Contact Information and Regulations

Part 1: 1 - Introduction, Contact information and Regulations

2.1 GENERAL

The Marine Operations and the Safety and Security functions of the PRPA, including the Port Security Operations Centre (PSOC), are located at 2120 Scott Road, Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

PRPA’s Head Office and Postal address is: 200-215 Cow Bay Road, Prince Rupert, British Columbia Canada V8J 1A2.

2.2 CONTACT INFORMATION

PORT SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTRE (PSOC)

The PSOC is continuously staffed in order to centrally receive and handle operational maritime requests, questions, messages and reports on behalf of the Marine Operations and Safety and Security functions of PRPA.

For notifications such as ETA, ETD of ships and reports regarding port security, spills, emergencies etc. please contact the PSOC.

For questions related to port security, marine operations, drills, requests, messages, incident reports and repairs, please contact the PSOC.

CONTACTING THE PSOC

Telephone: +1 (250) 627-2522

Fax: +1 (250) 627-2622

Email: psoc@rupertport.com

VHF: Channel 68

For international callers the Telephone Country Code for Canada is +1.

The PSOC’s primary responsibility is for the safe, secure and efficient operations of shipping traffic. This is achieved through assigning berths and anchorages in the port area, enforcing regulations, patrolling the port area and keeping traffic ways clear and coordinating information on traffic movements.

PRPA Marine Operations executes the PRPA Practices and Procedures in accordance with the Canada Marine Act. Prince Rupert Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre (MCTS) provides all the necessary information regarding positions of ships and traffic movement on VHF 71.

2.3 RULES AND REGULATIONS

The rules and regulations in the port contribute to the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible handling of shipping traffic. The international rules of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), such as the SOLAS convention³ as amended and its supporting codes. (e.g. the IMDG code⁴ and IBC code⁵), the Canada Marine Act⁶,and the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR)⁷ are in force in the Port of Prince Rupert. Furthermore, this Port Information Guide contains the PRPA Practices and Procedures pursuant to Section 56⁸ of the Canada Marine Act. These Practices and Procedures apply to all vessels within the port limits of Prince Rupert and to all persons responsible for the planning, operation, conduct and safe navigation of such vessels. Safety and security zones have been defined in section 8.5.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR)⁹ provides necessary information to update all charts and nautical publications. It will advise you of new initiatives, services and also some important announcements concerning the maritime community.

Navigational Warnings (NAVWARNs) – See Section 7.12.

In accordance with the Canada Marine Act and the Port Authorities Operations Regulations¹⁰ PRPA will direct any entry, departures, anchorages, berthing, and movements.

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
Canada Marine Act (S.C. 1998, c. 10)¹¹
Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (2001, c. 26)¹²
Canada Transportation Act (S.C. 1996, c. 10)¹³
Coasting Trade Act (S.C. 1992, c. 31)¹⁴
Marine Transportation Security Act (S.C. 1994, c. 40)¹⁵
Canada Customs Act [R.S.C., 1985, c. 1 (2nd Supp.)]¹⁶
Navigable Waters Protection Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. N-22)¹⁷
Pilotage Act (R.SC., 1985, c. P-14)¹⁸
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 (c. 34)¹⁹
Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR)²⁰
Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations (SOR/2007-128)²¹
Port Authorities Management Regulations (SOR/99-101)²²
Port Authorities Operations Regulations (SOR/2000-55)²³
Collision Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1416)²⁴
Transportation Safety Board Regulations²⁵
Plant Protection Policy for Asian Gypsy Moth²⁶

PORT TARIFF
Information regarding PRPA’s current Port Tariffs can be found here.²⁷

NORTH AMERICAN EMISSION CONTROL AREA (NA-ECA)
The North American Emission Control Area (NA-ECA) is a program to help limit emissions from ships by requiring vessels to burn fuel with a lower content of sulphur in waters up to 200 nautical miles from the coast of Canada. More information can be found here.²⁸For information on PRPA’s Environmental Requirements, see section 14.6.

2.4 EXEMPTIONS AND PERMITS

PRPA can grant exemptions from specific regulations. Permission can also be granted for special activities such as repairs, cleaning or drills. Contact the PSOC for permissions. Forms for Dangerous Goods, Diving, Holding a Marine Event, Bunkering and Hot Work can be completed online or downloaded from here.²⁹