The Vancouver Port Authority has recognized from the beginning the importance security has on trade and our community. We take the issue of security very seriously. Even before the events of September 11, the VPA has maintained a secure port for goods and passengers and stayed at the forefront of the latest security technology, processes and procedures.

“Port security has always been a priority at the Port of Vancouver,” says Graham Kee, Chief of Security at the VPA. “Long after the July 1 ISPS deadline has passed, the Port of Vancouver will continue to work towards keeping its 25 major marine terminals secure for workers, visitors and communities.”

The Port of Vancouver is more secure than ever before and better prepared to deal with narcotics smuggling, international terrorism, illegal immigration, and domestic crime.

The International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code
The VPA’s dedication to continuous security improvements, and cooperative efforts amongst the entire Port community, helped facilitate the Port of Vancouver’s achievement of ISPS compliance by the July 1, 2004 deadline.

The creation of the ISPS code was a direct response to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. The United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) gathered to discuss the design of a new set of security measures that would help better detect and deter threats to international maritime security. The resultant code coordinates the security efforts of 152 trading nations and requires the full compliance of 55,000 ships and 20,000 ports around the world.

Investments
Under the ISPS code, ports across Canada are required by law to enhance and upgrade their physical and operational security. The VPA estimates that the Port of Vancouver will spend more than $100 million on security improvements with terminal operators facing costs of $250,000 to $2 million each, depending on the nature of their operations.

To offset the mounting costs of helping to improve national security, Canadian terminal operators actively petitioned the Federal Government for financial assistance. On May 7, 2004, the Federal government responded with a $155 million commitment over three years to assist Canada's ports and terminal operators with the cost of strengthening their security systems and programs.

In addition to the federal government funding, the VPA has committed $12.8 million over five years to help ensure the Port of Vancouver remains competitive with rival US ports, and continues to deliver goods efficiently and securely to Canadians.

Security Improvements
As a result of these additional security enhancements, the Port of Vancouver is leading the way in how Canada’s ports approach security. In addition to greater police and government agency presence, a number of physical changes have taken place including:

• increased fencing and gates, lighting, and intrusion detection systems
  
• the installation of a fully-automated gate and vehicle access control system for port roadways to ensure that only authorized vehicles and individuals access port property
  
• the addition of gamma ray container screen machines that allow containers of interest to be examined without slowing the movement of goods throughout the port
  
• and, the installation of Canada’s largest digital video recording system to monitor the Port, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, from a state of the art security control center
  

Security operations at the Port of Vancouver have also been enhanced. For instance:

• land and water-based security patrols have been increased throughout the Port
  
• the reporting of suspicious activity and security incidents is now coordinated through a VPA security control center
  
• all international vessels must provide 96 hours notice of their arrival
  
• and, cruise terminal security has increased significantly through enhanced police presence, passenger and baggage screening, terminal access control, surveillance and monitoring

“We are proud at the VPA of the role we’ve taken to strengthen our physical security, our monitoring and response systems and the strides we’ve made to coordinate these efforts with domestic and international intelligence and enforcement agencies,” says Captain Gordon Houston, President and CEO, VPA. “The public can be sure that the Port of Vancouver is safer and more secure than ever before.”

Roles and Responsibilities of Partner Agencies
Security at the Port of Vancouver integrates four levels of security consisting of federal, municipal and provincial governments and law enforcement agencies. By working together, these groups help better balance the safety of Canadians with the Port’s need to effectively move Canadian import and export goods to market.

VPA and Port Terminals
The VPA and Port tenants are responsible for the security of Port property, personnel and infrastructure. To ensure greater Port security, the VPA has developed a security initiative that includes:

• a Port Security Master Plan
  
• standardized port security plans for each of the 130 terminals and facilities engaged in international marine trade
  
• physical improvements such as perimeter fencing and gates, lighting, intrusion detection systems and closed circuit TV monitoring systems
  
• operational improvements including land and water based security patrols, a coordinated VPA security control center, and increased security at cruise terminals

Transport Canada:
Transport Canada is responsible for ensuring International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code compliance in Canada and monitoring the entrance of foreign vessels to Canadian waters. Some of Transport Canada’s specific responsibilities include:

• Enforcing Port of Vancouver compliance with the ISPS code
  
• Enforcing ISPS standards for security on-board ships and at marine facilities
  
• Integrating the roles of domestic and international intelligence and enforcement agencies
  
  

Other federal agencies responsible for keeping the Port of Vancouver secure:

Canada Border Services Agency is the first point of contact in preventing illegal goods and unauthorized persons from entering Canada.

Canadian Coast Guard ensures the security of the Port through a variety of marine navigation services including monitoring vessel traffic.

Department of National Defence performs coastal patrols and aerial surveillance protecting Canada’s shores from unlawful intrusion.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada assists with border protection by monitoring the arrival and status of all immigrants and refugees entering Canada.

Local law enforcement officials and RCMP:
Local law enforcement officials, including police departments in Port Moody, New Westminster, Delta, Vancouver and West Vancouver, the RCMP and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, an integrated team of police officers and other government agencies responsible for coordinating police responses to criminal activity.