Port Metro Vancouver Port Passes
All workers requiring regular and frequent access to Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) property must have 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 required?
PMV has chosen Port Passes as the means for marine facility operators to comply with Transport Canada security regulations, which require identification of all individuals on marine facility property at any given time. Port Passes include a prox chip that can be programmed to allow entry into specific areas.
You must also have a Marine Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) in addition to a Port Pass if you need access Ballantyne Pier or Canada Place cruise ship terminals. Click here for more information on TSC and instructions for how to apply. (Note: You cannot obtain a TSC until after you have a Port Pass.)
- Get your Port Pass at the BC Trucking Association
- If your company has a TLS Licence from PMV a sponsorship letter is not required
- If your company does NOT have a TLS Licence your company must be sponsored
- Requesting Port Passes from BCTA
- What are the company responsibilities with respect to Port Passes?
- Keep Your Contact information Up-To-Date
- What do applicants need to do to get a Port Pass?
- What if my Port Pass is confiscated?
- Frequently Asked Questions and Links
- Related Links
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 courier companies, bus companies and all suppliers to motor carriers (e.g., mobile vehicle repair services or towing companies). For directions to the BCTA office click here. Port Passes are issued between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Appointments are not required.
If your company has a TLS Licence from PMV a sponsorship letter is not required
The TLS licensing system applies only to container trucking companies. For more information on TLS click here.
If your company does NOT have a TLS Licence your company must be sponsored
Sponsorship is established via a confirmation letter from a PMV port tenant or designated port customers. Generally, sponsors require companies to make requests for sponsorship letters in writing. Some sponsors also request a list of persons who will be applying for Port Passes. Click here for a sample sponsorship letter. Fax the sponsorship letter request directly to the port tenant. A company that is sponsored may sponsor a subcontractor.
Requesting Port Passes from BCTA
Once your company has an approved TLS licence or sponsorship letter, your company must fax a request letter to BCTA at 604-888-2941 as follows:
- Your fax must be on company letterhead signed by the company president, CEO or an authorized company signatory.
- Include your company information: address, e-mail address, telephone and fax number.
- Include a list of persons requiring Port Passes. Each name on this list must be the applicant's legal name and exactly match the applicant's identification. Do not use nicknames or short forms.
- Indicate how payment will be made. BCTA accepts cash, debit, Visa and MasterCard. Invoicing can be pre-arranged.
What are the company responsibilities with respect to Port Passes?
Although Port Passes are issued to individuals, companies are required to inform the issuing agency (in this case BCTA) of any change in contractor/employment status. If a security incident arises on Port property and the company has not informed BCTA about the change in contractor/employment, PMV will contact the company and conduct an investigation.
Any additions or deletions to the authorized company list must be communicated by fax to BCTA at 604-888-2941. The communication must be signed by the company president, CEO or an authorized company signatory. Alternatively, you may complete this form on line and fax it to 604-888-2941 .
Note: It may take up to 72 hours for the terminal to act on the changes.Keep Your Contact Information Up-to-date
- If your company has a TLS (Truck Licensing System) license with Port Metro Vancouver click here.
- If you have an Independent Operator's license with Port Metro Vancouver click here.
- If your company does not have a TLS license click here to e-mail Sharon Hansen, Port Pass Coordinator at BCTA your new contact information. Remember to include your company name, your name, phone number, address and e-mail address.
What do applicants need to do to get a Port Pass?
| 1 | Click here to access the filable PDF Port Pass application form. Complete sections 2 through 28 and 32. (Section 20 is optional.) Applications forms are also available at the BCTA office. | 2 | Make sure your company has faxed authorization to BCTA to issue you a Port Pass. | 3 | Bring two pieces of government-issued identification (one from each column below) to apply for a Port Pass. The name on both pieces of identification must match exactly and must match the name on the company authorization letter.
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4 | Port Passes are $50 (including taxes) for BCTA members and $75 (including taxes) for non-members. Make payments directly to BCTA in cash, by cheque, VISA, MasterCard or debit card. Alternatively, invoicing can be arranged. Port Passes are valid for 5 years. |
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. If your Port Pass is confiscated, the security guard will send the Pass with an incident report explaining the situation to PMV. Once PMV receives the report and confirms there is no security breach, PMV 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 $15.00 handling fee must be paid before your Port Pass is returned.
Frequently Asked Questions and Links
Where can I get an application form?Click here to access a filable PDF 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?
Click here for a 2005/2006 Port Metro Vancouver Container Trucking Guide
Where can I get contact information on the different Port Metro Vancouver terminals?
Click here for a list of terminals
Where can I get map of designated truck routes?
Click here for a Lower Mainland Truck Route Map
Related Links
Port Metro Vancouver Port Pass GatewayPort Metro Vancouver Container Truckers License Application