The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) published a revised edition of the ADMIRALTY ENC and ECDIS Maintenance Record (NP133C), which now for the first time provides guidance to help bridge crews record and manage cyber risks.
First published in 2014, this quick reference folder is designed to help mariners demonstrate compliance with IMO regulations during Port State Control inspections, with easy-to-use checklists and templates to record ECDIS annual performance checks and software maintenance.
The update has been developed in line with guidance published by IMO, stating that approved safety management systems (SMS) should consider cyber risk management in line with the ISM code before January 2021. NP133C has been revised to help mariners achieve this by providing a checklist to document threats and procedures to mitigate risk to ships.
In February 2017, the IMO also made important clarifications on training requirements for ECDIS, stating that seafarers are not required to take type specific training at designated colleges but that companies are still responsible for ensuring all seafarers employed on their ships are familiarised with ECDIS.
To support this, the revised version NP133C now includes checklists designed to document and evidence that ECDIS familiarisation training has been completed, thus helping to ensure evidence can be provided during PSC inspections.
“Shipping’s regulatory landscape is constantly changing and these important revisions to the ENC Maintenance Record reflect that shifting picture. Mariners need to be able to accurately and efficiently follow and record ENC and ECDIS management processes on the bridge. This can make the difference between passing an inspection and being found in breach of regulations, with the significant impact that this can have for the vessel and voyage, including potential detention in port,” commented Thomas Mellor, head of OEM support and digital standards at the UKHO.
UKHO have also updated their popular ‘Living with ECDIS’ Seminar series to include perspectives on industry initiatives on cyber-security, as well as advice on how owners and operators can ensure that their ships are compliant with upcoming changes to the ISM code.
