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Area Maritime Security Committees 2023 Annual Report

Nov. 7, 2024 | By Dr. Robyn A. Kapperman, Office of Port and Facility Compliance, Domestic Ports Division

The Office of Port and Facility Compliance (CG-FAC) is pleased to announce the publication of a consolidated report on the status and work completed in 2023 by Area Maritime Security Committees.

Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs) provide a valuable forum to discuss and address maritime security issues at the port level. The committees are comprised of subject matter experts from all levels of government as well as public and private port stakeholders to ensure the safety, security, and resiliency of our nation’s critical Marine Transportation System (MTS). The 43 AMSCs submit an annual report detailing their activities and common issues and accomplishments. The consolidated report assists CG-FAC and other program offices to devise national strategies to address common problems, emerging threats, and measure AMSCs alignment with national preparedness goals. 

The following are highlights in the newly released report:

AMSC Events: AMSCs and their respective subcommittees facilitated 1,772 events. This total included 1,018 administrative AMSC meetings (e.g., Executive Steering Committees and General AMSC meetings) and 754 training events. Joint agency training, maritime security operations, and exercises assist ports in becoming more efficient in securing the MTS.

Cybersecurity: Cyber remains one of the top focal points for AMSCs. The Area Maritime Security Plans have incorporated cybersecurity risk plan annexes, both the AMSC cyber subcommittees, along with the unit’s MTS cyber specialist assisted in drafting these annexes. The USCG Cyber Protection Teams continue to conduct assessment missions in the field, for example Puget Sound AMSC reported six were completed in their area of responsibility last year. The AMSCs facilitated numerous cyber exercises and actively participated in meetings to address the latest cybersecurity guidance and procedures.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): UAS is another reoccurring focus of the AMSCs. North Carolina AMSC established a UAS subcommittee who was tasked with integrating UAS technology into maritime security operations which enhanced their operational effectiveness. Long Island Sound AMSC stakeholders assisted with identifying a UAS operator who was responsible for nine unauthorized operations in the vicinity of a MTSA regulated vessel. The operator was located and cited for negligent operations. The San Diego AMSC hosted an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Full Scale Exercise. One objective was to test sensor capabilities to detect threats from a USV.

Security challenges, whether physical or cyber related, remain a constant fixture and continue to pose potential adverse impacts to our critical waterways. Continued collaboration, information sharing, and coordination via AMSCs are vital to mitigating risks to the Maritime Domain. 

For additional information on the AMSCs, contact Dr. Robyn Kapperman at HQS-SMB-CG-FAC-1-AMSC@uscg.mil

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This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official publications, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These publications remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.