Gros Cacouna

Size limits

Max LOA 225.5m, beam 32m, draught 9.8m and 38,980DWT

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

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

Tides

High tide 5.5m, average tide 3.5m and elevation of the wharf pavement 7.6m.

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

Approach

The harbour is approached from Chenal du Sud and entered between the breakwater heads.

The navigable channel between the breakwater heads has a width of 170m and depth of 10.2m. A light (framework tower, 5m in height) is exhibited on each breakwater head.

Note: A church, with two 51m spires, stands in the village of St. Georges de Cacouna close S to the Port.

Port limits

The following port limits apply: W 7km; E 6km and front 4km.

Anchorages

Good anchorage available between the SW end of Ile Verte and Rocher de Cacouna, 2nm SSW.

Restrictions

Caution: A wreck lies about 2.3nm W of the breakwater head with a known depth of 22m. Mariners are also advised to consult their nautical charts as the depths of berths may vary.

Tugs

Vessels with an LOA over 180m and 35,000DWT can access the facilities without the assistance of a tug.

Mooring

Manoeuvring area on wharf: Available width, 30m between shed and docking face.

Charts and publications

BA 312; Can 1234. Admiralty Pilot NP65.

Communications

Gros Cacouna Port Authority:

Telephone: 418-867-1784

Facsimile: 418-867-4632

email: [email protected]

For any emergency, contact the port master. If you are unable to reach him, please call 418-562-7094 for immediate assistance.

Notice of readiness

As per Charter Party or upon docking with first line ashore.

Documents

The authorities will accept IMO forms.

The forms are for Revenue Canada Customs and Excise. The vessel's agent will file the documents with the Customs Office after the vessel has berthed. If the required forms are not onboard they can be delivered with the pilot if agent is notified in advance.

Health

Quarantine is available by radio. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate extension is possible.

Customs and immigration

There is a Customs office in Rimouski.

Flags

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

Notices and regulations

Safety regulations for all Societe portuaire du Bas-Saint-Laurent et de la Gaspesie (SPBSG) sites:

1. All work permits must be available

2. Garbage must be disposed of in the bins provided.

3. Any consumption of drugs and alcohol is strictly prohibited on the site.

4. It is forbidden to bypass fences, construction areas and safety and security devices.

5. Only smoke in the locations provided.

6. Always wear the following CSA approved equipment: Safety helmet, safety boots, reflective bib and PFD within 3 metres of the dock.

7. Any injury, defect, danger or incident must be reported to the authorities immediately.

8. Workers who do not work inside motor vehicles have priority and must be respected.

9. Stay away from the moorings of a ship.

10. Seat belts must be worn whilst in a vehicle

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 are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: HFO/DO available on request by road tanker.

Stores: Available by ship's chandler.

Medical

Neasrest hospital: Riviere du Loup Hospital (12.2km).

Transport

Nearest Airport: Aeroport de Riviere-du-Loup (19.2km) and Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (189km).

Nearest Highway: Port has direct access to provincial highway 132 and highways 20 and 85

Nearest Railway: Approx 10km away and operated by CN.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0830-1700hrs. Overtime as necessary.

Where it is

Gros Cacouna is a well protected artificial harbour, approx 215km downstream of Quebec City, located in front of the mouth of the Saguenay and on the S shore of the St Lawrence River.

The port

The public port handles cargo including wind turbine components, explosives, forest products, dry bulk and general cargo. It is renowned for its storage area and ease of entry due to its direct access to numerous highways (Provincial highway 132, highways 20 and 85).

The harbour, enclosed by two rock filled breakwaters, is open throughout the year. The assistance of icebreakers may be required.

Traffic

Approx 373,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Gros Cacouna?

Compulsory and provided by the Corporation des pilotes du Bas-Saint-Laurent.

What time zone is Gros Cacouna in?

Local time at Gros Cacouna is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Gros Cacouna?

The deepest berth listed is at Gros Cacouna Wharf Terminal: 9.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Gros Cacouna?

1025.

Which load line zone is Gros Cacouna 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 Gros Cacouna?

Port State Control at Gros Cacouna: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Gros Cacouna?

The UN/LOCODE of Gros Cacouna is CAGCA.

What crews who called at Gros Cacouna 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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