Maritime security program

The Maritime Security Branch is an active member in the interdepartmental maritime security community. We’re responsible for working with partners to develop and implement strategies which support national security priorities.

We support national security by:

• enhancing awareness of possible maritime security threats
• supporting on-water law enforcement and responsiveness using our:
• fleet
• on-water expertise
• extensive vessel monitoring systems
• collaborating with departments and agencies in the maritime security community

Collaboration and policy

We ensure Canadian maritime security by using a multi-agency approach. We use the capabilities and expertise of different partners in the sector to build upon our obligations and to address security priorities.

Our maritime security branch collaborates with partner agencies, such as the Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group, to:

• support the branch director
• provide an interface between:
• the Canadian Coast Guard
• other federal departments and agencies
• develop effective mitigation strategies
• identify priorities and gaps in our maritime and national security
• develop comprehensive interdepartmental maritime security documents

The branch is also responsible for:

• providing maritime and national security support to:
• the minister
• the deputy minister
• senior management
• developing and implementing policies consistent with the federal government’s priorities concerning:
• national security
• maritime security

Enforcement support

Our program support is achieved through cooperation between different departments, such as the:

• RCMP
• Conservation and Protection Program of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • this program uses fishery officers to enforce fishery violations

Maritime security enforcement teams

The Canadian Coast Guard and the RCMP work together to provide security enforcement on the Great Lakes and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Maritime security enforcement teams combine RCMP law enforcement powers with Canadian Coast Guard operational expertise. Teams are made up of RCMP officers working on mid-shore patrol vessels from the Canadian Coast Guard.

Conservation and Protection

Canadian Coast Guard vessels also provide operational platforms for fishery officers on coastal and inland waterways. Uniformed fisheries officers work aboard these dedicated vessels to enforce fisheries violations.