Transport Canada is responsible for the planning and development of policies, legislation, regulations, standards, procedures and guidance material for marine transportation security, as well as for related compliance and enforcement matters.

Transport Canada Marine Security Inspectors in the Atlantic Region conduct security inspections/audits of vessels, both foreign and domestic, and inspect/audit regional ports and port facilities to which the Marine Transportation Security Regulations apply. In addition, all ports, facilities, and Canadian flagged vessels registered in the region, must submit a security assessment and plan to the inspectors for review and approval.

As a result of the National Security Policy, Marine Security Operations Centres were implemented throughout Canada to increase security in the marine environment. Various government departments/agencies, including Transport Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Coast Guard, Department of National Defence, and RCMP pull together their knowledge and skills for interdepartmental marine data collection, fusion, analysis and response coordination.

Transport Canada’s role in the Marine Security Operations Centre-East (Halifax) is to target all vessels in or approaching Canadian waters for compliance with the International Ship and Port facility Security (ISPS) Code as well as the Marine Transportation Security Act and subsequent regulations.

For more information, call: (506) 851-7572
                                    email: auffreo@tc.gc.ca