Dangerous Goods Acceptance Procedures
Dangerous goods are substances to which regulations made under the Canada Shipping Act or under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act apply.
Transport Canada is the organization responsible for the coordination of work while promoting public safety as related to the transportation of dangerous goods. However, certain specific requirements and systems that shipping agents and other port community members should be aware of apply specifically to Port Metro Vancouver.
Advance Notification Requirements
The Harbour Master requires pre-notification of the movement of dangerous goods into the Port’s areas. A minimum of 24 hours advance notification is REQUIRED FOR ALL DANGEROUS CARGOES entering port waters or the port area.
Containerised Dangerous Goods
Applications for Containerised Dangerous Goods Authorization are submitted and processed online at the Pacific Gateway Portal (PGP) website. NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION ALSO APPLIES TO CARGO IN TRANSIT (Retained on Board).
Time and Quantity Limitations
Time and quantity limitations apply to containerised explosive and radioactive cargoes, respectively IMDG Class 1 and Class 7. Quantity limitations for IMDG Class 1 vary by terminal.
Such shipments are not permitted to be stored on the dock but are restricted to being immediately loaded on the vessel or removed by the inland carrier as the case may be.
Dangerous and Hazardous Cargoes in Bulk
Port Metro Vancouver requires all tanker ships to give pre-arrival notification to the Harbour Master’s Office. Such notification can be made online at the Pacific Gateway Portal.
Transport Canada limits Ammonium Nitrate shipments to 10,000 metric tonnes for all marine facilities.
For more information refer to the Pacific Gateway Portal, or contact the Harbour Master's Office.