Security at Port Metro Vancouver is a partnership between federal officials, local law enforcement agencies and the Port working in conjunction with its terminal operators, labour, tenants and community stakeholders.
Waterfront Joint Forces Operation
Police of local jurisdiction provide response and law enforcement for land and sea and participate in the RCMP led Waterfront Joint Forces Operation (WJFO). The WJFO consist of partners from federal, provincial and municipal law-enforcement agencies that focus on national security investigations, organized crime and other criminality. The RCMP have also established National Port Enforcement Teams (NPETs) which are integrated, intelligence-led teams that investigate federal statute offences at Canadian seaports while maintaining the free flow of goods, persons and services.
Transport Canada
Transport Canada (TC) ensures International Ship and Port security (ISPS) code compliance in Canada and monitors entry of foreign vessels to Canadian waters. Through consultation and approval of port facilities security assessments and plans Transport Canada ensures that terminals, and the Port, comply with the national Marine Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and Regulations (MTSR).
Partners in Protection
Partners in Protection (PIP) is a collaborative effort between the CBSA and private industry that encourages information sharing with the goal of preventing and reducing terrorist and criminal activity. The Port was one of the first PIP program members. The CBSA is working closely with PIP’s American counterpart, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), to share information and resources and to enhance border security.
Border protection and immigration
Border protection and immigration is the responsibility of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the Marine Security Operations Centre (MSOC), an arm of the Department of National Defense. MSOC provides intelligence and oversight for TC, CBSA, the Department of National Defence (DND), CCG and the RCMP.
The Port is committed to strengthening the confidence of Port Metro Vancouver’s trading partners by providing a secure point of entry for North American-destined cargo. U.S. customs inspectors are stationed at Port Metro Vancouver to pre-screen containerized U.S.-destined cargo. Port Metro Vancouver was one of the first ports to participate as a member of the U.S. Customs Container Screening Initiative (CSI).
Security committees
The Port participates on several security committees. For a listing of current committees and their mandates, please contact our Operations & Security department.