MARINE SECURITY - HIGHLIGHTS

Since September 11, 2001, the Government of Canada has dedicated some $930 million for projects improving marine security in Canada, including measures to protect marine infrastructure, increase the surveillance of maritime traffic, and improve Canada's capability to respond to emergency situations.

In June 2006, Prime Minister Harper announced that Canada’s domestic ferry operators, including those that are part of public transit systems, will be eligible to apply for funding under the existing Transport Canada Marine Security Contribution Program, to enhance the security of their facilities and vessels.

Canada’s new government also introduced proposed amendments to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations that would establish a Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program to conduct background checks on marine workers.

These recent initiatives build upon other significant actions taken by the Government of Canada since September 11, 2001, including:

• implementing the International Maritime Organization’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code through the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, which came into force July 1, 2004;
• working with international partners to develop new, international marine security requirements;
• establishing enhanced security procedures, in partnership with the United States, for vessels entering the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Seaway system;
• introducing new boarding protocols to improve the response to threats before vessels arrive at Canadian marine facilities or ports;
• requiring vessels to provide at least 96 hours advance notice before entering Canadian waters;
• working with the United States to harmonize the marine security regimes of the two countries so that Canadian-flagged ships that meet Canadian security standards can enter American harbours and American-flagged vessels that meet American standards can enter Canadian harbours;
• committing $300 million, in February 2005, to further enhance the security of the country's marine transportation system through the installation of radiation detection equipment at container terminals; the strengthening of Transport Canada’s oversight and enforcement program; the provision of mid-shore patrol vessels in the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway system; and enhanced RCMP resources;
• establishing the $115-million Marine Security Contribution Program in May 2004, to assist ports and other marine facilities with security enhancements;
• committing $308 million in funding, in April 2004, for the implementation of a six-point plan to enhance marine security by clarifying and strengthening accountability; establishing Marine Security Operations Centers; increasing Canadian on-water presence; investing in secure communications technologies; pursuing greater cooperation with the United States; and strengthening security at ports and other maritime facilities; and
• committing $172.5 million, in January 2003, for a broad range of initiatives to enhance the security of Canada's marine transportation system and maritime borders. These initiatives fall under seven themes: increasing surveillance and vessel tracking, screening of persons on board vessels, container screening for radiation, enhanced RCMP response, enhanced interdepartmental collaboration, marine facilities restricted area access clearances, and enhanced inspection and regulatory capacity through the International Maritime Organization.

Marine security is an important component of overall transportation security. The Government of Canada, including Transport Canada, is committed to working with stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, to ensure that Canada’s marine transportation system remains one of the safest and most secure in the world.

September  2006