March 5, 2024
Vessel operators could face new federal regulations aimed at preventing cyber security attacks against the maritime industry.
On the horizon are regulations that would create minimum cybersecurity requirements for U.S.-flagged vessels and maritime facilities that are now regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act.
In a recently published Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Coast Guard states that vessel and facility operators would be required to conduct a cybersecurity assessment and develop and implement a Coast Guard-approved cybersecurity plan that could be incorporated into an existing vessel’s security plan.
The new security plan would touch on a broad area of operations, including personnel training, drills and exercises, device and data security, reporting, and risk and supply chain management, among other areas that are vulnerable to infiltration from malicious cyberattacks.
Offshore drilling units, cargo vessels, and most passenger vessels, barges, towing vessels and tankships would fall…
