About the system
As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is developing a real time, user-friendly maritime awareness information sharing system. The system will make information and data on maritime activity available in near real-time. An example of this is maritime traffic information. Communities will have a greater awareness of activities in local waters to help improve marine safety including prevention, preparedness and response to maritime pollution incidents.
The Government of Canada is encouraging coastal partners and stakeholders to provide online and in-person input about the types and sources of information to incorporate into the system. This input will help the government design a system that meets the needs of those living and working on our coasts and accounts for local knowledge and experience.
Potential sources and types of information
Various sources of information and existing systems around the world are being examined to understand the opportunities within Canada for enhancing awareness of maritime activity. Sources and types of data may include:
- Terrestrial Automatic Identification Systems
- Space-based Automatic Identification Systems
- Weather information, including ice conditions
- Tidal and underwater current information
- Vessel information from terrestrial Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)
- Vessel information from Space-based AIS (satellites)
- Information on ecologically sensitive areas
For example, the system could include both static and dynamic data:
| Static data | Dynamic data | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Does not change significantly over time | Changes over time or based on natural events |
| Examples | Nautical information, underwater maps, sensitive habitats, cultural sites, vessel and port databases | Weather, vessel movements, potential pollution events |
Releasing the new system
Canada’s new system will use information from a range of data sources, such as federal government departments and science organizations. An early version of the system is being shared with a limited number of communities to collect initial feedback in advance of the pilot projects. The system will later be piloted in select coastal communities starting in fall 2018.
Pilot projects
To help ensure the new maritime awareness information system is effective and meets the needs of Indigenous and coastal communities, the Government of Canada will conduct pilot projects in several communities across Canada. Two of the pilot project locations have been announced.
The feedback we receive will help us ensure the new system works well and meets the needs of Indigenous and coastal communities, and partners and stakeholders.
We will provide funding to support pilot project communities in:
- building awareness
- potentially upgrading equipment and infrastructure
- building training and capacity
We will also maintain a conversation with communities and others not involved in piloting the system.
Join the discussion
Share your ideas on the new maritime awareness information system
Contact us
If you have questions or comments, please e-mail us:
TC.MaritimeAwareness-ConnaissanceMaritime.TC@tc.gc.ca