Unmanned Systems in the Maritime Environment

NATIONAL MARITIME SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TASK STATEMENT # T2023-03

I. TITLE: Unmanned Systems in the Maritime Environment

II. PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Coast Guard seeks industry input, via NMSAC, on opportunities to improve the maritime community’s ability to address threats from unmanned systems in the maritime environment while not impeding legitimate use.

III. BACKGROUND

Unmanned systems are becoming ubiquitous in the maritime environment. In March of 2023, the Coast Guard released an Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan that includes a strategic goal to “Establish a prevention and response framework essential to facilitate the safe use of remotely operated and autonomous vehicles and systems in the Marine Transportation System.” The Coast Guard is seeking NMSAC’s recommendations on specific ways to address the potential security risks associated of unmanned systems, with a focus on small to mid-size unmanned systems and not large autonomous ships.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF TASKS/DELIVERABLES

NMSAC is tasked with creating a working group to analyze and provide recommendations on the use of unmanned systems in the maritime environment. While these recommendations can cover any aspect of the issue, the Coast Guard is specifically interested in:

a. Any recommended changes to existing federal regulations or Coast Guard policies.
b. Consolidated best practices tailored for the maritime domain.
c. An exercise template involving unmanned systems that could be used by Area Maritime Security Committees or the maritime industry to assess local preparedness and identify potential gaps.

V. DUE DATES

Provide findings and recommendations at the NMSAC Open Meeting.

VI. COAST GUARD TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. Ryan F. Owens
NMSAC Alternate Designated Federal Official
202-372-1108

Mr. Casey Johnson
Office of Port and Facility Compliance