Cyber Threats
Thank you to those who contacted me following my column on cyber threats last month describing the experiences they have had. This is clearly a growing real and present danger.
Just to be clear, we at e3 are not cyber security consultants, we introduce clients to our partner who is a specialist in all issues cyber security to conduct the tests and provide the training. When we install a cyber, IMO ready, comms network it is not ethical for us to test the system ourselves, so we use our partner as an independent third party. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need a consultation or would like an overhaul of your comms networks prior to a cyber penetration test.
Internet Connectivity
An interesting piece of news this month is that commercial shipowners worldwide will now be obliged to install internet connectivity on all ships after seafarers’ groups won the right to mandatory social connectivity for crews, including onboard internet access. That’s what we’ve been doing for years on yachts, and it’s hard to imagine going to sea without connectivity!
Commercial Seafarer Connectivity has been made Mandatory
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and other organisations lobbied for changes to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) to introduce more rights for crew communications. During the Special Tripartite Committee (STC) in Geneva, Switzerland, finishing 13th May, changes to the MLC were adopted.
The MLC is an international treaty to protect seafarers’ rights and has been ratified by more than 100 countries, who represent over 90% of the world fleet. Governments, shipowners, and seafarer representatives meet periodically to keep the convention under review.
Demand for better and cheaper internet connectivity came to a head during the Covid-19 pandemic as many seafarers got stuck on ships for a lot longer than their contracted periods. They were isolated from family and friends, and unable to return home due to prolonged travel restrictions and repatriation issues. Albeit not a pleasant experience, at least there has been a silver lining.
“We have learned a lot during the Covid-19 period and that has been driving us to improve the MLC,” said ITF vice chair for the seafarer’s branch and STC vice-president Mark Dickinson.
“Working for long periods at sea can be isolating,” he said, “And a lack of contact with the outside world can have profound implications for seafarers’ wellbeing — which we saw the worst effects of during Covid.”
The MLC was also lobbied for low-cost or even free internet access to seafarers.
“Being able to keep in touch with family and friends is not just a nice-to-have, it is a basic human right,” said Mr Dickinson. “That is why we fought so hard for seafarers to be given internet access and to have a mandatory provision in the MLC.”
Shipowners agreed internet access should be provided but said they should be able to limit access and be able to charge seafarers for internet connectivity.
This was accepted by the Seafarers Group, but they wanted to ensure any charges levied on seafarers remain an exception, and if charges are imposed that they are reasonable.
What a contrast to the superyacht seafarer’s world! Firstly, a charter yacht will not be listed by the main charter companies unless it has good internet connectivity. Secondly, I have heard of crew that will not take a job if they do not have free internet connectivity as a perk. Thirdly, during the pandemic we, as a supplier, offered some free connectivity to our yacht’s owners and captains to help look after their crew, to be able to stream video on demand, whilst they were locked down!
eSAT Eyes – Assisted Reality Tool
eSAT Slimstream and eSAT Eyes
We continue in that vein, and I can give you a heads up on some new services we will soon be launching for our clients. One is called eSAT Slimstream. This is a new IPTV service, and it has some very important and unique features:
- It focuses solely on IPTV as this is the future for broadcast and Video on Demand (VoD) entertainment as TV Receive Only (TVRO) will be retired.
- It needs considerably less bandwidth thus saving significant costs.
- It uses VSAT so can be used globally and not just under the footprint.
- Using VSAT means that there are no data usage limitations.
- It doesn’t require a UK VPN.
- It comes with a good cross section of popular content that will be expanded.
eSAT Slimstream – watch HD TV using 50% less bandwidth over VSAT
This service provides 50% compression of HD video streams, either for Video on Demand (VoD) or live streaming TV over VSAT.
The following HD content is included in the service:
- Your own – Netflix, Amazon, YouTube etc.
- Free of Charge – e3.IPTV (news, business, sport, entertainment).
- By Subscription – Sky NOW and BT Sport.
- Others will be added.
It can be used on mobile devices and TVs with different simultaneous streams.
eSAT Eyes – Assisted Reality Tool
A second new service we are working on is an Assisted Reality tool which can boost remote assistance, inspection, medical support, and training. It is a head mounted technology that revolutionises remote working by enabling real-time data and knowledge sharing between crew and remote experts, whilst keeping hands free. This solution will increase service efficiency on-board, by removing the need for an on-site visit for service, fault finding or repair thus making it faster by reducing the need to travel.
It will enable crew to turn into instant experts through live, visual and audio support from remote specialists that share their specific technical know-how to clear doubts or resolve incidents instantaneously.
It will help shipyards provide fast remote support to teething problems after a yacht has left the yard and is still in warranty, thus reducing travel and improving response time.
In a medical emergency on-board crew can transmit in real-time a video of the scene of an accident to an emergency remote medical practitioner to help them better assess the seriousness of the situation and provide a faster and more adapted response. The remote medics can then guide the crew wearing the smart glasses and show them what needs to be done during a medical procedure.
In essence on-board crew no longer have to rely only on their own eyes and interpretations to execute the most precise tasks, but they can use over-the-shoulder support from a remote expert to increase efficiency and safety.
These are not normal times! Prepare for winter refits now!
This is a very serious recommendation. The supply timescales to source technical equipment are getting longer and longer. Certain suppliers, such as Cisco, cannot deliver for six months due to shortages of electronic components exacerbated by lockdowns around the world. If you plan to install a new stabilised antenna, either Cobham or Intellian for your winter refit, you really need to order it now to get it delivered on time.
Also be aware prices are rising for all equipment due to supply and cost issues.
Finally, shipping charges have risen dramatically due to the rising cost of fuel. If you can work ahead and provide enough time for shipping by sea, then this is so much less expensive than a last-minute shipment by air.
Enjoy the fantastic summer weather by getting out on the water!
Roger Horner
e3 systems
+34 971 404 208
info@e3s.com
www.e3s.com
Read more from The Islander – Technology Updates
