Blanc-Sablon

Size limits

Draught 6.6m.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Mean water level 2.1m.

The ingoing stream usually sets W through the bay at an average rate of 1.5kts. The outgoing stream sets E. Winds can increase the rate of tidal streams to 2.5kts.

Wind against tide raises a heavy sea in the channels, particularly between Ile au Bois and the mainland, where conditions can be dangerous.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

There is no channel between the wharf and navigable waters.

Blanc-Sablon Leading Lights stand on the hillside 0.5nm NW of Pointe Saint-Charles. The alignment (063°) of these lights leads into Blanc-Sablon Bay, then through the entrance to the anchorage.

Anchorages

Anchorage can be found in depths of 12.8 - 18.3m, sand, with fall of cliff on E side of the Blanc Sablon River

Restrictions

A submarine cable is laid 180m from the shore at Point Morel; a prohibited anchorage sign is situated near the shore.

A cathodic protection system is in operation at the public wharf. Appropriate precautionary measures should be taken.

Charts and publications

BA 4731, 4735. Admiralty Pilot NP65, NP286(5).

Flags

State flag at the stern, Canadian flag on the mast.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

Inspection of ships in Canada

Transport Canada,

Inspection and Operations Standards Division,

Tower C, Place de Ville, 330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5.

For Flag State Inspection Standards (Canadian Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 991 4818

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

For Port State Control Standards (Foreign Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 993 8196

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Directorate Marine Security - Transport Canada.

Position: Director General.

Address: 112 Kent Street, Tower B, Place de Ville, Ottawa, ON, K1A ON5, Canada.

Tel: +1 613 851 6302

Fax: +1 613 949 3906

Website: http://www.tc.gc.ca

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Minor repairs can be undertaken.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Fuel: Available.

Supplies: Available.

Medical

Blanc-Sablon Health Centre, Tel: +1 418 461 2144.

Transport

Nearest Airport: Lourdes de Blanc-Sablon (regional airport). The port is not linked to the provincial highway network.

Ferry: Service operates to St Barbe, Newfoundland, from May 3 to Jan 3.

Where it is

Blanc-Sablon is located on the Lower North Shore close to the Labrador border, approx 350km downstream from Sept Iles.

The port

There is no winter navigation. The wharf is primarily used to supply the local inhabitants with shipments of general goods and petroleum products and by a ferry service to Newfoundland.

What are the pilot arrangements at Blanc-Sablon?

Not compulsory but available.

What time zone is Blanc-Sablon in?

Local time at Blanc-Sablon is UTC−3:30. Clocks go to UTC−2:30 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−3:30 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Blanc-Sablon?

The deepest berth listed is at Blanc-Sablon Ferry Terminal: 6.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Blanc-Sablon in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Blanc-Sablon?

Port State Control at Blanc-Sablon: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Blanc-Sablon?

The UN/LOCODE of Blanc-Sablon is CAYBX.

What crews who called at Blanc-Sablon say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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