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Harbour Dues Service

At a public port facility Transport Canada will provide in a reasonable manner, on a 24/7 basis:

  • The administrative authority to control vessel traffic and port activities as it relates to the safe and efficient movement of passengers and goods in a manner that protects the environment within the limits of the public port.
  • Notification to users and stakeholders within 48 hours of changes to the public port that may affect the safe and efficient movement of passengers and goods in the public port.
  • Where advertised, an on-site administrator (harbour master) to respond to requests/inquiries within 24 hours.
  • On a local/regional/national/international basis representation at meetings/seminars relating to the safe and efficient use of the public port.
  • A port emergency response plan covering the public port.
  • Where appropriate an approved port security plan with a qualified Port Security Officer.

To measure the service being provided, Transport Canada will require the regions to submit on an annual basis a report to Headquarters outlining:

  • That the requested/inquiries for the control of traffic and port activities as it relates to the movement of passengers and goods in a safe and efficient manner in the public port were provided in a reasonable manner.
  • That 90% of the notifications were issued within 48 hours after first noting the change in condition of the public port.
  • Where advertised, that the harbour master was available to respond to Transport Canada business at the public port as required.
  • That Transport Canada port official attended local/regional meetings on behalf of the public port.
  • That the Public Port Emergency Response Plans was reviewed and updated.
  • That the public port subject to Part III of the Marine Transportation Security Regulations continue to have a valid Statement of Compliance of Port Facility Certificate and that the mandatory annual security audit has been completed.

Headquarters will consolidate these regional reports and add their input before forwarding to the Deputy Minister.

Disputes relating to the harbour dues service provided by Transport Canada may be handled in the following manner:

  • First level:
    Disputes (mostly oral) address to and handled by the onsite administrator (harbour master).
  • Second Level:
    Disputes (both oral and written) addressed to and handled by regional administrators (Operations staff and Regional Director).
  • Third Level:
    Disputes (mostly written) referred from the region or addressed directly to and handled by Headquarters administration.
  • Final Level:
    Disputes addressed to the Minister of Transport.
Date modified:
2010-02-03