Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program
The Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program (MTSCP) is a federal requirement for drivers and other workers who have to enter a restricted clearance area at a marine port (also referred to as a "Restricted Area 2" or R2. An R2 is the area adjacent to a cruise ship designated for the loading or unloading of cargo and ships' stores). MTSCP came into effect December 15, 2007. Drivers who need access to these areas must either have a valid Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card OR pass a transportation security clearance (TSC) assessment that includes providing background information, a photograph and fingerprints.
- Who Need to apply?
- BCTA's role
- Information for companies
- Information for drivers
- How do I apply?
- A. Get a sponsoring signature at BCTA
- B. Submit your TSC application at Westguard Security
- When will I receive TSC?
- Is there a fee?
- Expiry dates
- How do I renew?
- Where can I get more information?
- What if my application is refused?
Who need to apply?
Under the MTSCP, the federal government carries out security assessments on different types of workers who need access to marine facilities and ports. Commercial vehicle drivers, including bus drivers, who must enter Ballantyne Pier and Canada Place (lower level) cruise ship terminal docks need to apply for security clearance if they do not already have a FAST card.
Commercial drivers with FAST cards can enter an R2 as long as they agree to abide by the procedures and requirements identified by the operator of the marine facility or port administration. Other than a Port Pass, they do not require additional security clearance.
BCTA's role
The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) does not grant security clearance. This is a federal program overseen by Transport Canada. BCTA does, however, have signing authority to act as the sponsor for drivers.
Information for companies
| 1 |
To apply for security clearance, drivers must first have a Port Pass. Click here for information on Port Passes and instructions for companies. |
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| 2 |
Ensure that your drivers have applied for security clearance well before they need to enter either the Ballantyne or Canada Place cruise ship terminals. For your convenience, BCTA has created a handout explaining the application process for you to give to your drivers. You can also give them a sample application that may help them fill out the form. |
Information for drivers
All drivers who do not have a FAST card and need access to the Ballantyne and Canada Place (lower level) cruise ship terminals must apply for security clearance. Drivers are personally responsible for completing TSC applications and providing the required documentation.
How do I apply?
Click here to download a TSC form from Transport Canada. You must get a sponsoring signature on Part A of this form from BCTA at our office in Langley. Then, you must complete the appropriate sections of the form and submit it, with your ID (described below), at Westguard Security in downtown Vancouver.
Get a sponsoring signature at BCTA
The BCTA office is at 100 - 20111 93A Avenue in Langley. Click here for directions.
Please note the following before you come:
| 1 |
You need a Port Pass to apply for security clearance. If you do not have one, you can apply for one at the same time by bringing a completed Port Pass application form and required identification (ID) with you. For more information and the Port Pass application form, click here. |
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| 2 | BCTA will fill out Part A of the TSC form for you during Port Pass application hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. No appointment is necessary. |
B. Submit your TSC application at Westguard Security
The Westguard Security office is at 280 - 1575 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC. Make an appointment by calling 604-488-3508. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
| 1 | Take your completed application form with you. Part A was completed by BCTA. The security officer who reviews your application will fill in Part B. You must complete Parts C, D, & E of the TSC form, in blue or black ink only. Note that in Part C you must completely describe your education and all the locations you have lived and all of your activities over the last five years. You may need to consult supporting documentation to do this, so take time to fill in the form accurately before you go. Click here for a marked up copy with reminders for completion. |
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| 2 | Take the following original documents :
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When you submit your application, the security officer will take your photograph and fingerprints, go over the form with you, and then forward all these items to Transport Canada.
When will I receive TSC?
BCTA cannot give estimates for the length of time the government will take to process your application. The sooner you apply the more likely you are to have security clearance when you need it.
BCTA will notify you once you are granted security clearance. You must return to the BCTA office to receive a new face for your Port Pass that includes a TSC logo, your eye colour and height. Our representative will attach the face to your Port Pass at the BCTA office.
Is there a fee?
Transport Canada does not charge for a background check. Applying at the BCTA office is free for members. There is a $15 administration fee for non-members, but you do not pay this fee until you receive security clearance and come in to the BCTA office to have your new Port Pass face attached to your card. Payment is by cash or credit card only; no invoices and no prepayment.
Expiry dates
TSC is valid for 5 years and ideally should be linked to your Port Pass expiry date. If your Port Pass is close to expiry, BCTA strongly encourages you to renew your Port Pass at the same time that you apply for security clearance, to avoid multiple trips to the BCTA office each time you need to update either your Port Pass or TSC status.
How do I renew?
Transport Canada will accept TSC renewal application three months before the expiry date. The renewal process is the same as that for a first-time applicant:
- Your Port Pass must be valid.
- Fill out Transport Canada's TSC application.
- Visit the BCTA office in Langley to have the application signed by a BCTA representative.
- Submit the completed application and fingerprints to the Westguard Security office at #280 - 1575 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, where they will fingerprint you and take your photograph.
- Return to the BCTA office to have your Port Pass updated once you have been notified that your clearance has been approved.
Transport Canada does not charge for a background check. Applying at the BCTA office is free for members. There is a $15 administration fee for non-members, but you do not pay this fee until you receive security clearance and come in to the BCTA office to have your new Port Pass face attached to your card. Payment is by cash or credit card only; no invoices and no prepayment.
Questions regarding your TSC expiry date or the renewal process should be directed to BCTA's Sharon Hansen at 604-888-5319.
Where can I get more information?
The Transport Canada website provides a detailed Information Package on the entire process, including the type of information collected, how Transport Canada uses it for background checks and any privacy concerns you may have.
What if my application is refused?
Transport Canada will notify you directly if they have refused your application and why. You may apply to have this decision reconsidered through Transport Canada's Office of Reconsideration. This office will arrange for an independent review and assessment of your application and any supporting comments that you wish to provide. For more information and the necessary forms, click here.