The clock is ticking for USCG maritime cybersecurity compliance. In May 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard’s new cybersecurity rule will take effect, the first of its kind to mandate cybersecurity readiness for both vessels and port facilities across the Marine Transportation System.
For maritime operators, this isn’t a minor policy update. It’s a sweeping regulatory shift that will shape budgets, audits, and insurance eligibility for years to come. Those who act early can turn compliance into a competitive advantage. Those who delay may face penalties, operational disruptions, or even vessel detentions.
At The Saturn Partners, we help maritime organizations move from reactive to resilient, aligning operations, OT/IT systems, and governance frameworks with new USCG requirements before enforcement begins.
The New U.S. Coast Guard Cybersecurity Rule
The final rule, published by the U.S. Coast Guard in January 2025, represents the agency’s first comprehensive cybersecurity standard for the maritime domain.
Effective Date: May 2025
Scope: Applies to vessels and facilities regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)
Core Requirements:
- Integrate cyber risk management into existing Facility and Vessel Security Plans.
- Appoint a designated Cybersecurity Officer (CySO).
- Establish procedures for incident detection, reporting, and recovery.
- Maintain documentation for audit and Coast Guard inspection.
The Coast Guard has compared this rollout to the early enforcement of HIPAA in healthcare, emphasizing education at first, then escalating toward fines and enforcement. In other words, the grace period will be short.
Read the U.S. Coast Guard’s official final rule announcement for full details.
Key Compliance Challenges Facing Maritime Operators
1. Legacy OT and SCADA Systems
Many vessels and ports still rely on decades-old control systems not designed for network connectivity.
Attackers are now bypassing ransomware in favor of direct exploitation of unpatched OT equipment, where downtime can be catastrophic.
2. Talent Shortages
Skilled professionals who understand both maritime operations and cybersecurity are in short supply.
This gap leaves crews ill-equipped to maintain, patch, and monitor complex systems under the new compliance expectations.
3. Fragmented Cyber Responsibility
Historically, IT handled “cyber” while engineering oversaw OT.
The new rule requires cross-functional accountability, meaning vessel operators must unify governance, training, and technical oversight.
4. Legal and Regulatory Exposure
For maritime attorneys and compliance officers, liability is rising fast.
Flag-state variations, data-sharing agreements, and insurance coverage now hinge on demonstrable cybersecurity due diligence.
Building a Compliance-Driven Cybersecurity Program
Achieving USCG maritime cybersecurity compliance goes beyond paperwork. It requires a structured, auditable, and operationally sound program that connects risk management to mission readiness.
Step 1 – Conduct a Cyber Gap Assessment
Benchmark your current controls against the USCG rule and IMO Resolution MSC.428(98). Identify high-risk assets and compliance gaps across OT and IT environments.
Step 2 – Designate a Cybersecurity Officer (CySO)
Assign responsibility for oversight, reporting, and coordination with the Coast Guard. This role must bridge operations, IT, and compliance functions.
Step 3 – Integrate Cyber Risk Management into Security Plans
Update your Facility and Vessel Security Plans to include cyber risk procedures, incident response triggers, and recovery protocols.
Step 4 – Modernize Legacy Systems
Prioritize replacement or hardening of unsupported operating systems and outdated controllers. Implement segmentation, secure remote access, and continuous monitoring.
Step 5 – Train Personnel and Test Response Plans
Crew and port staff should receive targeted cyber awareness training — including simulated phishing, USB hygiene, and role-based incident drills.
Step 6 – Establish Continuous Monitoring and Reporting
Deploy 24/7 Managed Detection and Response (MDR) calibrated for maritime environments, ensuring log retention and audit readiness.
How The Saturn Partners Supports USCG Cyber Readiness
Founded in 2001, The Saturn Partners has spent two decades helping regulated industries, including maritime — prepare for and thrive under evolving compliance frameworks.
Our Maritime Cyber Compliance Program provides:
- Gap Assessments & Audit Readiness: Mapping current security posture to USCG and IMO requirements.
- Policy & Plan Development: Creating integrated Facility/Vessel Security Plans with embedded cyber protocols.
- Legacy System Remediation: Hardening OT/SCADA systems and implementing Zero Trust segmentation.
- Crew Training & Certification: Custom courses for shipboard and port personnel.
- 24/7 Monitoring & Incident Response: Maritime-calibrated MDR and SOC services for limited-bandwidth environments.
What sets us apart: While competitors may focus solely on audits, Saturn Partners combines compliance expertise with end-to-end cybersecurity operations, bridging the gap between regulation and real-world defense.
Compliance Checklist for Maritime Operators
Before May 2025, every maritime organization should be able to check off the following:
- Conducted a full cyber gap assessment.
- Designated a Cybersecurity Officer (CySO).
- Updated Vessel & Facility Security Plans with cyber risk management.
- Established incident response protocols and tested them.
- Trained all crew and port staff in cyber awareness.
- Implemented continuous monitoring for OT and IT systems.
- Partnered with a qualified cybersecurity advisor to maintain compliance.
Conclusion
The May 2025 U.S. Coast Guard rule marks a turning point for maritime cybersecurity. Compliance isn’t simply about avoiding fines, it’s about protecting critical infrastructure, people, and global supply chains from disruption.
By starting now, maritime operators can build a secure, compliant foundation for the digital decade ahead.
The Saturn Partners stands ready to help you navigate the complexities of USCG maritime cybersecurity compliance — from initial assessment to full operational resilience.
Talk to our team today about conducting a compliance readiness assessment or training program for your fleet or facility.
Explore More
To learn more about how Saturn Partners helps protect vessels, ports, and offshore operations, visit our Maritime Cybersecurity Solutions page.
And don’t miss Carole Crawford’s recent lecture on maritime cybersecurity, available on our website or directly on YouTube — where she discusses the evolving threat landscape and compliance strategies for 2025 and beyond.