Composition : Cupronickel
Mintage : Unlimited

Service, Safety, Sovereignty: The Canadian Coast Guard Celebrates 50 Years

The year 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard. This important Canadian marine service was created in 1962 to support mariners in Canadian waters, conduct search and rescue services, maintain Canada's sovereignty in theArctic and in coastal waters, respond to technical advances in its domain, and address issues associated with growing vessel traffic.

Coastal Monitoring During the Age of Sail

Beginning in the 18th century, the first lifeboatand light stations were built on Canada's east coast. During the century that followed, formal safety practices began to emerge and the first patrol vessels appeared off Canada's eastern shores and in the Great Lakes. The driving force behind these patrolling practices was the need to protect and regulate fishing and shipping.

A New Country Gains Control of Its Marine Infrastructure

With Confederation in 1867, Canadian marine infrastructure came under the control of the federal government. To manage this new responsibility, the government established the Department of Marine and Fisheries in 1868. In the 1930s, the two areas of responsibility - marine and fisheries - were separated, with marine coming under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.

Rising Demand for a Dedicated Coast Guard Service

By the middle of the 20th century, the Canadian government - through the Department of Transportation - had a fleet of 241 vessels. During and after the Second World War, demand for a dedicated national coast guard grew. This demand was met with the establishment of the Canadian Coast Guard on January 26, 1962.

A Vital Force in Maritime Safety

Today, the Canadian Coast Guard plays a vital role in marine navigation, communications and traffic; performs icebreaking services; offers crucial search and rescue support and service; ensures the cleanup of spills and pollution from ships; manages Canadian waterways; and assists in Canadian security and sovereignty across one of the world's largest networks of maritime highways. Its services are supported and complemented by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer organization of 4,300 people and 1,200 vessels.
 

CANADIAN COAST GUARD - 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANADIAN COAST GUARD - 2012 CANADIAN COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 18- MILITARY and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.