Reminder on the transportation of dangerous goods on board STQ ships and barges

Please be advised of the following regulation from Transport Canada (TC) in regards of dangerous goods transportation on board ships. Those legal requirements ensure the safety of the population, the employees and the environment.

Dangerous goods as cargo (in a package, container, bottle, tote…) are dangerous goods that are not transported in a road vehicle on STQ ships. They must be transported in compliance with the following regulations.

Means of Containment must:

  • Display specific safety marks at all times;
  • Respect UN Standardized requirements, have a UN marking displayed on its outer surface that meets the marking requirements set out in chapter 5 of TP 14850 or 6.1 of the UN recommendations. (The UN number is the four-digit number that identifies hazardous materials);
  • Clearly identify the dangerous goods with placards or signs;
  • Indicate the means of containment for Class 2, (gases, aerosols), in accordance with CGSB-43.123 safety standards.

Visual inspection of standardized containers transported on board STQ ships:

  • Unaffected by sun, drought, or chemicals;
  • Without flaws, leaks, cracks, dents or crushing;
  • Valve, tap or cap without leaks, tight, in good condition and properly closed;
  • Unbroken and clearly legible label, safety marks.

The following pictures are examples of non-compliant containers:

Pictures #1, 2, 3 & 5: Missing identification   Picture #4: Wrong usage   Picture #5: Bad condition

Any dangerous goods that do not comply with Transport Canada's regulations will not be accepted on board STQ ships and barges.

Transportation of dangerous goods

The captain has authority to deny any vehicles that have leaks or are likely to leak (CFTR 151(9)).

If the captain suspects that a container contains dangerous goods that do not comply with transportation regulations, they can take all reasonable steps to confirm their suspicions and, if warranted, refuse to transport the container (CFTR 147).

For safety reasons, there is no smoking on any of our ferries.

Transportation for personal use

You must turn off the ignition while you are on board and apply the parking brake (CFTR 151(1) c)).

A variety of products for personal use are permitted on board our ferries. Some of these products are subject to restrictions, as set out below.

We strongly recommend you fill gasoline, fuel, and propane containers AFTER the crossing.

Containers used to transport gasoline or any other fuel must comply with regulations.

AMMUNITION

(see Firearms)

CAR BATTERIES

You can transport a maximum of three batteries.

CLEANING PRODUCTS

Bleach and other cleaning products can be transported on our ferries. Bottles must be upright in a box.

DIESEL

Diesel is permitted in properly stowed tanks of 450 liters or less.

Note: Containers bigger than 450 liters are considered "large containers" and are subject to regulations for commercial haulers.

EXTINGUISHERS

Extinguishers can be transported on our ferries if they are tightly packed or secured to prevent them from moving around.

FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

Firearms are permitted if transported in accordance with the Canadian Firearms Act.

They must be:

  • Unloaded
  • Out of sight, and the vehicle must be locked if left unattended
  • Equipped with a safety lock, or the bolts must be removed
  • Stored in a locked compartment or case

Small quantities of cartridges for personal use with small arms and rifles (including hunting rifles) are permitted on board provided they are kept in a sturdy case and stored separately from the firearm.

Note 1: A cyclist or pedestrian may transport a firearm (firearms, Airsoft guns, pellet guns, crossbows, bows, arrows, axes and other such items) in accordance with the Canadian Firearms Act as follows:

  • Unloaded;
  • Fitted with a secure locking device, or with the locks removed;
  • Stored in a locked container or compartment.
  • And given to a crew member for safe storage during the crossing.

Note 2: Police and law enforcement officers are permitted to carry weapons when on duty.

FIREWORKS

Fireworks for use by the general public can be transported on our ferries if they are in the manufacturer's original packaging. Unwrapped packages of fireworks are not permitted.

Note: Lighting fireworks or any pyrotechnic device is prohibited on our ferries.

HAY OR STRAW IN BALES

Hay or straw in bales are permitted (UN1327) and must be covered with a plastic tarp, regardless of the quantity.

Note: Hay is not permitted if the bales are wet damp, oil stained, or if the ties between the bales are loose (TDGR, Schedule 1).

OXYGEN

Oxygen for personal medical use is allowed but cylinders must have a maximum water capacity of 25 liters. 

PROPANE

The valves on each cylinder must be closed before boarding and remain closed until you have disembarked (CFTR 151).

Each propane cylinder must:

  • Have a tightly closed valve

SCUBA TANKS

(see Oxygen)

ALL OTHER GOODS THAT COULD BE HAZARDOUS

Generally speaking, dangerous goods are substances or products with physical or chemical properties that could:

  • Burn
  • Explode
  • Be toxic or corrosive (cause asphyxia, poisoning, irritation, etc.)
  • React when exposed to air or water
  • Contaminate water

For all other types of dangerous goods, see Column 8 of Schedule 1, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) and the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations (CFTR).

If you have questions about dangerous goods, do not hesitate to contact us.

CURRENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS

All Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) ferries must comply with the following laws and regulations:

Please make sure you are compliant before starting your trip.