Most shipping companies are implementing more digital tools on board, however, properly identifying users is often forgotten. Who exactly is accessing your systems, devices, and data, both at sea and from shore?
Modern vessels are now connected to everything from fleet management platforms to cloud-based maintenance logs. Managing access has become a business-critical function that directly impacts cybersecurity, compliance, and operational continuity.
Digital access, without digital identity?
Onboard systems are becoming smarter and more connected, navigation tools, machinery interfaces, email, IoT sensors, and satellite links all now form part of the same digital environment. But in many fleets, access to these systems is still loosely controlled.
Generic logins. Shared passwords. Outdated access lists. No clear record of who did what, when. Without strong identity management in place, digitalisation introduces real vulnerabilities.
Cyber risks without accountability
The latest BIMCO Cyber Security in Maritime report highlights that many reported cyber incidents are linked to identity issues, either weak access controls, unauthorised users, or a lack of visibility into user activity.
It could be any crew member logging into an engine control panel or a technician accessing ship diagnostics, you still need to know who’s on the other end. Without clear identity verification, every login becomes a potential entry point for attack or a gap in your audit trail.
Read more about challenges in crew identification and communication
When rotation breaks the system
Crew turnover is a reality in shipping. But every time someone joins or leaves a vessel, your digital environment changes. If that process isn’t tightly controlled, a former crew member might retain access to critical systems, while new crew are stuck waiting for credentials or forced to use someone else’s.
This disrupts operations, and it also violates many of the principles outlined in IMO’s Maritime Cyber Risk Management guidelines and IACS Unified Requirements E26/E27.
Watch how the Dualog Identity Provider works for crew
No more “captain123”
Shared accounts like engineer@, captain@, or admin123 is currently the norm, but they come with risks. You can’t trace actions back to individuals, and when something goes wrong, there’s no accountability. Worse, passwords often get reused, never changed, or passed around informally.
That’s why more shipping companies are now assigning personal credentials to each crew member, linked to their role and access level. When someone disembarks, access is automatically revoked. When they return, it’s reactivated. Clean, secure, and traceable.
Regulations are tightening
Industry bodies and classification societies are placing greater emphasis on secure identity management. The IMO and EMSA both highlight identity control as a key pillar in maritime cybersecurity. Non-compliance can lead to failed audits, operational restrictions, or even fines.
Identity is no longer just a back-office concern, it’s becoming a requirement.
One login, everywhere
A structured identity management system gives each seafarer a single, secure account that follows them across roles, ships, and rotations. It becomes the foundation for accessing ship systems, crew portals, onboard email, and shore-side tools, all without needing to remember five different passwords or rely on informal workarounds.
This unified approach means fewer errors, clearer accountability, and stronger protection against digital threats.
Learn how to enable personal login to role-based accounts for crew
Closing the gaps in your digital environment
If you’re investing in satellite links, smart machinery, and digital workflows, don’t leave identity as an afterthought. It is holding secure operations together, and the first step in protecting your ship, your data, and your people.
Next steps: unlock secure access for your crew
Dualog Identity Provider is now available as an add-on for all Dualog Mail customers. Begin rolling out secure user identity and SSO across your fleet today.
Read more about Dualog Identity Provider
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