NATIONAL MARITIME CYBERSECURITY PLAN
requirement to notify the United States Coast Guard of both breaches of security and suspicious
activity, which also include cyber incidents.
Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 (PWSA): Establishes good order and predictability on
United States waterways by implementing waterways management practices. The United States
Coast Guard has a statutory responsibility to ensure the safety and environmental protection of
United States ports and waterways. PWSA authorizes the United States Coast Guard to "establish,
operate, and maintain vessel traffic services in ports and waterways subject to congestion”. It also
authorizes the United States Coast Guard to require electronic devices necessary for participation in
Vessel Traffic Systems (VTS). The combined Ports, Waterways Safety System (PAWSS), and VTS
comprise a national system that collects, processes, and disseminates information on the marine
operating environment and maritime vessel traffic in major United States ports and waterways.
Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006: Improves maritime and cargo
security through enhanced layered defenses. The Act modifies existing legislation, such as the
MTSA, and creates and codifies new programs aimed at improving security at United States ports.
The Act addresses vessel and facility security plans, including the verification of the effectiveness of
such plans through inspections. Identifying cyber threats and vulnerabilities in security plans will
continue to be a significant focus in ensuring the safety and security of regulated entities. The Act
directs the establishment of interagency operations centers for port security at high-risk ports. The
SAFE Port Act of 2006 also authorized FEMA, through the Port Security Grant Program, to provide
funding to enhance cybersecurity. Additionally, the SAFE Port Act of 2006 establishes a Port
Security Exercise Program to test and evaluate government, commercial seaport personnel,
emergency response professionals, the private sector and other stakeholders to prevent, prepare for,
mitigate, and respond to emergencies at commercial seaports.
2018 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act (Division J, section 1805),
Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Ports: This Act directs the Secretary of
Homeland Security, through the United States Coast Guard, to oversee critical infrastructure
protection, cybersecurity, and other related DHS programs to: (1) share information related to
cybersecurity with State, Federal, local, and private sector stakeholders; (2) develop a Maritime
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Model in accordance with NIST standards; and (3) develop a
Maritime Transportation Security Plan to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents.
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