PIRATE THREAT FROM
HACKING SHIPS SHIPOWNERS NEED TO address chinks in their security systems as pirates become more proficient at hacking into ships' software, say industry executives. Pirates could link into AIS systems to see where ships were and where they were going, said PWC government and public sector director William Beer. Bridge crews could disable the AIS while transiting a high risk area.
More crews were bringing their own smartphones on board and using the ship's wifi to communicate with their families. "These smartphones can easily be hacked and from that pirates can pinpoint the location of a ship," said Beer. Pirates could also access electronic data on how the cargo was distributed on board ships. By combining these two tactics they can find out what ships are carrying attractive cargo and then use GPS to track their location, he said.
Another problem was the use of scatter systems to monitor industrial power generation, water treatment and other processes. "These systems were never really designed to be connected to the internet, but ships do this so they can monitor systems remotely. They don't have the necessary built-in control and security systems, though."
In a related issue, the British Prime Minister David Cameron's move to decriminalise armed guards on board ships was not necessarily a "quick fix" to fight piracy, says international kidnap and ransom specialist Mark Harris.
"There are implications to employing armed guards," said Harris, who is an executive with ASI Global Response. "If companies get it wrong, they could lose a great deal in terms of both litigation and reputation should a situation get out of hand, with the potential to end in a tragedy."
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ENL sales and marketing manager Calvin Clements (left) and South Island regional account manager Dave James
ENL restructures
ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION LTD (ENL) has restructured key management positions at its head office. Calvin Clements has been appointed sales and marketing manager and will head all domestic marketing activities with a key focus on communicating with the domestic ENL dealer network, suppliers and media. The former sales manager, Dave James, is relocating to Dunedin and becomes regional account manager for the South Island.
Chief executive Gareth Hodson says James will focus on growing ENL's South Island sales and working with manufacturers and dealers in the region.
"Both Dave and Calvin will further develop our relationships with our domestic dealer network and give us better distribution capabilities."
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