Canada is investing nearly $1bn to beef up its coastguard in time for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver next month.
Nearly six coastguard cutters, from 87ft patrol boats to 378ft ocean-worthy vessels, will conduct coastal surveillance and port security operations to help defend the Games from terrorism and other security threats.
The government is planning to deploy security personnel along nearly 1,000 miles of US shoreline off the Georgia Strait, which connects Vancouver to the Pacific Ocean.
A coastguard emergency interdiction team, three navy frigates and an A-6 Intruder all-weather surveillance aircraft will also be available to watch vessels on or under the water, officials said.
The government is also considering housing 4,000 security personnel aboard three cruise ships in Vancouver harbour.
About five naval vessels will monitor ferries, seaplanes, container ships, helicopters and yachts.
