NATIONAL MARITIME CYBERSECURITY PLAN CREATE A MARITIME CYBERSECURITY WORKFORCE P maritime cybersecurity specialists in port and vessel systems requires investment, common training, and a sustainable career path to develop and incentivize cyber professionals. DHS, through the United States Coast Guard, in coordination with other applicable departments and agencies, will develop cybersecurity career paths, incentives, continuing education requirements, and retention incentives to build a competent maritime cyber workforce. ort OT systems control cargo handling equipment, cranes, scanning equipment, pumps, and cargo inspection services. Vessels use OT systems for propulsion, steering, and ballast management. Malicious actors may use the cyber domain to gain access to these systems to disrupt the flow of maritime commerce causing significant transportation disruptions and regional economic impacts. Cybersecurity is a highly technical field requiring competent cybersecurity specialists to monitor and protect IT and OT systems and assets. The Federal government lacks minimum maritime cybersecurity standards and a commensurate regulatory mechanism to enforce maritime cybersecurity standards across the MTS. As Federal departments and agencies, including the private sector, continue to build their cybersecurity capabilities and workforce talent, minimum training standards need to be identified and baselined to ensure the maximum protection of maritime critical infrastructure. Developing cybersecurity training standards across the maritime sector will close gaps across all components of the MTS. Priority Action 2: The United States will collaborate with the private sector to increase maritime cybersecurity expertise. The interconnectedness between the private and public sectors allows for increased exchanges of best practices and experiences to deepen the skills of a competent maritime cybersecurity workforce. The Department of Defense and DHS, through the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard will pursue and encourage cybersecurity personnel exchanges with industry and national laboratories, with an approach towards port and vessel cybersecurity research and application. Priority Actions Priority Action 3: Develop and deploy a capable maritime cybersecurity workforce. Priority Action 1: The United States will produce cybersecurity specialists in port and vessel systems. In 2016, DHS reported the lack of emphasis on cybersecurity training for ports and Port and vessel systems are unique and not as ubiquitous as commercial office systems. Expertise in port and vessel systems requires time and specialized training. Creating 9