Partners in Crime Prevention

A team approach to marine border security

By Amanda Comission

It’s 1 p.m. The sun, high in the sky, bounces off the mirror-like lake; the only ripple from a black RIB speeding along with a 60-foot cat in hot pursuit. Off in the distance, a boat casually meanders along an invisible line in the water. But that invisible line is protected by a not-soinvisible force that is sworn to protect it and the citizens for which it marks home. This Marine Security Enforcement Team – or MSET – is entrusted with patrolling a section of the world’s longest border. One that happens to be on the water.

In the wake of 9/11, Canada’s border security came under greater scrutiny than ever before from its neighbour to the south. International terrorism, contraband smuggling and human trafficking are all realities. Looking for a new and effective way to respond to these national threats and enforce federal laws along our maritime boundary, the RCMP partnered with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 2005 to form MSETs.

In total, there are currently 19 MSET members working on three CCG vessels. The Cape Hurd is responsible for Lake Superior, Georgian Bay and the top half of Lake Huron. Patrolling the lower portion of Lake Huron, as well as the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River, is the Isle Rouge. Rounding out the trio is the Simmonds, a 60-foot catamaran that patrols the Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. These vessels are combined with RIBs to allow for quick deployment and speedy pursuits.

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