The Marine Security Directorate is responsible for marine security policy, marine security regulatory affairs, and marine security operations, as well as functional authority for regional marine security operations through the Regional Directors. Through the Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group, this Directorate has a lead role in the coordination of government-wide marine security initiatives. It is also responsible for the Marine Security Contribution Program.

Marine Security - Regulatory Affairs (ABMA)

• Plans, develops and amends the Marine Transportation Security Regulations and other legal instruments to maintain and enhance the security of the marine components of the National Transportation System.
• Works with Marine Security Policy and Operations Branches to develop the appropriate regulatory instruments and guidance materials.
• Works closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the development of instruments and policies consistent with Treasury Board's "Smart Regulations" policy and the harmonization of Canada's marine security regime with its international partners.
• Provides the consultation and coordination function relating to marine security regulatory development with stakeholders, as well as in other fora, such as International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Canadian Maritime Advisory Council (CMAC).
• Participates in the development of training, guidance and awareness materials, including especially the provision of regulatory guidance and interpretation to stakeholders such as Marine Security Operations personnel and the marine transportation industry.

Marine Security Operations Branch (ABMC)

• Acts as the functional authority for the Security and Emergency Preparedness Regional Offices (Marine Security), in helping industry to achieve compliance with marine security legislation and regulations through awareness, certification, inspection and enforcement.
• It has an education program that designs and delivers marine security training to Transport Canada Security Inspectors, and recognizes on a voluntary basis marine security courses provided by other institutions offering marine training programs in Canada.
• Acts as the functional authority for the Transport Canada Marine Security personnel established in the interdepartmental Marine Security Operations Centres (MSOCs) that will detect, assess, prevent and respond to a direct or indirect marine security threat.
• Represents Transport Canada in international discussions regarding inspection and operations of marine security initiatives.

Marine Security Policy Branch (ABMG)

Provides leadership, secretariat services and a centre of policy development and expertise for the Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group.
• The Branch leads a number of interdepartmental sub-committees to review the status of Canada’s marine security system, carry out risk analysis, identify gaps and priorities for the system, and propose strategic and coordinated approaches to mitigate those gaps.
• Provides a source of policy analysis and develops Marine Security policy guidance on marine security matters.
• Coordinates a strategic international approach for Canada and Transport Canada’s marine security programs in conjunction with partner departments, Transport Canada Groups and Marine Security Branches.

Marine Security - Strategic and Business Direction (ABME)

• Manages the strategic planning for the directorate, including the coordination of its vision and strategic direction.
• Provides for the management and coordination of the directorate’s administrative and common functions.
• Provides advice and support for the Directorate’s organizational design, finance, administration, and human resource requirements.
• Coordinates the directorate’s response to requests for information; including ministerial services and ATIP program.
• Provides support to the Director General’s office and the Marine Security Directorate.

Marine Security Contribution and Special Programs Branch (ABMI)

• Manages the delivery of the Marine Security Contribution Program, a national program designed to assist ports and port facilities with security enhancements. The program is application-based and provides funding on a cost-shared basis for a number of clearly identified eligible expenses. Activities include:
  • consulting with stakeholders
  • setting funding priorities
  • reviewing funding proposals and
  • recommending projects for funding
  • negotiating and signing agreements
  • monitoring progress and auditing contributions