On January 17, 2025, the Coast Guard published a final rule, Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System (MTS), in the Federal Register (90 FR 6298).  This final rule became effective on July 16, 2025, for all U.S.-flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) facilities, and facilities subject to Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA).

In response to questions received from affected stakeholders, and to provide information while future guidance is considered, the Coast Guard is announcing the publication of the Cybersecurity in the MTS final rule Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). These FAQs can be found on the Coast Guard Maritime Industry Cybersecurity Resource Center website. Nothing in these FAQs represent regulations themselves, but support the published regulations. If you have a question that is not reflected here, or you have questions regarding the information presented in the FAQs, please reach out to the Coast Guard at MTSCyberRule@uscg.mil.