MARINE SECURITY CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM

The Marine Security Contribution Program is a three-year, $115-million Government of Canada commitment to assist ports and marine facilities with security enhancements. The program is application-based and provides funding on a cost-shared basis — 75 per cent government / 25 per cent recipient — for a number of clearly identified eligible expenses.

Through the Canadian Marine Transportation Security Regulations, the Government of Canada requires ports and marine facilities to have approved security plans. Under the Marine Security Contribution Program, ports and marine facilities can apply for funds to be used for the purchase of new security equipment and the implementation of programs required under their security plans. These funds will not only assist participants in completing their initial work to meet the requirements of their plans, but will also help them to extend and build on these security enhancements in the future. Canada’s commitment to meet — and in fact, exceed — the International Maritime Organization’s security requirements will help ensure that Canada’s marine transportation system remains one of the most secure in the world.

Projects eligible for funding include:

• installation of surveillance equipment, including cameras and closed-circuit TV systems;
• improvements to dockside and perimeter security and access control, such as fencing, gates, signage and lighting;
• acquisition of command, control and communications equipment, such as portable and vessel-to-shore radios; and
• training and security design studies.

The program is retroactive to April 1, 2004 and is subject to all expenditure controls applicable to contribution programs.

November 2005