Navigation and safety

Ensuring safe navigation within the port

Safe shore leave guidelines for seafarers 

The Port of Vancouver Seafarer Welfare Committee, comprised of government authorities and marine stakeholders, has created Guidelines for effecting safe shore leave for seafarers, based on all known national and provincial public health policies, and international standards.

COVID-19 vaccines available for seafarers  

We are working with local health authorities and partners to make COVID-19 vaccines available to seafarers. If your crew is interested in receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine while in port, please notify your local ship agent or contact the Chamber of Shipping directly at: 604-681-2351 or[email protected]at least 48 hours prior to arrival.   

With more than 16,000 hectares of water serving approximately 3,200 commercial ship visits each year—not to mention traffic from local recreational boaters—the Port of Vancouver is a big and busy place.

As the federal agency responsible for the stewardship of these waters, our role as a Canada Port Authority is to work with a variety of safety, security and emergency response organizations make sure the port is safe for everyone.

Some of the ways we manage marine navigational safety include:

  • Sharing our procedures for safe and efficient navigation within the waters of the port through our Port Information Guide
  • Monitoring marine and land activities within our jurisdiction through our 24/7 operations centre, office staff, harbour patrol officers and security team
  • Reviewing and issuing permits for port users who wish to conduct certain marine operations or events on port lands or waters
  • Promoting safe boating practices to recreational boaters
  • Posting berth soundings for Burrard Inlet and Roberts Bank
  • Requirements for terminal surveys