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.
covered
most societies
all notations use
vessel contracts
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 — ShipRight Cyber
Lloyd’s Register applies E26/E27 through their ShipRight procedure and CyberSafe notation. LR does not publish as much standalone E26 interpretation documentation as DNV, but is actively certifying E26 newbuilds at major European and Asian shipyards. Their rules are closely aligned with E26/E27 requirements.
Bureau Veritas — CYBER CS1 / CS2
Bureau Veritas uses a clear two-tier system — CS1 for the IMO baseline and CS2 for full E26/E27 compliance. BV is particularly active in the French and Mediterranean shipbuilding market and publishes guidance on type approval for computer-based systems under E27.
ABS — CyberSafety
ABS offers a Cyber Resilience Program under the CyberSafety notation and CSQS qualification. ABS has published a detailed FAQ covering E26/E27 scope and is particularly active in the US and offshore market. Early adopters of E27 certification can receive ABS approval before vessel delivery.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notation name | Cyber Secure | ShipRight Cyber / CyberSafe | CYBER CS1 / CS2 | CyberSafety / CSQS | CMID / Part X |
| IMO baseline tier | ✓ Cyber Secure SP0 | ✓ CyberSafe | ✓ CS1 | ✓ CyberSafety | ✓ CMID |
| E26 mandatory tier | Cyber Secure Essential (SP1) | ShipRight Cyber Essential | CYBER CS2 | CyberSafety CSQS | Part X |
| Enhanced voluntary tier | ✓ Advanced (SP3) | ✓ Advanced | — | — | — |
| Underlying security standard | IEC 62443-3-3 SP0–SP4 | IEC 62443 + E26/E27 | IEC 62443 + E26/E27 | IEC 62443 + E26/E27 | IACS UR E26/E27 |
| E27 equipment type approval | ✓ Cyber TA program | Partial via ShipRight | ✓ LCIE BV laboratory | ✓ 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 | Limited public documents | Moderate | Good — detailed FAQ | Good — videos and guides |
| Annual survey required | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Primary market strength | Global / European | European / UK | 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 tier of your Class society is mandatory — Cyber Secure Essential (DNV), ShipRight Cyber Essential (LR), CS2 (BV), CSQS (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 LR: CyberSafe. For BV: CS1. For ABS: CyberSafety. Start by implementing TAGSIA’s five NIST phases — the notation audit will follow naturally from a completed programme.
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 LCIE laboratory, 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.
