Security and Planning
Port Metro Vancouver is committed to the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers through the Port. With security measures that meet or exceed North American standards, the Port has a well-earned reputation as a secure, safe and dependable place to do business. Port Metro Vancouver continues to implement innovative security solutions that safeguard and enhance the movement of cargo and passengers through Canada’s largest port:
- fully operational 24/7 land and marine security surveillance
- card-only and gate access in place at all Port terminals and port roadways
- continuous video surveillance of Port roadways and terminals
- full security coverage of Port lands
- advanced gamma ray container screening equipment
- radiation portal program at container terminals
- 100 per cent passenger and baggage screening at cruise terminals
- lighting, perimeter security, intrusion detection, and signage on Port properties
- incident reporting program to track suspicious activity
Standards
Port Metro Vancouver works closely with federal agencies to apply security measures for standardized Marine Security (MARSEC) response levels. The Port continuously reviews security standards in consultation with its tenants, customers, labour and regulatory agencies. These standards reflect the local operational requirements for the secure movement of cargo and passengers during times of normal and elevated levels of security.
Funding
Since 2003 Port Metro Vancouver has invested more than $16 million to support security initiatives. Over the same time period each terminal operator has invested up to $2 million for security improvements, depending on the nature of their business.
As part of the Canadian Government’s $115 million commitment to assist Canada’s ports and marine facilities to modernize and strengthen their security systems to meet the requirements of the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, in November 2006 the federal government allotted $42 million from the Marine Security Contribution Program (MSCP) to provide surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, communications equipment for command and control, and training across the Canadian port system.
Personnel
Port Metro Vancouver employs a 24/7 operations and security department and oversees contracted security providers. Terminal operators provide security for each terminal as required by Transport Canada.
Training and Exercises
Port Metro Vancouver continues to lead, develop, and implement annual exercises, quarterly drills and security awareness programs for the port community.
Cargo Screening
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) uses the latest technology, including on- dock mobile Vehicle and Cargo Inspections System (VACIS) and, to help prevent contraband and dangerous goods from entering Canada by marine trade and other modes of transportation. The use of these technologies enables CBSA officers to conduct effective, non-intrusive inspections and allows them to focus on high-risk goods.
Port Metro Vancouver was the first Canadian port to use the VACIS units which use a low-level radiation source (Gamma Rays) to penetrate the containers and their cargo. Operators view radiographic images of marine container shipments on a computer to quickly and easily identify hidden compartments associated with the transportation of stolen or illegal goods. The CBSA continues to explore the use of new state-of-the-art detection technology to maintain its commitment as an innovative leader in border management.
Radiation Detection
Customs officers and port communities use a radiation detection-measuring device that improves the detection and subsequent seizure of contraband and dangerous goods passing through the Canadian port system. Radiation portals installed at every container terminal and active in early 2007 enable CBSA to perform non-intrusive inspection of containers to promote increased international security without interruption to terminal operations. The CBSA’s objective is to screen 100 per cent of the container traffic, before it leaves the terminal, as part of the normal operations process.
Passenger and Baggage Screening
Passengers arriving at the Port’s cruise terminals Canada Place and Ballantyne proceed through security screening and must provide their cruise ticket and identification in order to board a cruise ship. Cruise terminal security also includes police participation, terminal access control, 24/7 camera surveillance and monitoring, and 100 per cent baggage screening.
National Risk Assessment Centre (NRAC)
In January 2004, the Government of Canada established the National Risk Assessment Centre (NRAC) within the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The NRAC operates 24/7 as a focal point and interface between intelligence agencies at the international, national, and local levels to protect Canadians against current and emerging threats. The NRAC uses sophisticated intelligence gathering techniques and information sharing and analysis to detect and stop the movement into the country of high-risk individuals and goods. The NRAC distributes this information to its law enforcement partners who can then act appropriately. Under the Smart Border Declaration, Canada and the United States have agreed to combine their efforts to detect persons or goods that pose a threat to national security.