Security and Enforcement

Good security does not just happen.  It is planned.  Good security consists of many layers of defence, each designed and carefully positioned to overlap and protect people, ships, cargo, and infrastructure.  Our security network is the result of a cooperative effort between the Port of Belledune and the many security and enforcement agencies with which it partners.  To ensure that it keeps its edge, the Port frequently undergoes a variety of exercises and drills that include dealing with specific issues related to emergency preparedness.

The Port works cooperatively with all authorities such as provincial departments associated with safety and security, the RCMP, Transport Canada Security & Emergency Preparedness (TCSEP), Canada Border Service Agency, (CBSA – known formerly as Customs and Excise), Citizenship & Immigration Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Emergency Management branch of Public Safety Canada and others.  It also adheres to international security rules and guidelines (known as ISPS – International Ship & Port Security Code) that assist the Port of Belledune in maintaining a safe, secure gateway through which to operate.

Port of Belledune users can log onto the International Maritime Organization (www.imo.org) web page to verify that the port is compliant with international security standards.

Environment

The Belledune Port Authority takes pride in its outstanding track record in security and environment.  It not only takes steps to ensure that the Port and its clients do not impact negatively on the environment, the Port is also supportive of private sector initiatives that protect and restore our shared environment.  The Belledune Port Authority has donated to projects that help to rebuild Atlantic salmon stocks in the area.  It also takes a keen interest in businesses that are environmentally friendly such as the fly ash plant operated by one of the port’s long-time users.  This operation captures carbon that would otherwise end up in land fill and recycles it into a substitute for Portland cement.  The port particularly welcomes businesses and operations that function in harmony with the environment with a sustainable environment in mind.

To ensure the greatest possible protection of the environment, the Port has environmental management systems in place that use the International Standards Organization (ISO) 14,000 as a model.  By developing effective management systems based on sound principles and measures, the Port of Belledune has been able to successfully avoid and prevent harm from befalling the environment.

Further, the port and its clients are subject to numerous Acts and regulations including the Canada Marine Act, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Canadian Shipping Act (including marine pollution), and the Fisheries Act amongst others.  The port also conforms to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) e.g. MARPOL and IMDG Code guidelines.  Issues such as oily waste reception, garbage, sewage, and the handling of chemicals and hazardous materials come under the guidelines to which the port stringently adheres when and wherever possible.  The port conforms to all changes in any applicable rules and regulations and takes its role in safeguarding the environment seriously at all times.