CASR

In Detail
————
 A Review of
Middle-Power
Approaches to
Maritime
Security
————

Defence Planning
and Procurement
Policies/Practices
——

-
Canadian
Defence Policy,
Foreign Policy,
& Canada-US
Relations
-

In Detail

 

CASR Home

CASR
Home		 In Detail
Index		 Background
Index		 A Modest
Proposal		 DND 101
Index

Maritime Security  –  a Comparison of Middle Power Approaches to the Guarding of Coasts & Harbours

As an appendix to their 17th Report, the Senate  Committee on  National Security and Defence reviewed the approaches to maritime security of 15 other countries – both middle- and superpowers. We have selected three middle-power nations with approaches which should be of interest to policy-makers in Canada.

Policy reform is often stymied through a response of  "not according to current practice". But, Australia, Italy, and the Netherlands all approach securing their coasts in ways which would seem applicable to Canada's system without major change.  Key differences are all a matter of which agencies have the authority to do what. Implemention of such changes would not require endless study or great expense.  All that is needed is political will and effective responses by the responsible bureaucracies.

Maritime Security  –
the Australian Approach

Australia has much in common with Canada. The two countries are roughly similar in size, coast lengths, density of population (or lack thereof), as well as relative vulnerability of national Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), coasts and harbours to unwelcome infiltration or attack.

There is, however, a dramatic difference in the Australian methods for securing its coasts and asserting its sovereignty. Key responsibility is assumed by 'Coastwatch', a branch of the Australian Customs Service.

Outside comment about Coastwatch generally focuses on its fleet of P3 contractor-operated patrol aircraft.  More to the point is that Australian Customs Service agents carry weapons, can search vessels, and have powers of arrest.  Where necessary, ACS shipborne operations can be backed up by warships and aircraft of the Australian Defence Forces.

Read a review of the Australian Approach to Maritime Security
Maritime Security  – Italian Approach

It would be fair to say that Italy is made up almost entirely of coastline. Like Canada, Italy has a Coast Guard but there the resemblance ends. The Guardia Costiera comes under the command of their Navy.

Italy's coasts and harbours are also patrolled by enforcement officers of the Customs Service and National Police (Carabinieri) as well as units of the Italian Navy (Marine Militaire).  There is a striking resemblance in organization to Canada. Unfortunately, there are also big differences in the legal powers, capabilities, and willingness of the Italian maritime security units (including the navy) and their Canadian counterparts.

Read a review of the Italian Approach to Maritime Security
Maritime Security  –  the Dutch Approach

At first glance, the Netherlands might seem an odd country to compare with Canada. The entire area of Holland is smaller than that of Nova Scotia which also has a longer coastline. But, as the home to the busiest port in the world, the Netherlands is well worth examining.

What is most interesting about the Dutch approach to maritime security is not the size of its coast guard (Kustwache) or its equipment. Rather it is the organization of the agencies responsible for maritime security and their relative powers. The major port, Rotterdam, has a dedicated police force. Border security comes under Immigration but their enforcement branch, KMar, is one of the four services of the Dutch armed forces.

As with most things in the Netherlands, there is a focused practicality to the Dutch approach.  Many of their maritime security organizations answer to multiple government departments but all responsibilities are clearly delineated, acted upon, and effectiveness routinely assessed.

Read a review of the Dutch Approach to Maritime Security
CASR
Home		 In Detail
Index		 Background
Index		 A Modest
Proposal		 DND 101
Index