Strengthening Maritime Cybersecurity

The U.S. Coast Guard's recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aims to strengthen cybersecurity across the Marine Transportation System (MTS) by introducing mandatory requirements for U.S.-flagged vessels, facilities, and Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) facilities. Building on the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), this NPRM outlines comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including the development of Cybersecurity Plans, designation of Cybersecurity Officers, regular cybersecurity assessments, and incident reporting protocols. The proposed regulations align with national cybersecurity policies and emphasize the importance of protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats. As cyber risks in the maritime industry continue to rise, these regulations are essential for ensuring the security and resilience of the MTS. This blog post explores the key components of the NPRM and the critical need for maritime stakeholders to comply with these evolving cybersecurity standards.