Long Range Identification and Tracking of ships (LRIT) Project

Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) of ships was spearheaded at the International Maritime Organization as a means of enhancing maritime security. The intent is to enhance security by providing SOLAS vessel identity and current location information in sufficient time for a Government to evaluate the security risk posed by a ship off its coast and to respond, if necessary. An active and accurate LRIT system also has clear safety benefits for maritime search and rescue, as well as for environmental response.

The Canadian Coast Guard began operating the Canadian LRIT National Data Centre (NDC) on July 1. The Canadian NDC is responsible for the collection, dissemination and management of all LRIT data submitted by Canadian-flagged vessels subject to LRIT regulations. It also collects foreign-flagged vessel information from other Data Centres around the world.

Transport Canada (TC) is responsible for the LRIT regulation in Canada. TC is responsible for notifying shipowners of the regulation and related ship equipment carriage requirements. Transport Canada is responsible for managing LRIT activities related to the ongoing decommissioning and commissioning of flag vessels.

Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Vessels Regulations:

www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-09-19/html/reg3-eng.html

Contact Transport Canada:

www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesecurity/contacts-98.htm