Maritime cyber class notations
compared — all five societies.
DNV, Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas, ABS, and ClassNK each publish their own cyber security class notation. They all implement IACS UR E26 — but with different tier names, security profile structures, and audit approaches. This guide tells you exactly what each one requires and which applies to your vessel.
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most societies
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vessel contracts
Every major Class society implements IACS UR E26 and E27 — but each uses different notation names, different tier structures, and different audit procedures. The diagram shows all five side by side so you can see immediately what applies to your vessel and your Class society.
The mandatory tier name varies — DNV calls it Cyber Secure Essential, LR calls it Cyber Resilience, BV calls it CYBER RESILIENT, ABS calls it Cyber Resilience (CR), and ClassNK implements it through Part X. Despite the different names, all five require the same underlying compliance: full CSDD, zone and conduit architecture, and CBS security capability verification against IACS UR E26 and E27.
The practical differences that matter when preparing for survey are in the published guidance available and the submission format expected — DNV and ClassNK publish the most accessible guidance, while LR’s rules are the primary reference for LR-classed vessels.
<< Click the diagram to expand at full resolution.
What a cyber class notation actually means
A Class cyber notation is a voluntary certificate (for existing vessels) or mandatory requirement (for E26 newbuilds) that an independent Class surveyor has verified your vessel’s cyber security programme against a defined standard. It is not a one-time test — it must be maintained through annual surveys.
For vessels contracted from 1 July 2024, IACS UR E26 makes the essential tier of each Class society’s notation effectively mandatory. For existing vessels, the notation remains voluntary — but increasingly influences insurance premiums, chartering requirements, and vetting scores under TMSA 3 and SIRE 2.
DNV — Cyber Secure
DNV’s Cyber Secure notation is the most widely adopted and has the most extensive published guidance of any Class society. It uses Security Profiles (SP0–SP4) loosely aligned with IEC 62443 Security Levels. The notation covers 10 essential vessel functions by default, with additional systems possible via the (+) qualifier.
Lloyd’s Register — Cyber Resilience
Lloyd’s Register applies E26/E27 through their rules and issues the Cyber Resilience descriptive note — verified through the ShipRight assessment procedure. LR has explicitly stated they have not published standalone E26/E27 interpretation documents, but their current rules are closely aligned. LR is actively certifying E26 newbuilds including the first offshore wind CSOVs to achieve the notation globally.
Bureau Veritas — CYBER MANAGED / CYBER RESILIENT / CYBER SECURE
Bureau Veritas uses three named notations covering the full range from IMO baseline to beyond E26. BV is particularly active in the French and Mediterranean shipbuilding market and certifies equipment under their NR 659 rules framework through type approval.
ABS — Cyber Resilience (CR)
ABS has incorporated IACS UR E26 and E27 into their 2024 Marine Vessel Rules (MVR) and issues the Cyber Resilience (CR) notation for compliance. ABS also offers the older optional CyberSafety CS1/CS2/CS3 notation series under a separate framework — these are distinct from the mandatory E26/E27 CR notation. ABS has published a detailed FAQ covering E26/E27 scope and is particularly active in the US and offshore market.
ClassNK — Part X / CMID
ClassNK has incorporated E26/E27 into Part X of their Rules for Classification. They publish the most accessible public interpretation guidelines and explanatory videos of any Class society, including a specific type approval application form (Form-7-10) for E27 equipment. Widely active in the Japanese and Asian shipbuilding market.
All five notations compared
The table below compares all five societies across the dimensions that matter most when selecting or preparing for a Class cyber notation.
| Criterion | DNV | Lloyd’s Register | Bureau Veritas | ABS | ClassNK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E26/E27 notation name | Cyber Secure Essential | Cyber Resilience | CYBER RESILIENT | Cyber Resilience (CR) | Part X |
| IMO baseline tier | ✓ Cyber Secure (SP0) | — No separate tier | ✓ CYBER MANAGED | ✓ CyberSafety CS series | ✓ CMID |
| Enhanced voluntary tier | ✓ Cyber Secure Advanced (SP3) | — | ✓ CYBER SECURE | — | — |
| Underlying security standard | IEC 62443-3-3 SP0–SP4 | IACS UR E26/E27 + LR Rules | NR 659 + IEC 62443 | ABS MVR + IEC 62443 | IACS UR E26/E27 Part X |
| E27 equipment type approval | ✓ Cyber TA program | Partial via ShipRight | ✓ NR 659 type approval | ✓ Cyber Resilience Program | ✓ Form-7-10 |
| Available for non-classed vessels | ✓ Verification service | Advisory only | Advisory only | Advisory only | — |
| Public interpretation guidance | Extensive — most detailed | None — LR have explicitly stated no public E26/E27 documents | Moderate — NR 659 guidance available | Good — detailed FAQ and MVR documents | Good — videos and guides |
| Annual survey required | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Primary market strength | Global / European | European / UK / Offshore | French / Mediterranean | US / Offshore | Japanese / Asian |
Which notation is right for your vessel?
The most important factor is which Class society currently classes your vessel — you cannot simply choose a notation from a different society. For newbuilds, the notation follows the Class society appointed at contract. For existing vessels, you choose the notation tier within your existing Class.
You have a newbuild contracted after 1 July 2024
The E26-aligned notation of your Class society is mandatory — Cyber Secure Essential (DNV), Cyber Resilience (LR), CYBER RESILIENT (BV), Cyber Resilience CR (ABS), or Part X (ClassNK). You do not choose — the notation follows the contract and Class appointment. Focus your effort on CSDD preparation and E27 equipment sourcing.
You have an existing vessel wanting voluntary notation
Choose the IMO baseline tier within your existing Class society. For DNV vessels: Cyber Secure (SP0). For BV: CYBER MANAGED. For ABS: CyberSafety CS series. For ClassNK: CMID. LR does not currently offer a separate IMO-baseline notation outside the full Cyber Resilience framework.
You are an OEM or system integrator
You need E27 type approval from the Class society certifying the vessels your equipment will go on. DNV’s Cyber TA program, ClassNK’s Form-7-10, BV’s NR 659 type approval, and ABS’s Cyber Resilience Program are all equivalent pathways — choose the one matching your primary customer’s Class society.
You want notation regardless of your current Class
DNV is the only society that offers cyber notation as a verification service for vessels classed by other societies. If you want a DNV Cyber Secure notation on an LR-classed vessel, this is possible — but discuss with both societies first. This is rare but useful for charter requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to prepare for your notation?
TAGSIA’s playbooks cover every requirement that Class surveyors audit — across all five societies. Start with Identify and work through all five phases.
