The maritime world is stepping into a new era where digital oversight becomes as important as physical safety. Shipowners and operators are discovering that cybersecurity now shapes how vessels operate, report incidents, and maintain compliance across their fleet. With the 2025 cyber rule coming into effect, U.S.-flagged vessels must adjust to standards that reshape how onboard systems are secured.
Mandatory Cyber Incident Reporting Kicks in for U.S.-Flagged Vessels
The new rule requires immediate reporting of cyber incidents that affect ship operations, security, or onboard digital systems. This goes far beyond casual notifications; it demands structured reporting within specific timelines. The intent is to help federal authorities track threats, patterns, and risks affecting maritime infrastructure as a whole. Detailed reporting means vessel operators will need organized logs, clear evidence trails, and reliable digital records. Documentation standards resemble elements seen in CMMC security practices, where traceability and accountability determine compliance outcomes. Ships without consistent recordkeeping may struggle to meet the expectations laid out for rapid reporting.
Vessels Must Designate a Cybersecurity Officer and File a Cybersecurity Plan
Under the 2025 framework, each U.S.-flagged vessel must formally assign a cybersecurity officer responsible for monitoring, documenting, and enforcing cyber protections. This individual acts as the onboard authority for incident response and digital risk management. Their role includes maintaining cybersecurity plans that align with federal standards and vessel-specific needs.
The requirement parallels how organizations preparing for CMMC assessment must assign responsibility for CMMC Controls. Defined ownership removes ambiguity and strengthens both readiness and long-term compliance. Maritime operators now face a similar expectation: clarity of roles, defined authority, and documented responsibilities.
IT and OT Systems Onboard Face Minimum Segmentation and Access Controls
The rule introduces mandatory segmentation between IT networks and operational technology systems that handle propulsion, navigation, cargo management, and steering. These systems must no longer share unrestricted connections. Segmentation reduces the chance that a cyberattack targeting email or crew devices could spill into critical ship functions.
Operators must also enforce stricter access controls, limiting who can log into equipment and systems. While this mirrors elements of CMMC level 2 compliance in a different domain, the principle remains universal: segment, restrict, and verify access. Maritime systems tend to be older and more interconnected, so these changes may require both hardware upgrades and redesigned network layouts.
All Crew and Contractors Require Cyber Training
Crew members and contractors now fall under mandatory cyber training requirements. This includes recognizing suspicious activity, understanding password practices, and knowing how to report unsafe digital behavior. Training ensures that onboard personnel become part of the protective layer rather than an overlooked risk.
Training programs must be continuous—not one-time sessions. That means onboarding programs, refresher cycles, and documented materials will all be required. Although the rule applies to ships rather than federal contractors, the training approach resembles principles seen in CMMC compliance consulting, where human behavior plays a central role in meeting ongoing security requirements.
Baseline Standards Under 33 CFR 101 Subpart F Now Cover the Fleet
The Coast Guard’s new standards under 33 CFR 101 Subpart F establish baseline cyber expectations for all U.S.-flagged vessels. These standards define how operators identify vulnerabilities, implement safeguards, and maintain secure configurations. They serve as the reference point for audits and inspections moving forward.
These baselines function similarly to how the CMMC scoping guide outlines boundaries and requirements for defense contractors. In the maritime world, Subpart F now provides that structure. Compliance officers and vessel managers must study these standards in detail to avoid misalignment when inspections begin in 2025.
Exposed Internet Connections Must Be Removed or Justified Under the Rule
Unprotected public internet connections—common on older vessels—are now considered unacceptable unless justified with documented safeguards. This includes Wi-Fi networks, terminals, or equipment directly connected to shore-based systems. Operators must either remove these connections or demonstrate compensating protections such as firewalls, filtering, or segmentation.
This expectation reflects broader cybersecurity best practices seen in government security consulting: remove unnecessary pathways and protect essential ones. For vessels, this change may involve rewiring, reconfiguring network gear, or replacing outdated communication equipment entirely.
Annual Assessments Required to Maintain Compliance and Avoid Penalties
Annual cybersecurity assessments become mandatory beginning in 2025. These assessments review network segmentation, training, incident reporting readiness, and the overall cybersecurity plan. They ensure that vessels maintain compliance throughout the year rather than treating cybersecurity as a one-time requirement.
Annual assessment cycles resemble the ongoing structure of CMMC Pre Assessment processes, where periodic reviews prevent regression and ensure readiness. Vessel owners will need documented improvements, consistent testing, and a clear method for tracking remediation.
Cyber-risk Management Now Treated As a Maritime Safety Obligation, Not Optional
The most significant shift introduced by the 2025 rule is cultural. Cybersecurity is now treated as maritime safety—not an optional effort. Digital systems influence propulsion, navigation, cargo integrity, and communication. As a result, operators must treat cyber-risk management as essential to vessel and crew safety.
Because cyber threats now influence operational reliability, vessel owners often turn to specialized partners for monitoring, assessments, and digital oversight. MAD Security provides services that support cyber-risk programs, vulnerability assessments, and continuous defense for maritime operators adapting to the 2025 standards.
