The Maritime Command ( MARCOM ) is the navy of Canada and is often called the Canadian Navy . MARCOM is the descendant of the Canadian Naval Service created by the Canadian Naval Service Act May 4 , 1910 , and later on August 29 , 1911 , designated by royal authority as the Royal Canadian Navy ( RCN ) which was Canada 's navy until 1 February 1968 . Prior to 1910 , the Royal Navy provided the maritime defense of Canada .