Marine Communications and Traffic Services

Our Clients / Beneficiaries

Commercial Shipping

As Canada`s economic well-being is inextricably tied to its ability to trade, commercial shipping continues to be a significant contributor to the Canadian economy. Freighters, tankers and ferries constitute the largest part of the commercial vessel client population of MCTS.

Recreational Boating

The number of Canadians involved in recreational boating continues to increase each year. As the popularity of recreational boating continues to grow, it is expected that the demand for safety services currently provided by MCTS for this client group will also escalate.

Canadian Public

MCTS has an environmental protection role for which the general public is the major beneficiary. MCTS protects seacoasts, harbours, major rivers and the Great Lakes from ecological damage which could result from spills of hazardous substances in cases of marine accidents. Municipalities benefit from protection of the water supply, fishers from preservation of fish habitat, and tourism from maintenance of the aquatic ecosystem.

Commercial Fishing Industry

The commercial fishing industry relies extensively on the extensive MCTS radiocommunications network for vital navigational safety and weather information and a radio connection to shore-based facilities. While this service will continue to be provided, the demands are decreasing significantly as a result of the temporary ban on fishing for certain species on Canada`s east coast. However, the MCTS program may be called to play an enhanced role within the Department in fisheries management especially in the area of ship surveillance. MCTS will also provide the GMDSS function on behalf of these and other clients.

Other MCTS clients

MCTS is a major contributor for the provision of marine information in support of a number of Coast Guard and departmental programs, and several government departments, agencies and organizations. The information is also distributed to the marine network including port authorities, pilots, ship agents and the general public.

* including domestic and foreign carriers, and government vessels
** to be considered as beneficiaries.