Vessel-tracking tech helps keep boaters safe, assist with crime along Canada-U.S. border

At the click of a button on his office computer, Windsor Harbour Master Peter Berry can see any moving vessel on the Detroit River and parts of Lake St. Clair.

For the last 12 years, Berry has been using Accipiter radar technology to ensure large commercial vessels are aware of smaller fishing boats in the area.

And since area law enforcement agencies do not have this technology, Berry often provides data to them to assist with criminal investigations or tip them off to suspicious boating activity along the international border.

"Looking at this as intelligence-driven law enforcement, it's important," said Berry. "As we look at who's making trips and not reporting in to [customs.] All of that can be tracked with this technology."

The Windsor-Detroit corridor is "busy," according to Berry, with "a lot human smuggling going through the St. Clair River."

"We have guns crossing, drugs crossing," Berry said.

RCMP Const. Ian Smith said the Windsor Port Authority's radar technology has been useful.

"We've done search operations where we've an RCMP member watching the Accipiter radar, calling out to our vessels to intercept boats," said Smith.

Primarily, Berry said the radar technology is used to monitor the flow of vessels in the Detroit River and help keep people on the water safe.

"We look at this as a navigation tool," he said.

Initially, the Windsor Port Authority agreed to trial the technology with the creators of the Accipeter radar. Now, Berry said the cost is covered through grants.