Condition survey programme

Reducing Members’ exposure to claims is central to the function of the Club’s Loss Prevention department (LPD). As part of this mandate the department seeks to proactively address areas of concern identified by the Club or within the industry.

The Club’s Condition Survey Programme (CSP) is a crucial tool to identify these concerns. The CSP has been used by the Club for over two decades and exists to ensure that vessels entered with the Club are in a condition that is of mutual benefit to all Members.

Over 400 vessels are surveyed annually by Club appointed surveyors. In 2023, the Club carried out 491 condition surveys on a variety of vessels worldwide.

Surveys undertaken in 2023

491

surveys

countries

7,771

risks identified

Top five defects*

122,561

Survey Questions Answered

	Inspected	Defect	Percentage
Are there appropriate notices to warn the crew of the hazards associated with mooring operations including the entire mooring deck area being a snap back zone?**	425	130	31.00%
Is the hull thickness gauging report available on board and if so, reviewed and found in order?**	425	88	21.00%
Are the engine compartments including bilges, clean, tidy and free from combustible materials?**	425	78	18.00%
Are all door sills marked with high visibility paint or otherwise clearly defined?**	425	74	17.00%
Are decks nonslip in relevant areas?**	425	72	17.00%

*Data from surveys undertaken between 01 January and 31 December 2023.

**Guidance available: Snap back zones / Engine room bilges / Passenger safety / Yacht safety / Slip, trips and falls / Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement

In focus: Cyber Risk

Risk

Cyber risk can be represented as a threat or vulnerability resulting from either a computer or software hack for the purpose of theft, disruption or damage.

Law firm Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) and maritime cyber security company CyberOwl have conducted research* that reports the shipping industry remains an “easy target” for cyber criminals. The report notes:

550,000

US$

the average cost to the target organisation of a Maritime cyber-attack in 2023; up 202% from 2022.

3.2 million

US$

the average ransom paid in 2023; up 350% from 2022.

Club Condition Surveys

Data from surveys undertaken in 2023 show that, where required**, Members have taken action to mitigate against cyber risk.

98%

of 185 vessels used passwords to protect access to computers, Wi-Fi and networks.

97%

of 197 vessels had up to date anti-virus software installed.

95%

of 194 vessels monitored the usage of computers on board.
of 189 vessels had means of performing system back-ups on a regular basis.
of 186 vessels had measures in place to prevent the transfer of viruses using external media.

93%

of 171 vessels had cyber security procedures in place.

Prevention

Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted Resolution MSC.428(98) affirming that an approved Safety Management System should take into account cyber risk management in accordance with the objectives and functional requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.

pillars of protection for Cyber security:

Identify | Protect | Detect

Respond | Recover

***Pa$5w0rd***

A string of three random words makes a strong, easy to remember password.

STOP

if something looks or seems suspicious.

* Global Industry Report: Shifting Tides, Rising Ransoms and Critical Decisions: Progress on maritime cyber risk management maturity - Cyber Owl Global Industry Report - The great disconnect: The state of maritime cyber risk management

** Where cyber security measures were a requirement, but were not found to be in place, defects were proactively raised to enable rectification.

Find more cyber security related resources here.