Priya PatelTLDR:
- The ABS Regulatory News report introduces cybersecurity measures for the maritime industry to address growing threats and vulnerabilities.
- President Joe Biden’s executive order amends regulations to enhance cybersecurity measures for vessels, harbors, and ports in the U.S.
The ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) Regulatory News report introduces cybersecurity measures and reporting requirements for breaches, suspicious activity, transportation security incidents, and cyber incidents in the maritime industry. With the increasing use of networked technology, threats and vulnerabilities have amplified across telecommunications equipment, computers, and networks. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has expanded its authority to include cyber threats at sea, requiring vessels, offshore, and port facilities to strengthen their cyber defenses and comply with cybersecurity incident reporting rules.
President Joe Biden’s executive order, signed on February 21, 2024, amends regulations to enhance cybersecurity measures for vessels, harbors, ports, and waterfront facilities in the U.S. The order grants additional authorizations and powers to the Captain of the Port (COTP) and the Commandant of the USCG to prevent unauthorized access, establish security zones, conduct inspections and searches, and impose safety measures to prevent cyber incidents that could harm maritime infrastructure. The order also defines “cyber incident” and requires immediate reporting of any threats or incidents endangering vessels, harbors, ports, or waterfront facilities to the relevant authorities.
The introduction of cyber incidents under 33 CFR Part 6 led to an overlap with existing reporting requirements outlined in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). To address this, the USCG issued Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-24 as guidance for complying with reporting requirements related to Breaches of Security, Suspicious Activity, Transportation Security Incidents, and Cyber Incidents. Stakeholders in the marine transportation system are required to report incidents to the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety and security of maritime operations.
