Marine Security Regulations
The Domestic Ferries Security Regulations (DFSR) take a risk-management approach to enhancing Canadian ferry security. The Regulations provide a framework to detect security threats and take measures to prevent security incidents that could affect domestic ferries and their facilities. The DFSR:
- Set out operator and personnel roles and responsibilities for developing security plans and putting them into action;
- Provide a way to conduct security assessments, to establish adequate security protocols, and to properly document and report; and,
- Provide Transport Canada with a means of overseeing and enforcing domestic ferry service security.
The DFSR apply to only those routes classified as most vulnerable. This:
- Makes the most efficient use of resources;
- Limits the burden of industry personnel and operations; and
- Allows an effective regulatory oversight program.
The DFSR currently apply to about 50 ferries operating on 18 routes to 29 ferry facilities across Canada:
| REGION | OPERATOR | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific |
BC Ferries | Horseshoe Bay - Departure Bay Horseshoe Bay - Langdale Prince Rupert - Port Hardy Prince Rupert - Skidegate Tsawwassen - Duke Point Tsawwassen - Swartz Bay |
|
Translink – Coast Mountain Bus Company (SeaBus) |
Vancouver Waterfront – Lonsdale Quay |
|
|
Ontario |
City of Toronto |
Mainland Ferry Docks – Centre Island |
|
Toronto City Centre Airport |
Toronto Mainland – Toronto Island |
|
|
Québec |
La Société des traversiers du Québec |
Québec – Lévis |
|
Atlantic |
Marine Atlantic |
North Sydney – Argentia |
|
Halifax Metro Transit |
Halifax – Dartmouth |
TC monitors the domestic ferry industry to see if the DFSR should apply to new operators.
Full details on the DFSR can be found through the Department of Justice website.