Pointe-au-Pic

Size limits

LOA 168m, draught 7.9m.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Range 6.4m.

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

Approach

Depths in the area may vary. Mariners are advised to check these before using the port's facilities.

The directions are as follows:

The wharf at Pointe-au-Pic is approached from the E, passing, with positions given from Pointe-au-Pic Light:

S of "K64" Lightbuoy (starboard hand; bell) 0.3nm E, then, S of "KPP" South Cardinal Lightbuoy, 0.075nm ENE, marking the S side of the shoal ground in La Malbaie.

The water depth at LW is 7.9m, there is no channel between the wharf and the navigable waters. To the North of the harbour area, there is a breakwater (145m long) separated from the shoreline but connected by a metal walkway bridge (35m long) over a small channel, approx 10m wide, which allows freeflow of water into and out of the sheltered harbour area. The breakwater curves around to give shelter from the North. The main quay is to the South, round from the enclosed harbour area, and facing open water, but sheltered from the North because of the breakwater.

Anchorages

Off Pointe-au-Pic: Temporary anchorage is available in depths of 21.0m, with the outer end of the wharf bearing 283°, distant 0.5nm. The tidal streams are very strong with occasional heavy eddies and tide-rips.

Off La Malbaie: Good anchorage is available in depths of 22m off the N end of La Malbaie bearing 289°. This position is out of the main tidal stream and well sheltered from the prevailing winds. Anchorage can be obtained farther out in deeper water. However, the tidal stream is much stronger.

Tugs

Available.

Mooring

On the wharf, manoeuvring length is 15m. Starboard berthing is preferable.

Charts and publications

BA 4783; Can 1234. Admiralty Pilot NP65.

Can 1234. ATL111E (Atlantic Coast Sailing Directions).

US14219. US Sailing Directions 145.

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: Available by radio.

Customs and immigration

The Custom Office is situated in Quebec.

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 carried out, facilities include a boat ramp and 18t hoisting apparatus.

Dry docks

There are dry docks available at Quebec, 100km.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Diesel fuel available.

Provisions: Available.

Medical

Available at LaMalbaie hospital, 3.2km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Quebec City, 130km W.

There is a nearby railway system but with no switchyard.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1700hrs, overtime as required.

Where it is

The port of Pointe-au-Pic is located on the N shore of the St Lawrence River, 130km downstream from Quebec City.

The port

Pointe-au-Pic is a small port serving the village of the same name. The harbour remains ice free and the port is open and accessible all year long. The main cargoes handled are paper products and lumber. Port de Pointe-au-Pic is regarded by Transport Canada as an 'Occasional Use' port, its facilities and storage areas remaining well maintained, when not in use.

What are the pilot arrangements at Pointe-au-Pic?

Compulsory. The pilot station is located at Les Escoumins.

What time zone is Pointe-au-Pic in?

Local time at Pointe-au-Pic is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.

Which load line zone is Pointe-au-Pic 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 Pointe-au-Pic?

Port State Control at Pointe-au-Pic: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Pointe-au-Pic?

The UN/LOCODE of Pointe-au-Pic is CAPOP.

What crews who called at Pointe-au-Pic 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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