In this week’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month post, the Office of Port & Facility Compliance provides some insight on the role Area Maritime Security Committees have in protecting the MTS from cyber-related risks.

Written by Dr. Robyn Kapperman, Office of Port and Facility Compliance (CG-FAC)

The implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 mandated the establishment of regional Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs) as collaborative forums for government and industry partners to work together to enhance security in the maritime environment. In alignment with the Coast Guard’s Cyber Strategy and the priority to protect the Marine Transportation System (MTS) and maritime critical infrastructure, the Coast Guard’s Office of Port and Facility Compliance has encouraged all AMSCs to establish cyber subcommittees to address cyber related security risks; currently, 28 of 43 AMSCs have established an AMSC cyber subcommittee to address cyber risk, cyber information sharing, and resiliency. The soon to be released AMSC Annual Report for calendar year 2016 will highlight various challenges, accomplishment, and best practices of each AMSC and includes cyber related issues.

AMSC’s will continue to evolve in order to understand how to use and interpret standard processes and assessment tools to address potential cyber-related incidents within the MTS. AMSCs are incorporating cyber threats and scenarios through the Area Maritime Security Training and Exercise Program to get a better grasp of cyber impacts and how to mitigate those impacts prior to a real time event. Additionally, CG-FAC is working to update Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 09-02 -change 4, “Guidelines for the Area Maritime Security Committees and Area Maritime Security Plans required for U.S. Ports” to include cyber related guidance.

AMSCs continue to be the cornerstone in bolstering the security of the maritime domain. Collaborative planning, coordination, open lines of communication, working relationships and unity of effort are essential to providing layered security and effective measures across all segments of the MTS including cyber.

Check out the other posts in our cyber series:

10/9/2017: Nat’l Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Shipboard cyber risk management
10/2/2017: October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official source documents, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These documents remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.