ALCOAST 266/26 - AUG 2026 FORCE DESIGN - ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF MARITIME CYBERSECURITY POLICY (CG-MCP)

R 281836Z AUG 26  MID120041482697U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 266/26
SSIC 5400
SUBJ: FORCE DESIGN - ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF MARITIME
CYBERSECURITY POLICY (CG-MCP)
A. Force Design Executive Report
B. Force Design Execution Plan Summary
C. Executive Order 14269 of April 9, 2025: Restoring America's
Maritime Dominance
D. ALCOAST 061/25: Coast Guard Planning for Border Control and
Territorial Integrity Operations
1. In alignment with REFs (A) and (B), and as part of the Coast
Guard's efforts to revolutionize its organizational structure
and enhance mission readiness under Force Design, the U.S. Coast
Guard established the Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy
(CG-MCP) under the Director of Inspections and Compliance (CG-5PC).
Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems
and equipment play an increasing role in maritime operations and
critical infrastructure. As these systems and equipment grow and
evolve, so too do risks, threats, and vulnerabilities to the marine
transportation system (MTS). This new office will serve as the Coast
Guard's central contact to develop and implement policies and
guidance governing cyber safety and security of the MTS.
2. COMDT (CG-MCP) will champion the Coast Guard's leadership
role in addressing cybersecurity in the MTS and maritime critical
infrastructure through the development and implementation of
comprehensive frameworks, relevant policies and guidance.
Establishment of this office follows the recent publication of
first-of-its-kind regulations governing Cybersecurity in the Marine
Transportation System. Key responsibilities include:
    a. Review current and future Coast Guard systems and processes
to ensure proper documentation, reporting, and response for
cybersecurity inspections, deficiencies, violations, as well as
reportable cybersecurity incidents.
    b. Review current and future policy and guidance related to
cybersecurity in the MTS, to include incident response, information
sharing, regulatory compliance, inspector guides and job aids.
Coordinate with other program offices as appropriate. Develop
international and domestic policy and guidance on maritime
cybersecurity.
    c. Identify, develop, and implement training requirements and
programs for the workforce.
    d. Engage with program offices, industry, interagency,
international stakeholders, and operational commanders to develop
and oversee COMDT (CG-5P) efforts focused on overarching policy,
guidance, aids, and other products as needed that support the
implementation of REFs (A) and (B).
    e. Serve as the program of record for Marine Transportation
System Specialist-Cybersecurity (MTSS-C) billets and personnel
across the Coast Guard enterprise.
3. The establishment of CG-MCP directly supports REFs (C) and (D)
by fostering innovation and ensuring the responsible governance of
cybersecurity, including IT and OT systems and equipment, within
the maritime sector.
4. POCs. Mr. Nick Parham, Office Chief; and CDR Brandon Link, Deputy
Office Chief; Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy (CG-MCP), at
comdt-cg-mcp-smb-access@uscg.mil.
5. RDML Robert C. Compher, Assistant Commandant for Prevention
Policy (CG-5P), sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.