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Professional Diploma in Maritime OT Cybersecurity: IACS UR E26 and E27

This professional diploma specialises you in protecting the operational technology (OT) systems of ships: navigation, propulsion and cargo control. You will work with the requirements of IACS UR E26 and E27, network segmentation and risk analysis, along with incident response and documentation.

100% online800 hours8 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This professional diploma focuses on protecting the operational technology (OT) systems of ships: navigation, propulsion, cargo control and automation. You will learn to apply the IACS unified requirements UR E26 and E27, which are mandatory for new builds, to design secure networks on board, to assess vulnerabilities and to respond to incidents. It is aimed at shipyards, shipping companies and equipment manufacturers.

What makes it different: OT specialisation (cybersecurity of industrial systems on board, not just office IT); practical application of the IACS requirements E26 and E27 in new builds; full life-cycle coverage from design and construction to operation and maintenance; analysis of real incidents in the maritime and port sector; and hands-on exercises in segmentation, asset inventory and incident response.

Programme highlights

  • Applies cybersecurity to the bridge, engine room and cargo systems.
  • Covers the requirements of IACS UR E26 and E27.
  • Teaches segmentation and defence in depth.
  • Prepares response and recovery plans.
  • A scarce and highly demanded profile in the shipbuilding industry.
  • Trains specialists in the cybersecurity of connected ships.

Study plan

01Cybersecurity in the Maritime Environment100 h
Digitalisation and connectivity of ships, differences between IT and OT, threats and threat actors, incidents at shipping companies and ports, IMO guidelines, integration into the ISM Code, the IEC 62443 framework and the regulatory landscape.
02Ship Operational Systems100 h
Integrated navigation systems, ECDIS, radar, AIS and GNSS, propulsion and steering control, power management, cargo and ballast, communications, remote access by manufacturers, and mapping of assets and data flows.
03IACS UR E26: Cyber Resilience of Ships100 h
Scope of application, identification of assets and zones, protection of computer-based systems, anomaly detection, response and recovery, documentation, responsibilities of shipyard, owner and classification society, and testing during construction.
04IACS UR E27: Security of Equipment and Suppliers100 h
Scope of application, security requirements, authentication and access control, protection of interfaces, logging and audit, update management, manufacturer documentation, and type testing and certification.
05Network Architecture and Technical Protection100 h
Defence in depth, segmentation into zones and conduits, industrial firewalls and data diodes, secure remote access over satellite, identity management, USB protection, equipment hardening and OT network monitoring.
06Secure Operation and Maintenance100 h
Asset inventory, patch management in OT, backups, control of external suppliers, crew awareness, audits, indicators and continuous improvement.
07Incident Detection and Response100 h
Intrusion detection in OT, GNSS and AIS spoofing, ransomware, on-board response plan, ship-shore coordination, degraded modes, basic forensics and incident reporting.
08Case Study: Cyber Resilience Plan for a Ship100 h
Selection of the ship, inventory, risk analysis, zone design, technical and organisational measures, response plan, documentation for the classification society and final report.

Duration and format

800hours in total
8modules of 100 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 80 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 40.

What you will learn

  • Understand OT risks on board.
  • Apply IACS UR E26.
  • Apply IACS UR E27.
  • Design secure architectures.
  • Manage secure operation.
  • Respond to incidents.

Career outcomes

  • Maritime OT cybersecurity specialist.
  • Fleet cybersecurity manager.
  • IACS compliance engineer.
  • Naval cybersecurity auditor.
  • Incident response analyst.
  • Industrial cybersecurity consultant.

Entry requirements

  • Profile: a degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electronics, Naval or Industrial Engineering, or professional experience in cybersecurity, automation or maritime systems.
  • Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow classes and materials; basic technical English recommended.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions.
  • Admission: online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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