TVIB News

TVIB Weclomes New Staff Member

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We have expanded our staff by adding the position of Audit/Survey Coordinator.  We would like to welcome Caleb King to TVIB.  Initially Caleb will be focused on coordinating the processing of audits and surveys while working to support our TPO customers with CG-835V/Marine Casualty concerns. 

Caleb brings over 22 years of marine related experience, having most recently served as the Compliance Director for Inland Marine Service, where he was responsible for Subchapter M implementation; safety, heath, environmental, and quality programs; and tracking key metrics to help guide the leadership team.  Caleb has also served in various capacities for Seacor Holdings/SCF Marine, Marquette Transportation, and Ingram Barge Company.  He served 23 ½ years with the U. S. Coast Guard (8 years Active Duty and 15 ½ Reserve Duty), retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer.  The majority of his Coast Guard career was in the Marine Safety field and assignments included CGC Venturous, MSO Charleston (SC), MSU Paducah, Integrated Support Command St. Louis, and MSU Texas City.

At various times in his career, Caleb has been involved in the AWO Safety Committee.  He is currently serving as President for the International Propeller Club of the United States – Port of Paducah. An interesting fact that most of his industry peers do not know about him is that he is a play by play announcer for a local radio station.  He covers high school soccer and occasionally covers basketball, softball, and baseball.

Coupling Caleb’s training and experience with the Coast Guard and within the industry, he brings perspective and capabilities that will be put to use immediately.  Caleb is located in Paducah, Kentucky. Please be sure to wecome him when you get a chance, you will find his contact info on the website under Contact Us and Our Staff.

With the expansion of our staff resources, TPO Customers are reminded that they should be calling our 24-hour Response Line when in need of assistance with CG-835Vs and Marine Casualty closeout when TPO involvement has been requested by the local OCMI. Utilizing the 24-hour response line will ensure your concerns are directed to the appropriate staff member.

24-Hour Response Line – 888-983-TVIB (8842)

USCG: MSIB 04-19 Cyber Adversaries Targeting Commercial Vessels

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Originally published on the Coast Guard Maritime Commons 05/28/2019

The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin 04-19, “Cyber Adversaries Targeting Commercial Vessels,” to inform the maritime industry of recent email phishing and malware intrusion attempts that targeted commercial vessels. 

Cyber adversaries are attempting to gain sensitive information including the content of an official Notice of Arrival (NOA) using email addresses that pose as an official Port State Control (PSC) authority such as: port @ pscgov.org. Additionally, the Coast Guard has received reports of malicious software designed to disrupt shipboard computer systems. Vessel masters have diligently reported suspicious activity to the Coast Guard National Response Center (NRC) in accordance with Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §101.305 – Reporting, enabling the Coast Guard and other federal agencies to counter cyber threats across the global maritime network. 

As a reminder, suspicious activity and breaches of security must be reported to the NRC at (800) 424- 8802. For cyber attempts/attacks that do not impact the operating condition of the vessel or result in a pollution incident, owners or operators may alternatively report to the 24/7 National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) at (888) 282-0870 in accordance with Policy Letter 08-16, “Reporting Suspicious Activity and Breaches of Security.” When reporting to the NCCIC, it is imperative that the reporting party notify the NCCIC that the vessel is a Coast Guard regulated entity in order to satisfy 33 CFR §101.305 reporting requirements. The NCCIC will in turn forward the report to the NRC, which will then notify the cognizant Coast Guard Captain of the Port. 

The Coast Guards urges maritime stakeholders to verify the validity of the email sender prior to responding to unsolicited email messages. If there is uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of the email request, vessel representatives should try contacting the PSC authority directly by using verified contact information. Additionally, vessel owners and operators should continue to evaluate their cyber defense measures to reduce the effect of a cyber-attack. 

For more information on the NCCIC’s services, cyberrelated information, best practices, and other resources, please visit: https://www.dhs.gov/CISA. The Coast Guard applauds companies and their vessels for remaining vigilant in the identification and prompt reporting of suspicious cyber-related activities. 

Questions pertaining to this bulletin may be directed to the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance’s Port State Control Division at PortStateControl@uscg.mil.

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TVIB’s Own Lauren Jeppson Recognized as 40 under 40 at 2019 IMX in St. Louis

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Come out to IMX on Tuesday 5/21 and Wednesday 5/22 and visit with us at booth 919. Congratulations to Lauren on the well deserved recognition.