Squamish

Size limits

LOA 208.78m, draught 11.9m, beam 32.26m, 62,967DWT.

Water density

1005/1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Max tidal range for Squamish is 5.1m. Mean spring range 2.8m and mean neap range about 1.0m.

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

Approach

The approach to the harbour is through Howe Sound and the entry to the harbour is made N of Watts Point (49°38.8'N 123°13.4'W).

The inner approach to Squamish is through a channel in the river entrance, dredged to a depth of 9.0m. The channel is hemmed in on both sides by log booms and deadheads, other floating debris is also present. Depths of 7.6m have been found in the area due to silting.

The E entrance point to the channel is marked by Squamish approach light which is exhibited from the centre pile of a 19 pile dolphin with a red and white triangular daymark. The centre line of the channel is indicated by leading lights, (fluorescent orange daymarks, white stripe), in line bearing 034°. The leading lights to the various berths are given below.

Port limits

The harbour limits extend to a line drawn NW from Watts Point.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Assigned frequency is 156.6MHz, Ch 12.

Anchorages

Short term anchorage can be obtained in about 50m, 0.3nm SW of Squamish Approach Light (49°40.8'N 123°09.8'W). Long term anchoring is not recommended due to the poor holding ground and the suddenness of local winds.

Tugs

There are 4 tugs with capacities up to 1,600bhp available from Squamish Tugboat Co.

Charts and publications

BA 4920, 4922. CAN 3534. Admiralty Pilot NP25, NP286(5).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA to be sent on departure from last port to the consigned agent. Further ETA's, dependent on Charter Party, are normally sent 14, 10, 7 and 5 days prior to arrival. The ETA message should include the date and time of arrival, name of Master, last 3 ports of call, number of crew and breakdown of nationalities. Canadian Coast Guard require pre arrival report sent at least 96 hours before arrival if vessel arriving from a foreign port. See Country section for further details.

Communications

San Francisco ("KPH" and "KFS") and Vancouver Coast Guard ("VAI") coast radio stations can be used for passing messages throughout 24 hours. The stations can transmit/receive traffic on all HF frequencies and 500kHz, depending on distance from station.

Inmarsat can also be used.

VHF: Ch 11 and 16.

Notice of readiness

The custom of the port is to tender NOR on arrival at a safe anchorage or first line at berth. If an outer anchorage is used Master may tender NOR by cable or telex.

Documents

The documents are handed to the agent on arrival. He will leave onboard 2 copies each of items (2) and (3) above. Thereafter, Customs may perform spot checks on the vessel and will demand these documents.

The vessel's agent usually arranges for forms to be delivered onboard, by the pilot, for the Master to complete for arrival alongside.

Health

It is not necessary to apply for pratique unless there is an infection or dead person onboard. Pratique can be applied for by radio.

If there is any sickness onboard the vessel will be quarantined.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

For Customs purposes, Squamish is considered part of Vancouver Metro District.

Customs allowances: Officers and crew are allowed 1 bottle of spirits or 24 cans of beer and 200 cigarettes. Any excesses are confiscated or duties must be paid.

Passengers onboard are subject to search of their personal effects if they intend to land.

Immigration: Any supernumeraries must be reported (with or without visa).

Immigration officers only conduct spot checks on vessels. Otherwise agent processes immigration Crew List.

Passengers onboard are subject to document checks if they intend to land.

Flags

Interco flag "Q" must be flown if there is sickness onboard.

Notices and regulations

Canadian Coast Guard may attend a vessel for port state control inspection. Furthermore, if a vessel is more than 10 years old and loading coal or bulk concentrates then they could attend for the bulk carrier inspection programme for structural deficiencies of cargo bulkheads and inspection of wing tanks.

Discharge of dirty ballast is strictly forbidden. Owners must apply for an oil spill response agreement prior to vessels arrival, through the agent.

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

Small repairs are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh Water: Available

Bunkering: Not available.

Stores: Available in moderate quantities from Squamish

Medical

Squamish General Hospital, 3km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Vancouver International, 90km.

Nearest railway: BC Rail servicing port, connecting to CP and CN Rail.

Working hours

No restrictions.

Where it is

Squamish is located at the head of Howe Sound, 50km N of Vancouver, at the entrance to the E arm of Squamish River.

The port

Squamish is a public harbour under the jurisdiction of Transport Canada. The port handles dry bulk and general cargo, and it is always free of ice and fog.

Traffic

Approx. 1,000,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Squamish?

Refer to "Canadian general information, re Pacific Coast Pilotage".

What time zone is Squamish in?

Local time at Squamish is UTC−7. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Squamish?

The deepest berth listed is at the port's berths: 11.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Squamish?

1005/1025.

Which load line zone is Squamish in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Squamish?

Port State Control at Squamish: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Squamish?

The UN/LOCODE of Squamish is CASQA.

What crews who called at Squamish 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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