VFPA Port Passes
All people requiring regular and/or frequent access to Vancouver Port property will need to obtain a Port-authorized photo identification, called a Port Pass. Failure to have a valid Port Pass may result in being refused access to port property.
Why are Port Passes being required?
Port Passes or photo identification has been chosen by the Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) as the means for marine facility operators to comply with Transport Canada security regulations, which require identification of who is on marine facility property at any given time. Port Passes include a prox chip that can be programmed to allow entry into specific areas.
As of December 15, 2007, you will also need Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) in addition to a Port Pass if you must access restricted areas at the Ballantyne or Canada Place cruise ship terminals. Click here for more information on TSC and instructions for how to apply.
What are company responsibilities with respect to Port Passes?
Although Port Passes are issued to individuals, companies are required to inform the issuing agency of any change in contractor/employment status. In the case of truck and bus drivers, fax the BC Trucking Association (on company letterhead and signed by a senior company official to BCTA, 604-888-2941) when a driver leaves a company or a driver with a Port Pass joins a company using this form. If a security incident arises on Port property and the company has not informed BCTA about this change in contractor/employment status, the company will be contacted and an investigation regarding non-compliance will be conducted.
What if my Port Pass is confiscated?
Your Port Pass will be confiscated if company sponsorship information is not kept up to date when you change companies. When your Port Pass is confiscated, the security guard will send the Pass with an incident report explaining the situation to the VPA. Once the VPA receives the report and confirms there is no security breach, the VPA will return the Pass to BCTA. Call the BCTA office in advance to confirm whether your Port Pass has arrived.
BCTA will be able to return your Pass to you when your new company faxes us a notice with your full name and Port Pass number stating that you are now affiliated with another company. BCTA must receive this fax in order to reactivate your Port Pass. Please note that a handling fee of must be paid before your Port Pass is returned.
Get your Port Pass at the BC Trucking Association
Truck drivers or anyone driving a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 5,000 kg or more must obtain their Port Pass from the British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA). BCTA is also responsible for issuing Port Passes to all BCTA members, courier companies, bus companies and all suppliers to motor carriers (e.g., mobile vehicle repair services, towing companies). BCTA is located at 100-20111 93A Avenue, Langley, BC V1M 4A9. Port Passes are issued between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Appointments are not required.
What does my company need to do?
| 1 | If your company has a truck permit from the Port, the company needs to fax a list of persons who require a Port Pass to the BCTA Office at 604-888-2941 on company letterhead, with an indication of how payment is to be made, signed by the company president, CEO or an authorized signatory from the company. |
| 2 | Non-Container companies must be “sponsored”. Sponsorship is established via either a confirmation letter or VPA license as follows:
|
| Sponsorship letters must be on company letterhead stating that your company requires access to Port property and must be signed by the company president, CEO or an authorized signatory from the company. This letter must be faxed directly by the sponsoring company to the BCTA Office at 604-888-2941. Your company must also supply BCTA with a list of workers or subcontractors who require a Port Pass on company letterhead, with an indication of how payment should be made and signed by the company President, CEO or an authorized signatory for the company. This letter can be faxed to BCTA at 604-888-2941. | |
| 3 | The names on the list must exactly match the applicant's identification. Use full legal names. Do not use nicknames or short forms of names. |
| 4 | BCTA will NOT process applications unless these letters have been received. |
What do I need to do to get a Port Pass?
| 1 | Click on Port Pass Application to download the application form. Complete sections 2 through 28 and 32. (Section 20 is optional.) Alternatively, you can fill out an application form when you reach the BCTA Office. | ||||
| 2 | Bring two pieces of government-issued identification (see below for details - one from each column) to apply for a Port Pass. Both pieces of identification must match exactly and must match the name on the company letter.
|
||||
| 3 | Port Passes are $60 (including taxes) for BCTA non-members and $40 (including taxes) for BCTA members. Make payments directly to BCTA in cash, by cheque, VISA, MasterCard or debit card, alternatively, invoicing can be arranged. | ||||
| 4 | Port Passes issued by BCTA are valid for 5 years. |
How to Obtain Your Pass Quickly With No Hassle
- check with your company dispatcher or fleet manager to ensure that your name has been added to the company drivers list (on company letterhead with an authorized signature) and faxed to BCTA (604-888-2941) before you come in
- print out a copy of the Port Pass Application (link below)
- complete the top half of the application form
(only down to the Conditions of Issue) - if some boxes don't seem to apply, leave them blank
(i.e.: boxes 1, 20, 29, 30 and 31) - print clearly, preferably in block letters
- be sure to provide a private password
- this is used for secondary verification (for example, if you call us to change any information contained in your application we will ask for your private password to verify your identity)
- examples of private passwords:
- mother's maiden name
- pet's name
- city of birth
- nickname
- read and understand the Conditions of Issue
(you will be signing to this in front of the issuer) - come in during our posted Port Pass issuing hours only
(Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - try to avoid coming in during lunch hour
- have your two pieces of ID ready
(see table above for list of acceptable ID) - if you are making payment by cash, try to bring in the exact amount as it will be handled quicker
Useful Documents
Where can I get an application form?
Click here for a Port Pass Application
What happens if my Port Pass is lost, stolen or confiscated? What if my personal information changes?
Click here for a description of conditions of use
How do I get to the BCTA office?
Click here for Directions to BCTA
What should a company sponsorship letter contain?
Click here for a Sample Port Pass Sponsorship Letter
Where can I get more information about VACS, overweight and dimensional procedures, a map of major terminals, etc.?
Click here for a 2005/2006 VPA Container Trucking Guide
Where can I get map of designated truck routes?
Click here for a Lower Mainland Truck Route Map
Related Links
VPA Port Pass Gateway
Port of Vancouver Container Truckers License Application