Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program
The Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program (MTSCP) is a new 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. At this point, for truck and bus drivers, 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. Anyone who needs access to these areas must now pass a security assessment based on information collected through an application process that includes providing background information, a photograph and fingerprints.
Who needs 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 the Vancouver Port Authority Ballantyne and Canada Place (lower level) cruise ship terminal docks need to apply for 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. |
|---|---|
| 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 need access to the Ballantyne and Canada Place (lower level) cruise ship terminals must apply for security clearance. Drivers are personally responsible for completing Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) applications and providing the required documentation.
How do I apply?
Click here to download a Transportation Security Clearance (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 either the Commissionaires BC office or Westguard Security, both in downtown Vancouver.
A. 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. |
|---|---|
| 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 in Vancouver
You must submit your TSC application at either:
Commissionaires BC at 800 - 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC. (Make an appointment by calling 604-646-3351. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
OR
Westguard Security 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. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Take the following original documents :
|
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.
Drivers with FAST cards. Transport Canada has informed BCTA that the applications of drivers who already have a FAST card will not take as long to process.
Is there a fee?
Transport Canada does not charge for a background check. Applying at the BCTA office is free for members, but there is a $15 administration fee for non-members. If you are a non-member, you do not pay the fee until you receive security clearance and come in to the BCTA office to have your new Port Pass face attached. 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.
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.