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Royal Canadian Navy

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) protects Canadian sovereignty and interests at sea, at home and abroad. Whether during times of conflict or peace, the RCN promotes global stability, enforces international law and helps protect both the Canadian and world economies.

Services and information

What we do

The RCN helps keep the world’s oceans and citizens safe. Our sailors provide peacekeeping and humanitarian aid. They act as diplomats, and prevent illegal activities from happening at sea.

Who we are

The RCN is made up of approximately 8,400 Regular Force personnel, 4,100 Reservists and 3,800 civilian employees. Together, we form an organization that serves Canada and Canadians.

Fleet and units

The RCN has a balanced fleet of ships and submarines to defend Canada’s interests at sea. Specialized land-based and sea-going units support this mission.

Our organization

The RCN sails out of Halifax, N.S., and Esquimalt, B.C. Naval Staff Headquarters is located in Ottawa, while Naval Reserve Headquarters is in Quebec City, Qué.

Navy news

Learn all about your RCN and sailors. Discover articles and publications covering domestic and international operations, our sailors, community involvement and more.

Public and commercial harbours

Esquimalt & Nanoose Harbours are administered by the Department of National Defence and are governed by the Canada Marine Act.

The latest from the RCN