The Maritime Security Working Group

The goal of the Maritime Security Working Group is to develop and implement a strategy to enhance North American maritime transportation and port security.

To achieve this goal, the major initiatives that are being undertaken include:

• Collaboration in the enhancement of security of ports and vessels by conducting equivalent threat, vulnerability and risk assessments and mutually recognized inspection programs.
• Development and implementation of a plan to make compatible regulatory and operational maritime security regimes.

Canada and the United States have a long history of maritime cooperation. The establishment of a bi-national maritime warning system has only served to strengthen that relationship. So, too, has an agreement between Transport Canada and the Unites States Coast Guard to use a similar risk management-based methodology, which has helped focus initial verification team inspections on high-risk vessels entering the St. Lawrence Seaway. Increased cooperation between government departments and agencies involved in maritime security has been achieved through a number of outreach and coordination activities. This has contributed to the development of standard protocols relating to the implementation of maritime security regulations, the management of marine security incidents and operations.

Efforts are underway to develop alternative security arrangements to facilitate the legitimate movement of people and goods on inland waterways, the lakes and rivers along our shared borders. Canada and the U.S. have also worked together to develop comparable maritime worker identification programs to help further secure our ports. During the regulatory development process, both countries benefited from the participation and input of facility owners and operators and representative labour organizations.

A new initiative is focused on developing a nationally recognized plan aimed at ensuring the continuity of port operations in the face of potentially significant disruptions. This will enhance Canada's ability to respond and restore marine system, services and commerce following a major incident. Because of the intertwined nature of North American economies, a collaborative approach is essential.