The U.S. Coast Guard announced that it has established the Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy to serve as its central authority for cybersecurity policy across the Marine Transportation System (MTS), citing the growing use of information and operational technology in the maritime industry and the associated risks to critical infrastructure. Created under the Director of Inspections and Compliance, the new office will develop and implement policies for the cyber safety and security of ports, vessels and facilities, while directing a coordinated cybersecurity compliance and enforcement strategy and serving as the Coast Guard’s primary liaison with industry and government partners.
The new office, created under the Director of Inspections and Compliance (CG-5PC), directly supports Coast Guard Force Design and administration priorities to revitalize American maritime industries and advance emerging technologies. Serving as the Coast Guard’s central authority for maritime cybersecurity policy, the Office will develop and implement policies governing the cyber safety and security of ports, vessels, and facilities. It will also serve as the Coast Guard’s primary liaison for industry partners and government agencies, ensuring the Service maintains its leadership role in the maritime domain.
The Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy will be responsible for various critical functions, including, but not limited to, developing domestic policy and collaborating on international standards to ensure alignment with U.S. maritime cybersecurity goals.
It also seeks to direct a coordinated cybersecurity compliance and enforcement strategy, engage with maritime stakeholders, academia, and national laboratories to stay informed of technological advancements and related governance concerns, apart from monitoring and fostering the development of new technologies and techniques to proactively manage cyber risks.
“The Coast Guard must maintain pace with the maritime industry’s continued technological advancements,” Robert C. Compher, assistant commandant for prevention policy, said in a Monday media statement. “The creation of the Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy establishes a central authority to develop clear policy, direct a unified compliance strategy, and collaborate with our partners. This office will ensure we are not only addressing current cyber threats and vulnerabilities, but are also preparing for the challenges ahead, safeguarding the Marine Transportation System for the future.”
In June, the Coast Guard Cyber Command’s fifth annual Cyber Trends and Insights in the Marine Environment (CTIME) report highlighted persistent cyber risks across the marine transportation system, underscoring how attackers continue to exploit legacy weaknesses and rapidly evolving digital infrastructure.
The report found that while maritime operators are increasingly adopting advanced tools, including AI (artificial intelligence)-driven cybersecurity platforms, these systems remain effective only when properly configured and integrated, reinforcing that basic security failures continue to create openings for disruption across ports, vessels, and terminal operations.
