Yarmouth

Size limits

Max LOA 106.30m, beam 23.80m, draught 4m and 936DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Area. For ships over 100m in length, Winter Dec 16 to Feb 15, Summer Feb 16 to Dec 15. For ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Tidal Range: MHWS 4.6m and MHWN 3.8m.

Average tidal range is 4.3m.

The current change direction swiftly following HW and LW by the shore. The inshore flood currents run NW at a maximum velocity of 3kts between Tusket Islands and Yarmouth. Approx 3.4nm W of the entrance to the port, the flood current runs N at 2kts and ebb currents run S at 1.65kts.

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

Approach

Yarmouth extends from the harbour entrance to the vicinity of Bunker Island. A dredged channel marked by buoys leads through the sound from close within its S end.

Main channel: A narrow continuation of the dredged channel from the N end of Yarmouth Sound, is marked by buoys and leads through the drying flats in the port area where it terminates in a turning area (180m) abreast the town.

South channel: A minor channel with depths of less than 3.0m leads SE from near the NE end of the main channel to Irving Oil Pier and a number of derelict piers at the most S end of the port area.

The directions for entering the harbour are as follows:

Approach: Mariners approaching Yarmouth should make "YA" Lightbuoy (safe water; whistle; Racon), 4nm SW of East Cape, or "N8" Lightbuoy (starboard hand; whistle), 5.6nm W of East Cape and then vessels should adjust course to pass NW of "Y2" Lightbuoy (port hand; bell), 0.5nm SSW of East Point.

When approaching from the S care is necessary to avoid the following dangers (positioned from East Cape):

Foul ground (3nm S), rock with a least depth of 1.9m and over which there is a tide rip.

Roaring Bull, (2.25nm S), a rock drying 0.2m, 0.5nm W, marked by "Y2" Lightbuoy (starboard hand; bell).

Entry: Yarmouth Sound: From a position SE of "Y3" Lightbuoy the channel into Yarmouth Sound leads NNE to a position W of Hen and Chickens (0.6nm ENE of East Cape), a group of rocks, some of which dry, marked close NW by "Y4" Lightbuoy, (starboard hand; bell).

Then the dredged channel through the sound, marked by lightbuoys and buoys (port and starboard hand) leads N passing (positioned from SW point, 43°48.9'N., 066°08.4'W of Bunker Island).

E of Ships Stern, (0.5nm SW) on the N end on which stands a light (framework tower, white base), then:

W of Privateer Rock, (0.25nm SSW) which dries, then:

W of Bunker Island Light, (white square tower, red stripe, 9m in height), 0.2nm SW. The light stands near the extremity of a drying reef extending 0.05nm SW of Little Bunker Island which itself is connected by a drying reef to the SW point of Bunker Island.

Main channel: At Bunker Island Light the dredged channel alters direction and the Main Channel marked by lightbuoys and buoys (port and starboard hand), leads NNE, passing (positioned from the SW point of Bunker Island):

Between Sollows Rock (0.25nm W), which dries and is marked close SE by "YC" lightbuoy (E cardinal) and Little Bunker Island where the channel is at its narrowest, then:

Between Johnsons Point (Fish Point), 0.3nm NNW on which there is a monument and Bunker Island of which Battery Point is the N point. A group of white oil tanks stands near the centre of the island, then:

Between Elders Head (0.8nm N) and an obstruction, visible at LW and close E of "Y28" Lightbuoy (starboard hand), 0.8nm NNE at the outer end of a submarine pipeline extending WNW from the E shore. The end of the pipeline is marked by a radar reflector on a yellow mast.

Port limits

The port limits extend between East Cape and Sunday Point, (0.8nm ESE).

Traffic schemes and VTS

Yarmouth lies within the Bay of Fundy VTS Zone.

Anchorages

In fine weather, anchorage is available outside the harbour in varying depths, in an anchorage area, marked on the chart, NW of Cape Forchu. Depths vary from 20-40m and the holding ground is reported to be good. An outer anchorage can be found at Yarmouth Sound, in depths of 12.8-18.2m at LW. On the other hand an inner anchorage lies W of Bunker Island in depths of 12.8m, mud.

For vessels LOA 150m, there are no available anchorages in the harbour.

Restrictions

The harbour is subject to constant silting and strong tidal currents. Caution should be taken as a result due to the uncertain depths within the harbour and must obtain the latest information from the Harbour Authority.

It is worth noting that a submerged pipeline extends in a NW direction about 0.8nm NE of Johnson Point. A headwall is visible at the outer end of the pipeline at LW.

Tugs

Available on request and arranged in short order.

Charts and publications

BA 337, 352; Can 4245. Admiralty Pilot NP59.

Communications

Yarmouth Harbour Master contact info

Telephone: +1 902 742 1803 / +1 902 740 4780 (mobile)

Facsimile: +1 902 749 0375

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.portofyarmouth.ca

Pilots contact info

Telephone: +1 902 742 9580 / +1 902 749 6482 (mobile)

Scotia Garden Seafood contact info

Telephone: +1 902 742 2411

Halifax MCTS/VCS - Ship/Shore Communications contact info

VHF: Ch 14, 16, 24, 26, 70

Frequencies: 2182J3E, 2538J3E, 2582J3E

Note: Broadcast are made in English and followed by in French. Broadcast are given throughout the day to provide forecasts and wave height forecasts in areas 201to 208. Further notifications given are for U.S weather forecasts for coastal waters as well as navigational warnings in the areas of Bay of Fundy, S and W coast of Nova Scotia.

Notice of readiness

NOR normally tendered when vessel secured alongside berth except most tankers tender on arrival pilot station or at port limits.

Documents

Documents are received by Canada Customs on arrival or in the absence of Customs it is the responsibility of the vessel's agent to take documents to Canada Customs and Immigration.

Health

Pratique should be applied for when arriving from a country which has infectious diseases or death onboard from unknown causes. Pratique is applied for through the vessel's agent.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Allowances: For each officer or crew member the allowance is 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 0.9kg of tobacco and 1.1 litres of liquor or 8.2 litres of beer or ale.

Penalty for non compliance with the above is forfeiture. If ship's bond count is not accurate, overage results in forfeiture and penalty, under results in payment of duty, taxes and penalty.

Immigration: Routine filing of documents is undertaken by the vessel's agent. There are no restrictions on crew and/or passengers except those who require a visa. If they do not possess a visa they must remain aboard the vessel.

Canada Border Protection Services Agency are located within the port area, servicing ferries and vessels arriving at the port.

Flags

State flag to be flown over the stern and Canadian flag at the mast.

Notices and regulations

Garbage bins and recycling (domestic and foreign) available at the port.

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 from pipelines on the wharves.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Yarmouth Regional Hospital (1.7km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Yarmouth Airport (YQI) (3km).

Nearest highway: The port has access to Route 101 and 103. Both routes travel to Halifax; Route 101 travels N to E whilst Route travels S to E.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1700hrs. Overtime as required.

Where it is

The port is situated on the E side of Yarmouth Harbour, on the SW corner of Nova Scotia, at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy. It is located roughly 300km SW of Halifax, Canada.

The port

The harbour is accessed by moderately sized vessels and represents the commercial centre for the SW part of Nova Scotia. It remains open throughout the year however, is subject to silting. Masters are advised to check available depths with the Harbour Master. The port services private pleasure and fishing vessels. There is also a ferry service linking Yarmouth with the US ports of Bar Harbour and Portland.

What are the pilot arrangements at Yarmouth?

Pilotage is not compulsory, but a local pilot is available, and recommended for mariners lacking local knowledge.

What time zone is Yarmouth in?

Local time at Yarmouth is UTC−4. Clocks go to UTC−3 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−4 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Yarmouth?

The deepest berth listed is at Lobster Rock Marine Terminal: 4.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Yarmouth?

1025.

Which load line zone is Yarmouth in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Area.

Who carries out Port State Control at Yarmouth?

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

What is the UN/LOCODE of Yarmouth?

The UN/LOCODE of Yarmouth is CAYRH.

What crews who called at Yarmouth 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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