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We operate in a complex environment created by many different rules and
regulations imposed on vessels.
Our experience and dedicated professionalism can assist owners, operators and charterers worldwide to be pro-active when trading
into Canadian and US Ports, by providing them with all necessary information and assisting to avoid unnecessary delays to their vessels.
Here are the main points of concern:
Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM)
Since 1992, a ship inspection policy has been in place to prevent the entry and establishment of AGM
from high-risk foreign ports. The policy is updated annually to accommodate changes in the AGM-infestation status and in the high-risk
egg-laying period.
Ballast Exchange
The Canadian and U.S. Coast Guards regulate all vessels entering the Canadian or U.S. waters and
especially the Great Lakes in ballast. This ballast must have been exchanged on the ocean in depths over 2,000 meters. Ballast
water is tested and if the salinity is less than 30 ppt, discharge of this water is prohibited.
Charts and Publications
The Canadian Coast Guard requires that from Escoumins pilot station to Montreal the charts on board be Canadian and do not accept
BA charts. It is possible to provide vessel with these charts with the pilot boarding at Ecsoumins pilot station. As you probably
know the Great Lakes transit also requires various charts and publications that are essential and inspected by Seaway Authorities,
USCG and CCG. Heavy fines have been imposed on vessels without proper charts.
Deserters / Stowaways
The security deposits for deserters or stowaways are determined by Immigration Canada and are usually set between CDN 15, 1000 to
20,000 depending on the individual case.
Grain Loading Inspections
There are two main principals in action during the grain loading inspections. The port warden and the Canadian Agriculture Inspector.
Their job is to make sure the vessel is ready to load grain in respects of stability, seaworthiness and hold cleanliness. Canadian
grain is guaranteed 100% clean and therefore inspections are very rigorous.
Icebreaking Services Fee
Icebreaking Services Fee comes into effect from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence River not west of Montreal from
December 21 until April 15. In the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Ontario, from December 21 until December 24 and from April 1
until April 15. On the northern coast of Newfoundland from January 15 until May 15.
Maintenance Dredging Services Tonnage Fee
The fee structure is based on the gross tonnage (GT) of ships transiting a portion or all the St. Lawrence Ship Channel. Individual
fees would de calculated by multiplying the GT applicable to each ship by a rate of $0.0345 cents for each transit.
Marine Navigation Services Fee (MNSF)
Fee is based on the amount of cargo loaded or discharged per Canadian Port.
Oil Response Arrangements
There are four types of oil response arrangements in place. Alert, Eastern Canada Response Corporation, PTMSL, Western Canada Marine
Response Corporation. By signing up for the multi-gar ECRC oil arrangement contract owners can combine Alert, ECRC and PTMSL into one
contract for a period of one year and their vessel’s will be covered as follows: Maritime ports, Saint John NB, Point Tupper NS, Gulf
of St. Lawrence, St. Lawrence River, Churchill and Canadian ports in the Great Lakes. We remind you that the Canadian Coast Guard
for vessel’s trading in Canadian Waters requires an oil spill arrangement.
Seaway Fitting and Inspections
Seaway inspections are performed on vessels annually during their first inbound voyage. Regarding seaway fittings it is important
to contact our Head Office for details. Each vessel has a different individual need.
Winter Navigation
Double Pilotage: begins shortly after water temperatures are recorded at 2.5 degrees Celsius or lower.
Daylight-Only navigation: Comes into effect once proprietary buoys are removed.
Winter navigation can cause various problems to a vessel and crew and therefore requires advice and caution. For more details please
contact our Head Office.
Notes:
These are the major factors that influence a call into Canada. Please contact our office for more details and advices
on all the above matters.
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