What is the ISPS Code?

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which came into effect on July 1, 2004, is a new, comprehensive security regime that seeks to establish an international framework of co-operation between governments, government agencies and the shipping and port industries in order to detect and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.

Who has to comply with the ISPS Code?

All International Maritime Organization (IMO) contracting governments, including Canada, are required to have adopted the ISPS Code by July 1, 2004 and have the necessary national regulations in place.

Port and Port Facility Compliance:

The Port Alberni Port Authority and Port Alberni Terminals fully comply with Transport Canada’s Marine Transportation Security Regulations, ensuring that Port Alberni is recognized by the IMO as an ISPS Code compliant port.

Spill Response

Western Canada Marine Response Corporation operates a full time service marine spill response base, which includes a new warehouse and office building and marine response vessel marina located at a refurbished Water Street Wharf.  The new facilities and personnel located in Port Alberni provides the Alberni Harbour, Alberni Inlet and west coast of Vancouver Island with world class, industry leading marine spill response in the event that an incident may happen.

Marine Patrol

The Harbour Chieftain is the Port Authority’s marine patrol and security vessel. The 29’ welded aluminum vessel is powered by twin 200 HP Yamaha outboard engines with a cruising speed of 30 knots. The Chieftain is fitted with various aids to navigation, including radar and has the ability to communicate on all marine radio frequencies. The vessel is used primarily by the Director of Operations to patrol the area under Port Authority jurisdiction, inspect lease sites, and respond to waterside security matters and marine emergencies.

The Port Authority has partnered with the Port Alberni Fire Department to share the Harbour Chieftain as the vessel also acts as the harbour’s fireboat.