Canada

Canada Port Authorities are federally incorporated, autonomous, non-share corporations that operate at arm’s length from the federal government. They operate on a commercial basis with a view to being financially self-sufficient. They also fulfil important public policy objectives (supporting economic development) and regulatory requirements (safety, security, and environmental protection). The five largest Canada Port Authorities are Vancouver, Montreal, Prince Rupert, Halifax and Saint John.

Canada’s public ports have a regional orientation. They may be owned by Transport Canada or by non-federal entities (e.g., private entities, provinces or municipalities, or a not-for-profit entity). The biggest Transport Canada-owned public ports are Baie-Comeau, Gaspe, Rimouski, Matane, and Gros-Cacouna, all located in Quebec.

There are also a number of non-federal ports in Canada. Transport Canada’s role is limited to a regulatory and compliance monitoring role (e.g., Canada Environmental Assessment Act, 2012; Navigable Waters and Protection Act).

Also see Pre-Arrival Information.

There is a variety of icebreaking and support services available to ships transiting Canadian ice-covered waters. Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Ice Operations Centres are in operation seasonally as ice conditions dictate. These centres work in conjunction with Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centres to provide up-to-date ice information, to suggest routes for ships to follow through or around ice, and to co-ordinate icebreaker assistance to shipping. Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters is available to view online and to download at:

www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/corporate/publications.html

Further information is available at: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/services/icebreaking.html

Vessels must follow Navigational Warnings outlining the speed restrictions. Furthermore, speed restriction zones are described in monthly Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs), which are published by the Canadian Coast Guard. The status of these zones is broadcast through NAVWARNs, which are published by the Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres.

For navigational warnings currently in force, visit the Canadian Coast Guard website nis.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/public/rest/messages/en/search

Sightings of free-swimming North Atlantic right whales (NARW) should be reported as soon as possible, ideally the same day or shortly after, to [email protected] and include the following details:

If possible, include photographs and video of the animal, especially of the tail, flukes, and flippers, ensuring that the requirements of the Marine Mammal Regulations (minimum approach distances) are observed.

Also see VTS/Radar.

The Master, owner or agent of a ship that requires the services of a licensed pilot shall notify the PPA of the ETA of the vessel at the pilot boarding station:

Requests for pilots must be sent 12 hours before arrival and confirmed or amended between 6 and 2 hours (depending on the port) before arrival at pilot boarding area. ETA times must be given in UTC.

Contact the 24/7 Central Notification System (CNS) Emergency Response Line T: +1 833 615 2384. (ext. 7).

For gastrointestinal related illness, PHAC is the responsible lead agency. If crew and/or passengers on board a vessel are experiencing these types of symptoms, the vessel and/or their agent, should contact the Regional Manager, Traveling Public Program (during office hours 0800–1600) directly as follows:

Alternatively, contact the 24/7 Central Notification System (CNS) Emergency Response Line T: +1 833 615 2384. (ext. 7).

Vessels must arrive in North American ports free of FSMC and should have obtained pre-departure certification. When vessels arrive without FSMC certification, or when FSMC is detected, significant delays in cargo loading or discharging activities as well as in routine clearance can occur.

Specified risk period is the period when there is a risk of FSMC flight and egg mass deposition.

For vessels that have called at the areas regulated for FSMC during the specified risk periods, as outlined in the above table, the following measures are required:

Further reference should be made to:

www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/flighted-spongy-moth-complex

inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-species/insects/fsmc

The issuance of a certificate requires a full inspection of the ship by a qualified PHAC Environmental Health Officer (EHO).

For weekday service one business day's notice is required. For weekend and statutory holiday service two business days' notice is required. Requests for inspections that are received without the minimum advance notification time may still be completed, if resources are available. A 25% surcharge will be added to the fee for inspections conducted at short notice.

All other authorised Canadian ports are categorised as non-standard and PHAC may provide inspections and certificates if resources are available during daylight hours seven days a week, subject to availability of a PHAC EHO. Extra costs incurred for this service (e.g. overtime and travel) will be added to the standard fee.

Three business days' notice is required for any inspections at a non-standard port to accommodate resourcing and travel coordination. A 25% surcharge will be added to the fee for inspections conducted at short notice.

Maritime shipping agents may request a ship sanitation inspection by completing the online Ship Sanitation Request Form, available at port.canada.ca/en/SSI-Request

There are commercial reporting requirements for the movement and control of unreleased goods in Canada by carriers, freight forwarders and warehouse operators. Using information collected from Advance Commercial Information (ACI) and eManifest, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) detects risks and makes decisions before shipments arrive at the border and/or are released into Canada. Carriers and freight forwarders must have a CBSA issued carrier code. Consult the Commercial Carrier and Freight Forwarder Identification and Eligibility for more information.

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carrier-transporteur/menu-eng.html

Carrier code holders must immediately advise the CBSA of any change to their legal entity, name, address and contact information.

Marine carriers transporting goods into Canada must transmit marine cargo and conveyance data to the CBSA within prescribed time frames prior to arrival or prior to loading (depending on the type and origin of goods). Refer to Memorandum D3-5-1, Marine Pre-load/Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements to verify the specific time frames. cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-5-1-eng.html

All copies of the Form A6, General Declaration will be date-stamped and signed by a Border Services Officer. The presence of the CBSA signature and date-stamp signifies acceptance of the inward report and is not to be considered a validation of all information of the form. A copy must be kept by the carrier as proof of report.

Cargo may only be discharged with CBSA permission as signified by the presence of a Border Services Officer's signature and date-stamp on the Form A6.

Normally, arrangements to clear a vessel in international commercial service can be made with the local CBSA office in advance, either by agent or Master.

Form A6, General Declaration is available to view and download at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/a6-eng.html

The Pre-arrival Notice must be submitted 96 hours prior to arrival with Crew List and Passenger List. Completed forms shall be submitted by fax or email to F: +1 (613) 960 1556. [email protected]

Copies of forms can be obtained from the Canada Border Agency Service website at:

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf732-eng.html

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/e1-eng.html

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf552-eng.html

An online directory of CBSA offices and services is available at do-rb.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/?lang=en_CA

Also see section - Processing of Cruise Ships.

The PAIR can be sent electronically via email to one of the addresses specified below, and the email shall include vessel’s name and IMO number in the subject line and a copy of vessel’s ISSC included.

In the event that the CBSA is advised of a death or serious injury on board a vessel arriving in Canada, the Border Services Officer will promptly advise the appropriate police and health authorities, will authorise their embarkation on board the vessel at the earliest possible moment and will endeavour to assist them in carrying out an investigation of the incident and assist them in removing any injured or deceased persons. The Border Services Officer will remain responsible for maintaining control over the situation and ensuring that CBSA requirements are completed even if delayed.

Where it is determined that a certificate is not present, is invalid, or is likely to expire before the anticipated departure date, the Master will be informed of this fact as well as the nearest ships safety office. Appropriate operational steps will be taken to ensure that the vessel is not granted an outward clearance until such time as a valid certificate is presented.

At this time (until such a time that a valid certificate is presented), the CBSA performs the functions of the shipping Master at those locations where it is empowered to do so.

A full copy of Memorandum D3-5-1, Marine Pre-load/Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements available at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3-eng.html

Cruise ships, including passengers and crew, are fully cleared by the CBSA at their First Port of Arrival (FPOA). The ship can subsequently navigate freely in Canada and transit foreign and international waters between ports of call in Canada without having to report to the CBSA.

There are no designated CSO ports in the Canadian Arctic. Cruise lines requiring FPOA clearance in the Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut must make cost-recovery arrangements with the CBSA in advance of arrival and no later than 1 April of the current year. These arrangements need to be made with the corresponding region providing the service.

Yukon and Northwest Territories contact [email protected]

Nunavut contact [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

and cc [email protected]

cbsa.yarmouthoperations-operationsdeyarmouth.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

and cc [email protected]

[email protected]

and cc [email protected]

cbsa.cornerbrookoperations-operationsdecornerbrook.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

and cc [email protected]

[email protected]

and cc [email protected]

cbsa.lcharlottetown_poe/[email protected]

and cc [email protected]

[email protected]

CBSA.GTARBBTCASuperintendents-RGTBBTCASurintendant.ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

[email protected]

[email protected]

T: +1 (807) 626 1606. (superintendent).

[email protected]

[email protected]

The lists (one for passengers and one for crew) must be submitted in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format to both the CBSA National Targeting Centre (NTC) and to the FPOA (CSO port or other) by email to the appropriate inboxes a minimum of 96 hours in advance of the ship’s arrival. If the duration of the voyage is less than the required pre-arrival timeframe of 96 hours, information must be submitted before the last foreign port of departure of the vessel to a CSO port in Canada. Lists sent less than 96 hours in advance may result in a delay of processing as more time may be necessary to review documents in comparison to those reviewed in advance.

Non-paying passengers are to be included in the Passenger List. If there are changes or additions to the initial Passenger List or Crew List, the CBSA requires the updated information a minimum of 48 hours before the vessel’s arrival in Canada or as soon as the ship departs the last foreign port. Only the updated/new data elements need to be submitted.

Electronic copies of the manifest templates can be requested by emailing the National Targeting Centre. Any specific questions and concerns related to the clearance process can be directed to the appropriate FPOA email addresses (refer to CBSA Contacts above).

In situations where a voyage is less than 96 hours in duration, the notice must be submitted at the time of departure from the last foreign port.

Form BSF136, Cruise Ship Pre-Arrival Notice is available to download at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf136-eng.html

For more information on transporting commercial cargo, refer to memoranda D4-2-1, Ship's Stores, D3-5-1, Marine Pre-load/Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements and D3-1-5, International Commercial Transportation.

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d4/d4-2-1-eng.html

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-5-1-eng.html

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d3/d3-1-5-eng.html

Form A6, General Declaration must be presented to the CBSA at the time of inward report. At the start of the cruise ship season, the complete vessel itinerary should be attached to Form A6, General Declaration. The itinerary will consist of the vessel's destinations, including arrival and departure information. Form A6, General Declaration is available on the CBSA's website.

The following documents must be submitted in hard copy to the CBSA at the FPOA each time the vessel arrives in Canada (with the exception of the Last Port of Clearance, which is only required for the initial voyage of the season):

The purser will arrange for all passengers (both disembarking and not disembarking) in category a) above, and all passengers who require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or have otherwise been identified by the CBSA, to be mustered and available for examination in a suitable space to facilitate timely clearance on arrival.

Note: Passengers may elect to present their Form E311 directly to a CBSA officer rather than give it to the purser. In such instances, those passengers are to be mustered and available for presentation to the CBSA.

The ship’s agent/crew purser will ensure that all crew scheduled for repatriation at the FPOA or at a subsequent Canadian port of call are mustered upon arrival.

Personal exemptions for residents of Canada and duty-free allowances for visitors to Canada are listed in the Instructions section of Form E311. It is the responsibility of the traveller to truthfully and correctly answer all questions with respect to imported goods on the Form E311.

Cruise lines may order CBSA forms, including a supply of Form E311 free of charge by emailing [email protected]

Transport Canada has consolidated all three separate sets of vessel traffic services regulations into one, aligning vessel reporting on all three of Canada’s coasts with international standards set out by the IMO. In Canada, vessel traffic services are provided by the Canadian Coast Guard through regional Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres (MCTS), though the regulatory framework for the regulations is overseen by Transport Canada.

For full text, refer to gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2025/2025-12-31/html/sor-dors275-eng.html

Mariners are advised that all requests for vessel clearances into Canadian waters must be submitted to the relevant Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone using the new electronic form available on the Canadian Coast Guard’s e-Navigation portal at: e-navigation.canada.ca/topics/traffic/index-en

The relevant report form is a Microsoft Excel based document where required information is to be entered in multiple tabs.

Vessels are requested to attach the completed Excel report to an email when submitting clearance requests prior to entering the zone. Master must ensure that the newest version of the form has been completed prior to submission. Reports submitted in an old format or an incorrect version of the new form will be returned and the vessel will be asked to resubmit in the new format and/or newest version.

Note –This Excel form should never be saved as or converted to a PDF, image, or any other file type. It must only be saved in an Excel (.xlsx) format.

To obtain clearance into northern Canadian waters, Master must report to Northern VTS Zone or to the nearest Canadian Coast Guard MCTS Centre. These reports are to be submitted by email to [email protected]

To obtain clearance into western Canadian waters, Master must report to Prince Rupert MCTS Centre or to the nearest Canadian Coast Guard MCTS Centre. These reports are to be submitted by email to [email protected]

To obtain clearance into eastern Canadian waters, Master must report to Eastern VTS Zone or to the nearest Canadian Coast Guard MCTS Centre. These reports are to be submitted by email to [email protected]

The Sailing Plan (SP) should be submitted via the Collaborative Voyage Management System (CVMS), which is available to registered users at cvms-scgv.ccg-gcc.gc.ca To request an account, refer to e-navigation.canada.ca/topics/traffic/cvms/contact-portal-en

Operations: T: +1 (902) 426 9750. T: +1 (902) 426 9751. F: +1 (902) 426 4483. [email protected]

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (902) 426 9738.

Areas under the Eastern VTS Zone Regulations (formerly ECAREG): T: +1 (902) 426 4956. F: +1 (902) 426 4483. [email protected]

Operations: T: +1 (867) 979 5269. T: +1 (867) 979 0310. F: +1 (867) 979 4264. [email protected]

Navigational Warnings: T: +1 (867) 979 5269. T: +1 (867) 979 0310. [email protected]

NAVAREA XVII and XVIII: T: +1 (867) 979 5269. T: +1 (867) 979 0310. F: +1 (867) 979 4264. [email protected]

Northern VTS Zone (formerly NORDREG): T: +1 (867) 979 5724. F: +1 (867) 979 4264. [email protected]

Operations: T: +1 (709) 896 2252. F: +1 (709) 896 8455. [email protected]

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (709) 869 5817.

Operations: T: +1 (418) 233 2194. [email protected]

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (418) 233 2854.

Coast Guard Radio: T: +1 (418) 233 3451. [email protected]

Areas under the Eastern VTS Zone Regulations (formerly ECAREG): T: +1 (418) 233 3483. F: +1 (418) 233 3299. [email protected]

Operations: T: +1 (709) 227 2181. T: +1 (709) 227 2182. F: +1 (709) 227 5637. [email protected]

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (709) 3227 5731.

Operations: T: +1 (709) 695 2167. F: +1 (709) 695 7784. [email protected]

Navigational Warnings: T: +1 (709) 695 2168. [email protected]

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (709) 695 2133.

Operations: T: +1 (613) 925 4471. F: +1 (613) 925 4519. [email protected]

Navigational Warnings: T: +1 (613) 925 0666. [email protected]

NAVAREA XVII and XVIII: T: +1 (613) 925 0666. F: +1 (613) 925 4519. [email protected]

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (613) 925 0618.

Operations: T: +1 (250) 627 3070. F: +1 (250) 624 9075. [email protected]

Navigational Warnings: [email protected]

Continuous Marine Broadcast: T: +1 (250) 726 3415. (south). T: +1 (250) 624 9009. (north).

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (250) 627 3077.

Western VTS: T: +1 (250) 627 3071. F: +1 (250) 624 9075.

Operations: T: +1 (418) 648 4427. F: +1 (418) 648 7244. [email protected]

Alerting & Warning Network: T: +1 (418) 648 4366. T: +1 800 363 4735. (toll-free).

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (418) 648 7459.

Operation: T: +1 (519) 337 6221. F: +1 (519) 336 0229. [email protected]

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (519) 337 6572.

Operations: T: +1 (902) 564 7751. F: +1 (902) 564 7662. [email protected]

Navigational Warnings: T: +1 (902) 564 7751. [email protected]

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (902) 564 7752.

Operations: T: +1 (250) 363 6333. T: +1 800 661 9202. (toll-free within BC only). F: +1 (250) 363 6556. [email protected]

Continuous Marine Broadcast: T: +1 (250) 363 6880. (Mount Helmcken). T: +1 (250) 363 6492. (Bowen Island/Mount Parke). T: +1 (604) 666 3655. (Bowen Island/Mount Parke). T: +1 (250) 339 0748. (Mid-Island Area). T: +1 (250) 974 5305. (North Island Area).

Officer-in-Charge: T: +1 (250) 363 6818.

Marine Mammal Desk: T: +1 (833) 339 1020.

gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2021/2021-06-23/html/sor-dors120-eng.html

There are three versions of the BWRF: Form 85-0512-AE (20 tanks), Form 85 -0512-BE (30 tanks) and Form 85-0512-CE (50 tanks).

Refer to Ship Safety Bulletin 07/2022 at tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins

A duly completed BWRF and required documents must be submitted electronically via email to the appropriate address indicated below and must include the vessel name, vessel's IMO number, name of the first port of call and estimated date/time of arrival in the subject line.

The Canadian Coast Guard leads the response to ship-source oil spills in Canadian waters, including the Arctic. It works with Transport Canada, Environment Canada, response organisations (see below) and other agencies to reduce pollution from ships. Polluters are liable for paying for spills from their vessels.

Vessel operators must have oil pollution emergency plans on board. Vessels travelling south of 60 degrees north latitude must also have a contract with an oil spill response company (response organisation) certified by Transport Canada.

In the event of an environmental emergency, the closest regional Canadian Coast Guard station must be contacted:

In Canada, there are four certified response agencies.

The Canadian authorities have not changed their restrictions with respect to Ice Class in Safety Control Zones, and these restrictions still apply to all ships.

www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/other-services.html

A reasonable quantity of liquor and tobacco products may be left unsecured or unsealed for the personal use of the Master or senior ship’s officers. These quantities are to be recorded on Form E1. A reasonable quantity is defined in the Ship’s Stores Regulations. laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-96-40/FullText.html

Goods for sale or distribution to members of the crew and not to be landed shall be secured or sealed in the same manner as ships' stores and remain secured or sealed until the ship clears for a foreign destination. These goods shall be listed on a separate sheet in triplicate by the Master or other authorised ship's officer and the sheet attached to Form E1. The location of the goods shall be noted on Form E1.

Duty paid goods delivered as ships' stores may be eligible for a refund or drawback under the provisions of Memorandum D7-4-2, Duty Drawback Program. www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d7/d7-4-2-eng.html When such stores are delivered to a ship, a copy of Form K36A, Ships Stores Declaration and Clearance Certificate, is retained by the Master and filed with Form E1 and Form BSF552.

Occasionally, foreign ships may carry animals as a supply of fresh meat; these animals shall be listed on Form E1. These animals shall not be removed from the ship while in Canada.

Pets belonging to crew members shall be listed by species on Form BSF552 opposite the name of the individual owner. These pets shall not be removed from the ship while in Canada.

A crew member may bring personal items ashore without producing evidence that each article is duty paid, but a check of these articles may be conducted prior to the departure of the ship to ensure their exportation. Items declared on Form BSF552 which are subsequently duty paid are deleted from the list, and the date and number of the relevant accounting document (Form B15, Casual Goods Accounting Document) are noted on Form BSF552.

When crew members sign off a ship in a Canadian port, any goods in their possession are subject to accounting in the normal manner.

A Form E311, Declaration Card must be completed, in addition to Form BSF552, Crew’s Effects Declaration, by all repatriating crew.

Returning Canadians may claim residents' or returning former residents' privileges and foreign crew members may apply for either temporary importation or settler's effects privileges. For additional information on Settler's effects, please consult Memorandum D2-2-1, Settlers’ Effects – Tariff Item No. 9807.00.00 www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-2-1-eng.html

The attendance of a CBSA officer may be required when cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, wine, spirits and narcotics are laden on board a ship as ships' stores. It is the responsibility of the vendor, chandler, or transportation company to make any necessary arrangements with CBSA in order to have the services of a CBSA officer approve delivery, and to verify the quantities, sign the accounting document and place the goods under seal, if required. These arrangements should be made no less than 24 hours before the service is required.

Normally, narcotics as medical stores are held in the ship's safe under the direct control of the Master or ship's doctor. The quantity of narcotics and the location of the safe must be noted on Form E1.

The Master or other authorised ship's officer may release a reasonable quantity of tobacco products and spirits for the immediate use of the officers and crew. The quantities issued shall be listed on Form E1. Normally, such issues are made on a weekly basis.

Supplies of wine used as a table beverage need not be secured or placed under seal. Form E1 shall indicate the quantity of such wine on board and the location of the bottles, storage tanks or barrels.

Supplies of beer and ale need not be secured or placed under seal when the ship is departing on a foreign voyage directly from the port of lading. When a ship is to call at another Canadian port on the outward voyage, only 8.2 litres (288 ounces) for each crew member may remain unsecured or unsealed. Appropriate notations should be made on Form E1, to indicate the quantities laden on board and the portion left unsecured or unsealed.

The declaration and receipt forms on the reverse side of the, Form B60, Excise Duty Entry, shall be properly completed when excisable goods are delivered as ships' stores.

Ships' stores paint may be released to a ship's crew or, in the case of a drydocked ship, to the shipyard for painting of the ship. The quantity of paint released shall be noted on Form E1 as it is removed for use.

When a ship intends to call at a non-CBSA port after reporting outward, a reasonable quantity of stores may be issued for the period preceding the actual departure from the non-CBSA port. Remaining ships' stores shall be secured or sealed.

Stores may be checked at each port of call of a ship engaged in international trade.

Alcohol and tobacco may be stored in crewmember’s cabin, but any amounts above the allowances must be declared otherwise it may be seized.

If a crewmember has gifts for Canadian residents, each gift under CAD60.00 is duty and tax free. If a gift is worth over CAD60.00, duty and taxes must be paid on the excess of CAD60.00. Alcohol and tobacco products may not be imported under this gift exemption. If the crewmember is a resident of Canada, they must include the gift as part of their personal exemption. Crewmembers must declare all gifts to a CBSA officer.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the organisation responsible for determining admissibility to Canada. The IRCC is responsible for establishing policies regarding the admissibility of foreign nationals to Canada and related visas, work permits, study, visitor, temporary, and resident applications. The CBSA is responsible for administering and enforcing IRCC policies as they apply at the border. When you enter Canada, a CBSA border services officer (BSO) may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. The burden of proof rests with the foreign national seeking entry to Canada to satisfy the BSO they are admissible in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. Complying with documentary requirements does not guarantee entry into Canada.

Visitors to Canada should have proper travel documents and must also be admissible to Canada under Canadian immigration laws. This documentation may include any related contracts, a letter of introduction from the foreign based company, and a letter of invitation from the Canadian company (if applicable). Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada - not both. Some people may need a work permit. Some people may only need their valid passport. Please note that the travel documents you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with. For further detailed information please consult entry requirements by country at bit.ly/45mrapw or by visiting the IRCC website www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

All crewmembers signing off that are departing the vessel at the FPOA, or will sign off at subsequent Canadian ports, must complete a Form E311, Declaration Card and present themselves to a CBSA officer at the FPOA. Upon presentation to an officer, crewmembers must have with them their Form E311, Declaration Card, passport and/or Seaman’s Book, and flight confirmation (ticket, electronic confirmation).

In instances where the crew sign off at a port of call subsequent to the FPOA, the CBSA may request that the crewmembers present themselves to an officer when they disembark the ship.

A CBSA officer will examine all crewmembers signing off and will make a decision based on a case-by-case basis. All crewmembers signing off must leave Canada by the end of the period granted by an officer.

Vessel must, without delay, notify an officer at the nearest port of entry of any foreign national who ceases to be a member of the crew. All foreign nationals who entered Canada as crewmembers must leave Canada within 72 hours of ceasing to be a member of the crew. Crewmember status ceases when a crewmember is discharged (i.e., terminated from employment), hospitalised and fails to return to the vessel or fails to depart Canada, deserts the vessel, or is believed to have deserted.

When a crewmember of a commercial vessel, including cruise ships, seeks initial admission to Canada when arriving by air, it is important that they declare the purpose of their trip as business and, upon speaking with a CBSA officer, they must clearly explain that they are seeking entry to work on a commercial vessel.