Toronto Police Marine Unit – Toronto, ON

Toronto Police Marine Unit: Guardians of the Water

The Toronto Police Marine Unit represents a specialized and highly trained component of the Toronto Police Service, headquartered at 259 Queens Quay West on the city’s waterfront. With a history dating back to the formation of the Toronto Life Saving and Police Patrol Service in the 19th century, this unit has evolved into one of the largest and most sophisticated municipal marine police forces in Canada. Their jurisdiction is vast, covering approximately 1,200 square kilometers of open water on Lake Ontario, extending 13 nautical miles south to the International Border with the United States. Additionally, they patrol the internal waterways of the city, including the Humber River, Don River, and the intricate channels of the Toronto Islands. The unit plays a critical role in national security as part of the Great Lakes Marine Security Operations Centre, working in tandem with the RCMP and Canadian Coast Guard.

Fleet and Capabilities

• Diverse Vessel Fleet: The unit operates roughly 24 vessels, including Zodiac Hurricane RHIBs for fast response, the ‘Stanley Predator’ for tactical operations, and larger launches for heavy-weather patrols.
• Underwater Search and Recovery: A dedicated dive team is on standby year-round to conduct evidence recovery, hull inspections, and search operations for missing persons.
• Ice Rescue Operations: During the winter months, the unit utilizes airboats and specialized ice-rescue equipment to save individuals stranded on frozen waterways.
• Emergency Transportation: They provide the primary emergency medical transport for residents and visitors on the Toronto Islands, acting as a water ambulance service when ferries are not viable.

Operations and Public Safety

The Marine Unit is not a typical walk-in police station for general reporting, although it is a fully functioning police facility. Its primary focus is operational readiness for marine emergencies. Officers enforce the Canada Shipping Act, ensuring boaters have the necessary safety equipment and licenses. They actively patrol for impaired operators and hazardous boating behaviors. The unit also maintains substations at Humber Bay, Scarborough Bluffs, and the Toronto Islands to ensure rapid response times across the entire waterfront. Educational outreach is a key component of their mandate, as they frequently engage with yacht clubs and boating organizations to promote water safety awareness.

Contact and Emergency Procedures

For any marine emergency, including a vessel in distress or a person in the water, dial 9-1-1 immediately or broadcast a Mayday on VHF Channel 16. For non-emergency marine inquiries, the unit can be reached at 416-808-5800. The Marine Unit’s presence ensures that Toronto’s waterfront remains a safe recreational space for boaters, swimmers, and tourists alike, providing a shield of protection on the Great Lakes.