Marine Transportation Security Clearance

Commercial vehicle drivers, including bus drivers, who require access to the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place. The MTSC program is administered by Transport Canada.  There is no additional cost for this process.

Note: Those who already have a FAST card or YVR clearance do not need to apply.

• Commercial drivers with FAST cards can enter 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.

• Commercial drivers with YVR clearance can have BCTA request their clearance information be transferred to their Port Pass. Transfers can take up to one week.

To apply for security clearance, drivers must first have a Port Pass. Click here for information on Port Passes and instructions for companies.

Ensure that your drivers have applied for security clearance well before they need to enter the Canada Place cruise ship terminal. BCTA cannot give estimates for the length of time the government will take to process MTSC applications, which is why we recommend applying well in advance.

1. You need a Port Pass to apply for MTSC. If you do not have one, you need to apply for one, see here

2. Fill out the MTSC application form online, here.  Print a hard copy to take with you to your appointment with Westguard Security. At the beginning of the MTSC application under Requesting Authority, please include:

   • Marine port or enrolment site: Port of Vancouver Fraser

   • Applicant's Pass ID: Your port pass number

   • Occupation: Choose from drop down list or select “Other” and fill in your position

   • Company's name: BC Trucking Association

   • Authorized signatory's name: Sharon Hansen

   • Authorized signatory's email: portpass@bctrucking.com

   • Reason for Application: I’m applying for a job for which I need a (TSC)

   • Company's address: 100 - 20111 93A Avenue, Langley BC V1M 4A9
      

4. Submit your MTSC application in person:

• Make an appointment with Westguard Security, located at 999 Canada Place, Cruise Terminal Level (Port Cochere), Vancouver, BC, by:

  • telephone at 604-665-9661,

  • e-mail at MTSC_PortPass@portmetrovancouver.com or

  • online at pmv.simplybook.me

• Take a copy of your completed online application form with you.

• Take the following original documents:

  • Birth certificate (if born in Canada) OR Landed Immigrant/Permanent Resident/Citizenship document (if born outside of Canada)

  • Driver's licence

  • Passport (if you have one; valid or within one year of expiry)

The Westguard Security officer will examine the originals, make copies and return the originals to you. Westguard Security will also take your photograph and fingerprints at your appointment. 

BCTA will notify you once you are granted security clearance. You will need to return to the BCTA office to receive a new face for your Port Pass that includes a MTSC logo.

Questions regarding your TSC expiry date or the renewal process should be directed to BCTA's Sharon Hansen at 604-888-5319.

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.

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.