Canadian Coast Guard : The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) was created in 1962 in response to the needs of mariners in Canadian waters in the realm of marine safety, environmental protection and promoting maritime commerce. In addition, the Canadian Coast Guard also plays an important support role in maritime security and Arctic sovereignty.
The mandate of Coast Guard derives from two pieces of legislation: the Oceans Act and the Canada Shipping Act. Both of these have been enacted pursuant to the legislative authority granted by the Constitution Act, 1867, which gives the federal government exclusive jurisdiction over navigation, shipping, beacons, buoys and lighthouses. The Oceans Act gives the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans responsibility for services for the safe, economical and efficient movement of ships in Canadian waters. The Canada Shipping Act gives the Minister responsibilities, powers and obligations with respect to: aids to navigation; Sable Island and St. Paul Island; search and rescue; pollution response; and vessel traffic services.
In addition to this legislation and policies that have been adopted by the federal government, Canada has ratified several international conventions. It has also signed protocols and memoranda of understanding that relate to navigation and shipping.
Historically, following several shipwrecks, the first lifeboat and light stations were established on Canada's east coast during the 1700s. There were no formal safety measures prior to this time. During the 1800s, patrol vessels first appeared along the eastern seaboard and in the Great Lakes Region in response to an urgent need for protection and regulation of fishing and shipping vessels
At Confederation, in 1867, the federal government acquired elements of marine infrastructure, including navigational aid systems, life-saving stations, canals and waterways, regulating organizations and enforcement vessels, and supporting shore infrastructure. The Department of Marine and Fisheries, established in 1868, was given responsibility for this marine infrastructure.
In 1930, the Department of Marine and Fisheries became two separate departments, and in 1936 the responsibility for marine transportation shifted to the Department of Transport.
The Department of Transport maintained a fleet of 241 vessels, which would become the basis of the CCG. This fleet had several uses that now fall under the CCG mandate, including maintaining navigation aids and icebreaking.
Canadian Coast Guard operations are divided into five administrative regions -- Central and Arctic, Maritimes, Newfoundland and Labrador, Pacific, and Quebec. Headquarters is located in the National Capital Region of Ottawa-Gatineau. Additionally, the Coast Guard operates the Canadian Coast Guard College located in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
In 1995, the CCG amalgamated with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). In 2005, the CCG became a Special Operating Agency of DFO.
