Marine Unit
It is the mandate of the South Simcoe Police Service - Marine Unit to provide safety and security of all persons on waterways within our Jurisdiction, provide inshore and offshore search and rescue, investigate marine collisions, tow vessels in emergency situations and provide enforcement of the Canada Shipping Act, Boating Restriction Regulations, Criminal Code, Liquor License Act and all other Federal and Provincial Laws.The South Simcoe Police Service – Marine Unit perform their duties using one vessel and two personal watercraft.
The vessel, a 26-foot closed cabin cruiser named the “Wardrop II” was purchased in the spring of 2006 from Harbercraft Boats in British Columbia. The boat was custom built for the South Simcoe Police and adheres to strict standards set by Transport Canada for search and rescue vessels. The boat is equipped with the most advanced navigational radar, GPS and depth sounding equipment and can respond to emergencies on the Lake in almost any weather condition.
The boat is also equipped with a Mobile Work Station which allows officers to be in constant contact with police communications centre and other police units. It also allows officers to complete all of their paperwork while on patrol. All members involved in waterways policing are required to have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the specialized functions connected with waterways policing.
An officer training involves the following courses:
- Basic Marine Course
- Marine Emergency Duties ( MED A3 )
- Restricted Operators Certificate
- Small Vessel Operators Proficiency (SVOP)
- Navigational Radar / Global Positioning Satellite
- Thermal Imaging System (FLIR)
The “Wardrop II” was named after Mr. John Wardrop, a former Police Services Board member and a long time Innisfil resident.
