Marine Security Funding Program Open for Applications

Transport Canada is now accepting applications for the second round of funding under the Marine Security Contribution Program, announced in May 2004.

The three-year, $115-million program will help Canada’s ports and marine facilities with the cost of modernizing and strengthening their security systems and programs. The deadline for this second round of applications is June 15, 2005.

The distribution of funds under this program is one of the ways the Government of Canada is working with industry to keep marine facilities secure and open to trade. On March 15, 2005, close to $24 million in funding for 69 ports and marine facilities across the country was announced under the program’s first round of funding.

In compliance with international security requirements mandated by the International Maritime Organization’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the Government of Canada introduced the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, which required ports and port facilities to have approved security plans in place and operational by July 1, 2004. Canada is a world leader in the implementation of these requirements.

Under the contribution program, ports and other marine facilities are able to apply for funds to assist with new security equipment and programs called for under their security plans. These funds will also help them to extend and build on future security enhancements. The program allows for the reimbursement of eligible expenses, for the period of April 2004 to November 2007.

Projects eligible for funding include:

improvements to dockside and perimeter security and access control, such as fencing, gates, signage and lighting; surveillance equipment, including cameras and closed-circuit TV systems; and command, control and communications equipment, such as portable and vessel-to-shore radios.

Revised application guides are currently being distributed to stakeholders.

The Marine Security Contribution Program forms part of the National Security Policy, announced April 27, 2004, which sets out a six-point program to support marine security at ports and other marine facilities across Canada. Ports and marine facilities will be able to apply for a third round of funding starting in December 2005.