The Marine Unit operates during summer months on a full-time basis patrolling area lakes to ensure safe boating practices and to enforce the small vessel regulations. The Marine Unit is responsible for policing approximately 601 square kilometers of lake water within the City of Greater Sudbury. There are 330 lakes contained within the City. Lake Wahnapitei is the largest city-contained lake in the world covering 13,257 hectares in size.
Marine Unit Officers are trained in a wide variety of tasks. During the boating season, officers patrol the waterfront to promote boating safety, enforce various statutes including:
The Canada Shipping Act
The Liquor Licence Act
The Criminal Code of Canada
The Game and Fish Act
Small vessel regulations
The Unit responds to vessel in distress calls and supports the Canadian Coast Guard with overdue vessel investigations and/or search and rescue operations. Unit members participate in the Provincial Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) program on area waterways. Mirroring the goals of the highway program, their efforts are geared towards reducing impaired vessel operation while educating boaters.
The Unit's vessels and vehicles are equipped with Marine VHF radios, which allows for monitoring of the International Distress Channel (VHF 16) while on patrol. The following equipment is assigned to the Unit:
2007-2025 Harbourcraft with radar
2010-1925 Harbourcraft
2010 Aluminum Patrol Rescue Vessel
Zodiak - 1986 Mark III Inflatable Vessel
This allows a full range of options to ensure an effective response and quality service to the boating community.
The Marine Unit operates during summer months on a full-time basis patrolling area lakes to ensure safe boating practices and to enforce the small vessel regulations. The Marine Unit is responsible for policing approximately 601 square kilometers of lake water within the City of Greater Sudbury. There are 330 lakes contained within the City. Lake Wahnapitei is the largest city-contained lake in the world covering 13,257 hectares in size.
The Unit's vessels and vehicles are equipped with Marine VHF radios, which allows for monitoring of the International Distress Channel (VHF 16) while on patrol. The following equipment is assigned to the Unit: