The Brockville Police Service is mandated to provide enforcement, general patrol and emergency response within the waterways that fall within the boundaries of the City of Brockville to the Canada/US Border.

The Brockville Police Service promotes safe and enjoyable recreation on our local waterways, as well as coordinating boating and water safety for special events on the St Lawrence River within the City of Brockville

The Marine Unit works in conjunction with other marine agencies including The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, The Ontario Provincial Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resource and Forest as well as the Canadian Coast Guard.

The primary function of the Marine Unit is:

  1. Marine patrol for boaters in distress.
  2. Marine safety checks to ensure boaters are properly equipped in accordance with legislative requirements.
  3. Detection of incidents of impaired operation of vessels.
  4. Prevention of dangerous operation of vessels/Personal Watercraft.
  5. Safety patrols and control of water-based special events on the Brockville waterfront.
  6. Transport Fire Department to City-owned islands (16) as required to suppress fires, perform rescues or provide assistance.
  7. Transport injured persons from islands who require an ambulance in partnership with the Leeds Ambulance Service.
  8. Patrol, in partnership with Canadian Coast Guard, RCMP, OPP and USA Coast Guard, USA police/Sheriff marine units for operational police requirements as needed.
  9. They respond to vessel-in-distress calls and support the Canadian Coast Guard in search and rescue operations
  10. Promote boating safety and enforce various statutes, including:
  • Canada Shipping Act
  • Liquor Licence Act
  • Criminal Code of Canada
  • Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act
  • Controlled Drugs and Substance Act

Training

Marine officers with the Brockville Police Service have completed an extensive 2-week training period with the either the Ontario Provincial Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The training is required in order to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the specialized function of marine policing.

Training Includes:

  • Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card (PCOC)
  • Basic Marine Operators Course
  • Marine Emergency Duties A3 (MED A3)
  • Small Vessel Operator’s Proficiency (SVOP)
  • VHF Restricted Operator’s Certification Water Rescue