IMX Panel Discusses Cybersecurity Regs
IMX Panel Discusses Cybersecurity Regs
https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/2026/06/26/imx-panel-discusses-cybersecurity-regs/
Publish Date: 2026-06-26 08:16:00
Source Domain: www.waterwaysjournal.net
In the cybersecurity session held at this year’s Inland Marine Expo in Nashville, Tenn., panelists discussed navigating Coast Guard regulations and addressed industry questions when it comes to vessel compliance. The session, titled “Clarity Over Complexity: A Practical Guide to U.S. Coast Guard Cybersecurity Compliance,” was moderated by Robert Blackman, senior manager of service business development for KVH Industries Inc.
Lt. William Quigley, vessel and offshore branch lead for the Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy, noted that the cybersecurity rules that have been published apply to any vessels with a security plan, though small companies can apply for a waiver after conducting a cybersecurity assessment (CSA). The waiver, which is approved at the headquarters level, according to Quigley, will allow such companies to be exempt from meeting requirements that aren’t applicable to their operations.
Quigley also recommended the website www.uscg.mil/MaritimeCyber/ as a resource for mariners to stay up to date with the most recent Coast Guard guidance regarding cybersecurity requirements and obtaining waivers.
“Our focus is definitely on the operational side,” Quigley said. “We’re trying to prevent transportation security incidents, so our focus is any sort of disruption to your operations, to your business, to the waterways that would be caused by a cyber incident. Our focus is really your operational technology, but that expands out to your IT (information technology), because a lot of times your IT and OT will be connected. You can have an IT issue that can spread over to an OT issue, and then affect your operations.”
Quigley said the Coast Guard will check that a vessel is compliant during the issuance or renewal of a certificate of inspection (COI), though visits could also be sporadic. Inspectors, who will have undergone thorough training, including 14 hours on…
