ANCHOR Act

This bill, called the ANCHOR Act, directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a plan to upgrade cybersecurity and ship-to-shore communications for the U.S. Academic Research Fleet—the U.S.-flagged research ships used by scientists, educators, and students to study the ocean. The plan is due within 18 months of enactment.

The plan must spell out what each vessel needs for reliable internet and networking, what protections are required to keep systems and research data secure, how much upgrades will cost (including equipment like satellite links and onboard computing, plus training and support), how long upgrades will take, and where shared or centralized solutions could save money and improve security. It must also include a spending plan across NSF, the Office of Naval Research, nonfederal ship owners, and users of the ships to cover these costs. In setting targets, NSF should consider needs like safe ship operations, telemedicine and mental health support for crews, uploading data to shore or cloud, real-time video so shore teams can help with maintenance or research, remote scientific surveys and mapping, and outreach to K–12 students via occasional live teaching from sea. The plan should follow guidance from federal cybersecurity experts and international standards, and include training and support for people who work on these vessels. After the plan is submitted, NSF may support upgrades and must report on progress two years later.

Key points

• Who is affected: Universities, labs, and agencies that operate research vessels; the scientists, crew, and students who use them; and K–12 classrooms reached through ship-based education .
• What changes: Stronger cybersecurity and better connectivity at sea, with support for telemedicine, data uploads, real-time collaboration from shore, and remote maintenance of ship systems .
• How it’s paid for: A shared spending plan across NSF, the Office of Naval Research, nonfederal owners, and users of the fleet; costs can include new satellite equipment, software, onboard and shoreside computing, and training.
• When: Plan due in 18 months; progress report due two years after the plan is submitted .