Regional Marine Information
British Columbia is Canada's gateway to the Pacific. West coast ports support a large shipping industry through ice-free, deep-water ports. Transport Canada helps ensure the safe operation of commercial shipping by certifying officers and crews on Canadian ships and inspecting foreign flag vessels entering our waters to make sure they are in compliance with strict safety and anti-pollution standards. Transport Canada also regulates passenger vessel safety in British Columbia, from small whale-watching boats to large ships like B.C. Ferries.
The province's rugged 29,000 kilometre coastline is home to one of Canada's largest recreational boating communities and thriving fishing and marine tourism industries. The Office of Boating Safety is responsible for promoting safe boating for recreational boaters.
Transport Canada is responsible under the Canada Shipping Act to ensure safe and environmentally responsible commercial marine operations, and the Canada Marine Act, to oversee Canada's ports. The Port of Vancouver is Canada's busiest, handling over 70 million tonnes of cargo annually, and the Port of Prince Rupert offers North America's shortest and most efficient land-sea route to Asian markets.
Transport Canada's marine services (e.g., certification and examination of officers and crews, marine occupational health and safety, etc.) can be accessed through our Transport Canada Centres in Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Vancouver, and Public Port of Victoria Traffic Scheme.
In accordance with the federal government's National Marine Policy, Transport Canada is transferring ownership of its regional/local ports to local interests.
For more information about Marine Safety, please contact:
Mailing Address:
Marine Safety
Transport Canada
820 - 800 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2J8
Telephone Number: (604) 666-0834
Facsimile Number: (604) 666-5444
For more information about Harbours and Ports, please contact:
Mailing Address:
Programs Branch
Transport Canada
820 - 800 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2J8
Telephone Number: (604) 666-9849
Facsimile Number: (604) 666-2961
For more information about Victoria Harbour, please contact:
Port of Victoria - Harbour Master
Transport Canada
12 Erie Street
Victoria, B.C. V8V 1Y4
Telephone Number: (250) 363-3578
Facsimile Number: (250) 363-6947
For more information about Navigation Protection Program, contact:
Mailing Address:
Navigation Protection Program
Transport Canada
820 - 800 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2J8
Telephone Number: (604) 775-8867
Facsimile Number: (604) 666-2961
For more information on Canadian Register of Vessels, contact:
Mailing Address:
Transport Canada
Vessel Registration (AMSED)
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N8
Fax: 613-998-0637