Marine Port Security Awareness Course: Lessons 2026

Lesson 1: How marine security works in Canada

Canada's marine security rules come from the Marine Transportation Security Act (S.C. 1994, c. 40) and the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR). Transport Canada is the regulator. The MTSR put into effect the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, an international code that came into force on 1 July 2004 under the SOLAS convention.

The rules cover three kinds of places: vessels, marine facilities (such as terminals and docks) and ports. Each has a security officer with set duties.

Role	Responsible for
Vessel security officer	Security on board one vessel
Company security officer	Security for a shipping company's vessels
Marine facility security officer	The facility's security plan, inspections, training, security awareness and reporting threats, breaches and incidents
Port security officer	Security matters for the port as a whole

When a ship and a facility need to agree on who does what for security, they sign a Declaration of Security. It is an agreement between a vessel and a marine facility, or between two vessels.

Lesson 2: MARSEC levels

MARSEC levels tell everyone how much security is needed. The Minister of Transport sets the level to match the threat. Operators keep MARSEC level 1 at all times unless the Minister requires a higher level.

Niveau	Signification	Examples of measures at a marine facility
MARSEC 1	Minimum security measures	Check identity and reason for entry; screen at the rate in the plan; monitor the facility at all times
MARSEC 2	Heightened risk	More screening; more guards at access points and on perimeter patrol; fewer access points; more lighting and patrols
MARSEC 3	A security threat is probable or imminent	Screen all persons, goods and vehicles; access only for people responding to the threat; may stop cargo work or evacuate; all lighting and recording cameras on

The exact steps at each level are written in your facility's approved security plan. When the level goes up, expect new orders quickly, such as closing gates or adding patrols.

Lesson 3: Access control and restricted areas

Checking people at the gate

At MARSEC level 1, a facility must confirm the identity and reason for entry of anyone seeking access to a controlled area. Accepted documents include a restricted area pass, government ID, a boarding pass or a visitor badge.

If a person is unable or unwilling to show who they are or why they are there, access is denied or revoked, and the details are recorded.

Restricted areas

Restricted areas protect the facility, its people, ships alongside and ships' stores. Notices are posted at them. Only these people may be in a restricted area:

A holder of a pass for that area
A visitor who does not normally have access, escorted by a pass holder
On-duty inspectors, police, CSIS, Canadian Forces or CBSA officers
Emergency responders protecting life or property
Vessel crew doing their duties under the security plan

Escorts

The escorted person must stay with the escort.
The escort must stay with the person, or make sure another pass holder takes over.
In a restricted area two (R2), one person may escort no more than 10 persons or one vehicle at a time.

No one may give access to, or help anyone into, a restricted area unless that person is allowed to be there.

Lesson 4: Passes, keys and clearances

Marine Transportation Security Clearance (MTSC)

An MTSC from Transport Canada is needed for unescorted access to restricted area two at marine facilities and ports, and before an R2 pass can be issued. Transport Canada works with the RCMP, CSIS and immigration officials. Checks include a criminal record check, a review of law enforcement files, a CSIS check and an immigration status check where it applies.

Rules for pass holders

Règle	Ce que cela signifie
Wear it	On outer clothing, above the waist, with the photo showing at all times
Use it for work	Use a pass or key only while doing your duties
Never share it	Do not lend, give, alter or copy a pass, or use someone else's
Report a loss	Report a lost or stolen pass or key immediately to the port administration or the facility operator
Return it	Return it when you leave the job or no longer need it
Surrender it	Hand it over on demand to the operator, the issuer, a peace officer or the Minister

A pass shows the holder's name, height, eye colour and photo. It expires no more than five years after it was issued.

This course is not a clearance or a pass. Only Transport Canada grants an MTSC, and passes come from the port or facility. Facilities must also give a security orientation to workers without security duties, and workers with security duties need training or experience for their tasks. This course is background knowledge only.

Lesson 5: Threats, breaches and reporting

Know the words

Security threat: any suspicious act or circumstance that could compromise the security of a vessel, facility, port or interface.
Security breach: a violation of the regulations or security measures that does not lead to a security incident.
Security incident: an event during which security is compromised.

Every worker without security duties must still get security orientation on basic security and communications, the MARSEC levels and emergency procedures, how to recognize weapons and dangerous devices, behaviour of people who may threaten security, and ways people try to get around security.

Report it

Report threats, breaches and incidents through your chain of command and the facility security officer. Facilities report them to Transport Canada through the Transport Canada Situation Centre (TCSC), available 24/7 at 1-888-857-4003.

Report at the first opportunity, without undue delay. Waiting until the next business day is not acceptable.
Report a breach whether it was intentional or accidental.
Examples: suspicious packages, any threat against a vessel, and false or misused ID.
If life is at risk, call 911 first and make people safe.