Webinar
Beyond the Checklist: U.S. Coast Guard Perspectives on the MTSA Cyber Rule
The Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) cyber rule introduces new requirements for regulated maritime facilities to identify, manage and plan for cybersecurity risks as part of their broader security responsibilities.
Join us for the first webinar in our MTSA cybersecurity series, featuring a guest speaker from the U.S. Coast Guard. This session will focus on the intent behind the rule, what U.S. flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) structures and other MTSA-regulated facilities should understand beyond a checklist approach, and how the Coast Guard is thinking about implementation. Attendees will hear directly from the Coast Guard on the rule’s purpose, key areas of emphasis, and practical considerations for MTSA-regulated facilities working to align their security planning with the regulation.
Key Takeaways:
- Hear directly from the U.S. Coast Guard on the intent and purpose of the MTSA cyber rule
- Gain insight into how the U.S. Coast Guard views meaningful compliance, beyond simply meeting a minimum threshold
- Understand the core areas facilities should be evaluating now, including cyber risk, training, asset visibility and response planning
- Learn how you can prepare as implementation guidance continues to evolve
Presenters
Nick Parham - Chief, Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy - U.S. Coast Guard
Mr. C.N. "Nick" Parham currently serves as the Chief, Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy (CG-MCP). This office oversees development and execution of overarching national policy and guidance that support the implementation of the MTSA cybersecurity regulations and CG-5P’s cybersecurity missions for Coast Guard field activities. These efforts are critical to securing our nation’s Marine Transportation System (MTS) against cybersecurity threat actors and the facilitation of commerce in the maritime industry. Nick has served with the Coast Guard in an Active Duty or Civilian capacity for nearly 22 years and previously served as MTS Cybersecurity Coordinator for the Coast Guard's Atlantic Area Command (LANT Area) from January of 2021 to June of 2025.
Michael DeVolld - Sr. Director, Maritime Cybersecurity - ABS Consulting
Michael Devolld is the Director of Maritime Cybersecurity at ABS Consulting, with 25 years of experience in the maritime sector. He is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the global MTS. As a retired U.S. Coast Guard Officer, Michael has conducted numerous safety and compliance inspections, investigated high-profile marine casualties and established a cybersecurity program at USCG Cyber Command. Michael has expertise in managing cyber risks, implementing technical solutions, shaping policy and governance, providing expert advisory services and designing custom solutions to meet maritime regulatory requirements and best practices.
Marco Ayala - Technical Director, Cybersecurity, Global Energy - ABS Consulting
Marco Ayala is Technical Director, Global Energy Cybersecurity at ABS Consulting and Energy Market Lead, ABS Cyber Center of Excellence. He brings three decades of expertise in process automation, safety systems and industrial control networks. He has extensive experience securing critical infrastructure in the energy, oil and gas, maritime, offshore and chemical sectors. Marco is a certified cyber instructor for ISA (62443) and currently serves as the InfraGard National Sector Chief-Energy, and the President of InfraGard Houston. He is a highly active leader in the International Society of Automation (ISA), where he is an ISA Fellow, and he is a member of the ISA Executive Board.
Abby Cassell - Manager, Maritime Cybersecurity Solutions - ABS Consulting
Abby Cassell is Manager of Maritime Cybersecurity Solutions at ABS Consulting, and specializes in crafting tailored solutions and collaborating with technical teams to support government and commercial clients. With a focus on cybersecurity, Abby has worked extensively with maritime clients to develop solutions addressing the industry's evolving cybersecurity challenges, including compliance with new regulations.
About ABS Consulting
ABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting) is part of ABS Group of Companies, Inc. (www.abs-group.com), a global leader in safety and risk management for critical infrastructure worldwide and a subsidiary of ABS (www.eagle.org), one of the world's leading marine and offshore classification societies. With over 50 years of risk management and safety experience, ABS Consulting provides engineering, data science and management consulting services globally to help our clients manage their safety, security and operational risks. Headquartered in Spring, Texas, ABS Consulting operates with more than 700 professionals across the globe serving the marine and offshore, oil, gas and chemical, government, power and energy, and industrial sectors.