Importance on Cyber Security & Statement of Facts spotlighted

Photos take from Jaggu

On 10th June at the IMEI House, Navi Mumbai, CMMI conducted an interactive technical seminar on the important subjects of ‘Cyber Security in Shipping Perspective’ and ‘Statement of Facts – Importance and Criticality. The seminar commenced with registration, refreshments along with introductions. Soon after, the attendees were led to the auditorium to commence the event on schedule.

Capt. Yashoverman Sharma, Master of Ceremonies, provided an introduction and special welcome to the Honourable Chief Guest, Capt. R. K. Muduli, Nautical Advisor to the Government of India, Directorate General of Shipping, and Guests of Honour – Capt. Girish Phadnis, Chairman of MASSA and Capt. Mukesh Sharan, Vice Chairman of FOSMA. This was followed by the bouquet presented to Capt. R. K. Muduli, Capt. Girish Phadnis, and Capt. Mukesh Sharan by Capt. Nand. K. Sah, Chairman, CMMI (Navi Mumbai). Capt. Nand. K. Sah then provided the welcome address for the special guest as well as the panelists and attendees. In his talk, it was highlighted as to why these two topics were considered vital and shortlisted for this seminar. Brief but critical addresses were then made by Capt. R.K Muduli followed by Capt Girish Phadnis and Capt. Mukesh Sharan.

The seminar was then directed toward the first panel discussion of the seminar. The Chairperson for the session, Capt. Viraf Chichgar, (Head of Fleet Management Training Institute), introduced his co-panelists, CA. Lokesh Chaturvedi, (Managing Partner, Chaturvedi & Associates) CA. Jignesh Thaker, (Executive Director, Cysdat India Pvt. Ltd.) and Capt. Gurmail Singh Chahal, (Sailing Master, Norden Synergy). After the brief introduction of the speakers, Capt. Viraf Chichgar commenced the presentation and panel discussion on the topic – Cyber Security. There was a healthy discussion between the panelist on not just cyber risk but how for years, the maritime industry has been exposed and exploited in this respect. The panelist not only spoke about these risks to operational technology on ships and information technology ashore but also risk posed both to corporates as well as individuals as well as mitigation for the same. A variety of cybercrimes were discussed – ransomware, illegal remote control of critical ship systems, spoofing and jamming, phishing, cyber profile impersonation, and to the magnitude of damage each of these attacks can have. There was a consensus not just between panelist but also the attendees that there is strong and urgent risk to the industry in this matter and a lot of attention is desired on the same. Capt Chahal gave a realistic picture of current situation on ships, the practices, and procedures and what would be the requirements in near future. CA Lokesh and CA Jignesh provided a lot of awareness and tips to the audience for simple procedures on how to be Cyber secure. The panelist also thanked Capt R. K Muduli about the steps DGS is taking to strengthen Cyber security training for seafarers. The session concluded with mementos being presented to panelist by Capt Dilip Ojha.

After a very short refreshment break, the next session begun with Capt. Yashoverman Sharma introducing the Chairperson of the session Capt. Rahul Bhargava, (CEO of Seros Shipping Pvt. Ltd.)  who took the lead and invited his Co-panelists Capt. Sanjeev Buckshee, (Managing Partner, Allianz Bulk CFR8) and Capt. Vijay Kumar Sharma, (Director, Elite Offshore Pvt. Ltd.) The panelists commenced an in-depth and very knowledgeable discussion on the topic, Statement of Facts- Importance and Criticality. The discussion involved an introduction of the subject, the importance of correct timekeeping, vessel activity background, the significance of detailed SOFs, the example of typical disputes and their outcomes, Laytime computation and related terms, Commencement of Laytime, Categories within Laytime, Exceptions within Laytime, methods of Calculation. There was a detailed discussion of three cases where the decisions and outcomes of the various courts were discussed and debated in depth. This session raised a lot of thoughtful and insightful Q & As ranging from current scenarios as well as future scenarios for e.g., when a due to emission norms, vessels in berth would be using shore power and what would be consequence if cargo was stopped due to interruption of said shore power etc. The attendees were full of enthusiasm and there was common acknowledgement that there was a lot learnt through the discussion with the esteemed panelist. The session was concluded with Capt Sanjay Goel presenting the panelist a token of CMMI’s appreciation with mementos made to commemorate the event.

To close the very successful event, Capt. Sah presented a memento to Capt. Yashoverman Sharma thanking him for his excellent handling of the event as MC. This was followed by a vote of thanks provided by Capt. B. P Singh, (Jt. Secretary CMMI Navi Mumbai). The event concluded with a sumptuous lunch which followed.

Marex Media