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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;
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establishing enhanced security procedures, in partnership with the United
States, for vessels entering the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Seaway system;
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introducing new boarding protocols to improve the response to threats before
vessels arrive at Canadian marine facilities or ports;
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requiring vessels to provide at least 96 hours advance notice before entering
Canadian waters;
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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
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