Sault Ste Marie

Size limits

LOA 304.81m, beam 32.01m, draught 8.5m, 61,564DWT.

Water density

1000.

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

Approach

The Canadian Channel has a swept depth of 5.5m, the inner portion just beyond the outer end of the several wharves has a swept depth of 5.1m, except at the Ministry of Transport wharf where there is a swept depth of 7.0m.

Tugs

Purvis Marine; Tel: +1 705 253 3038; Fax: +1 705 946 1881. Advance notice is required to avoid delays.

Charts and publications

US 14883, 14884. BA 4749. Admiralty Pilot NP286(5).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA to be sent a min of 3 days prior to arrival at Montreal. Additional ETA's should be sent on passing Montreal.

Communications

Precott Coast Guard Radio can be used for passing messages throughout 24 hours. Inmarsat can be used for communication.

Through Station "VBB" on either AM or FM radio-telephone. Call "VBR" using VHF Ch 16. Duplex calls may be carried on both AM or FM through "VBB".

Standard messages

Berthing instructions are passed to a vessel by the agent in Montreal. The message advises berth location, docking side, anticipated cargo, berth availability, anticipated time alongside, any navigational problems anticipated and local conditions.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered as per charter party on arrival.

Documents

The above are faxed by the vessel's agent to Customs.

Forms are delivered onboard by the agent as the vessel passes Montreal.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Allowances: One carton of cigarettes and 1 bottle of liquor per crew member, per port, is allowed from the bonded store. Penalties for non compliance are seizure of the goods and fines.

Immigration: Immigration authorities are notified by customs only when crew changes are to take place or there are stowaways onboard or deserters. No one is allowed ashore until the ship is cleared.

Flags

Canadian flag to be displayed as a courtesy.

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

Dock side repairs.

Dry docks

Drydock for up to 3,000t (121m x 18m).

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkering: Available by road tanker.

Medical

Plummer Memorial Hospital, 3.9km and Sault Area Hospital, 6.8km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Sault Ste. Marie Airport located at Sault Ste Marie, 17.7km.

Nearest railway: Algoma Central Railway, CN and CP, 2.2km.

Where it is

Sault Ste Marie harbour is situated on the N shore of St Mary's River, which joins Lake Superior with Lake Huron.

The port

The port is located on the St Mary's River. The port been dedicated port facility for Algoma Steel Inc., one of the largest integrated steel producers in Canada. The port gives access to all main inland ports on the Great Lakes and to direct open shipping via the St Lawrence Seaway. Locks are located in the St Mary's River in both Canadian and American waters. Wharves are located along the waterfront of the city both above and below the ship canals. The navigation season is from Mid March to late December.

What are the pilot arrangements at Sault Ste Marie?

Not compulsory. However, pilots are available with six hours notice.

What time zone is Sault Ste Marie in?

Local time at Sault Ste Marie is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the water density at Sault Ste Marie?

1000.

Who carries out Port State Control at Sault Ste Marie?

Port State Control at Sault Ste Marie: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Sault Ste Marie?

The UN/LOCODE of Sault Ste Marie is CASSM.

What crews who called at Sault Ste Marie 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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