SEATTLE--The Coast Guard 13th District and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police "E" Division signed a finalized agreement for the Pacific region Integrated Cross-border Maritime Law Enforcement program, known as Shiprider, during a ceremony at the Peace Arch Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada, June 17.
Shiprider is a program that enables specially-trained officials from both nations to pursue or interdict suspected criminals transiting across the shared maritime border.
The two signatories of the regional program were Rear Adm. Keith A. Taylor, commander of the Coast Guard 13th District, and Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, commander of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police "E" Division.
"This signing represents a more formal finalization of the collaboration between the RCMP and the United States Coast Guard," said Callens. "It is the culmination of tireless efforts of those who have advanced the concept of Shiprider."
The concept of Shiprider was first introduced in 2005. A version of the agreement proved successful during the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2010.
"I am very proud of the men and women of the RCMP and U.S. Coast Guard who serve on the Shiprider boats today, tomorrow, next week, next month and next year," said Taylor. "They collectively protect our shared maritime border."
