Transportation of dangerous goods

The captain has authority to deny any vehicles that have leaks or are likely to leak (CFTR 151(9)).

If the captain suspects that a container contains dangerous goods that do not comply with transportation regulations, they can take all reasonable steps to confirm their suspicions and, if warranted, refuse to transport the container (CFTR 147).

Filling fuel tanks or transferring fuel on board is not allowed.

For safety reasons, there is no smoking on any of our ferries.

Click on the relevant link

Transportation for personal use
Commercial transportation

Transportation for personal use

You must turn off the ignition while you are on board and apply the parking brake (CFTR 151(1) c)).

However, if there is a risk of condensation on the windshield the engine can be left running provided the driver stays within sight of the vehicle and can quickly turn off the ignition if necessary.

A variety of products for personal use are permitted on board our ferries. Some of these products are subject to restrictions, as set out below.

We strongly recommend you fill gasoline, fuel, and propane containers AFTER the crossing.

Containers used to transport gasoline or any other fuel must comply with regulations.

TRAILERS CARRYING A MOTORIZED BOAT OR VEHICLE

If you are towing a trailer carrying a motorized boat or one or more motorized vehicles, you can only tow the maximum number permitted, i.e., one motor boat or a maximum of two motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, or jet skis.

Each boat or vehicle must be firmly secured to the trailer, and to prevent spills during the crossing, the fuel tank(s) must not be completely full.

Note: If you want to transport gasoline containers in addition to the boats and vehicles listed above, the fuel tank(s) of the boat or vehicle(s) being towed must be empty.

AIR CYLINDERS AND SCUBA TANKS

(see Oxygen)

AMMUNITION

(see Firearms)

AUXILIARY FUEL TANKS

Not to be confused with spare gasoline tanks (see Gasoline). Auxiliary fuel tanks that form an integral part of the vehicle, connected by a fuel line to the engine fuel system, and firmly secured and protected from external damage, are permitted.

CAR BATTERIES

You can transport a maximum of three batteries in addition to the one in your vehicle's engine.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

Up to five liters of the following fuels in metal containers is permitted, per vehicle:

 

  • methyl alcohol
  • liquefied petroleum gases (LPG)
  • white gas
  • Kerosene
  • other camping fuels

 

CLEANING PRODUCTS

Bleach and other cleaning products can be transported on our ferries. Bottles must be upright in a box.

DIESEL

Diesel is permitted in properly stowed tanks of 450 liters or less.

Note: Containers bigger than 450 liters are considered "large containers" and are subject to regulations for commercial haulers.

EXTINGUISHERS

Extinguishers can be transported on our ferries if they are tightly packed or secured to prevent them from moving around.

FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

Firearms are permitted if transported in accordance with the Canadian Firearms Act.

They must be:

  • Unloaded
  • Out of sight, and the vehicle must be locked if left unattended
  • Equipped with a safety lock, or the bolts must be removed
  • Stored in a locked compartment or case

Small quantities of cartridges for personal use with small arms and rifles (including hunting rifles) are permitted on board provided they are kept in a sturdy case and stored separately from the firearm.

Note 1: A cyclist or pedestrian may transport a firearm (firearms, Airsoft guns, pellet guns, crossbows, bows, arrows, axes and other such items) in accordance with the Canadian Firearms Act as follows:

  • Unloaded;
  • Fitted with a secure locking device, or with the locks removed;
  • Stored in a locked container or compartment.
  • And given to a crew member for safe storage during the crossing.

Note 2: Police and law enforcement officers are permitted to carry weapons when on duty.

FIREWORKS

Fireworks for use by the general public can be transported on our ferries if they are in the manufacturer's original packaging. Unwrapped packages of fireworks are not permitted.

Note: Lighting fireworks or any pyrotechnic device is prohibited on our ferries.

FUEL

(see Gasoline, Diesel, Camping Equipment, and Auxiliary fuel tanks)

GASOLINE

Gasoline can be transported as follows:

 

  • In a motor vehicle, a maximum of 25 liters in a container designed to hold gasoline, secured inside the vehicle (CFTR 151(1))
  • On a trailer pulled by a vehicle, a maximum of two gasoline containers each no bigger than 25 liters, secured on the trailer or in the boat or vehicle on the trailer (CFTR 151(3))
  • In a camper van or recreational vehicle, a maximum of 25 liters in a container designed to hold gasoline, secured inside the vehicle (CFTR 151(2)d)

 

Cyclists and foot passengers can carry gasoline in 25-liter containers secured and stored in the designated location.

HAY OR STRAW IN BALES

Hay or straw in bales are permitted (UN1327) and must be covered with a plastic tarp, regardless of the quantity.

Note: Hay is not permitted if the bales are wet, damp, contaminated with oil, or if the ties between the bales are loose (TDGR, Schedule 1).

KEROSENE

(see Camping equipment)

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES

(See Camping equipment)

METHANOL

Methanol can be transported in the tank of a race car. Two containers designed to carry methanol no bigger than 25 liters each and firmly secured on the trailer are permitted (CFTR 151(3)).

METHYL ALCOHOL

(see Camping equipment)

OXYGEN

Oxygen for personal medical use is allowed but cylinders must have a maximum water capacity of 25 liters. Cylinders not in a portable carrier must be secured inside the vehicle (TDGR 1.6 (1)).

Compressed air cylinders or full or partially full scuba tanks are permitted on board in quantities of 25 liters per container, provided they are kept in a locked vehicle.

Cyclists and foot passengers can transport scuba tanks provided they are stowed in the designated location on the vehicle deck.

PROPANE

The valves on each cylinder must be closed before boarding and remain closed until you have disembarked (CFTR 151).

Each propane cylinder must:

 

  • Be vented to the outside
  • Be stowed in the back of the vehicle or camper van
  • Not protrude beyond the height or width of the vehicle
  • Have a tightly closed valve
  • Have a tag confirming the valves are properly closed

 

Vehicles other than recreational vehicles can transport a maximum of 65 liters of propane (2 x 30 pounds) (TDGR, Schedule 1, Column 8).

Recreational vehicles can transport propane in two factory-installed cylinders with a maximum total capacity of 65 liters. Portable barbecues transported by a recreational vehicle can have no more than one propane cylinder with a maximum capacity of 65 liters (60 pounds) (CFTR 151(2)).

Camper vans can transport two propane cylinders with a maximum total capacity of 65 liters (2 x 30 pounds). Portable barbecues transported by a camper van can have no more than one propane cylinder with a maximum capacity of 65 liters (60 pounds) (CFTR 151(2)).

Propane can be transported in a vehicle towing a trailer provided the total capacity is no more than 65 liters (2 x 30 pounds) (TDGR, Schedule 1, Column 8).

Cyclists and foot passengers can carry propane provided the cylinder has a capacity of 30 pounds and is secured and stored in the designated location.

SCUBA TANKS

(see Oxygen)

WHITE GAS

(see Camping equipment)

ALL OTHER GOODS THAT COULD BE HAZARDOUS

Generally speaking, dangerous goods are substances or products with physical or chemical properties that could:

 

  • Burn
  • Explode
  • Be toxic or corrosive (cause asphyxia, poisoning, irritation, etc.)
  • React when exposed to air or water
  • Contaminate water

 

For all other types of dangerous goods, see Column 8 of Schedule 1, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) and the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations (CFTR).

If you have questions about dangerous goods, do not hesitate to contact us.

Commercial transport

Before you check in Our ferry crossings are governed by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) and the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations (CFTR).

All dangerous goods brought on board our ferries must be authorized. Before you check in, see Column 8 of Schedule 1, TDGR, to determine whether you are transporting anything that is forbidden or limited.

SCHEDULE 1 OF THE TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS REGULATIONS (TDGR)

Where there is a number in Column 8, that number is the maximum quantity (per means of containment) that can be brought on board (TDGR 1.6(1)). Special procedures might apply to allow you to transport more than the maximum allowed. See the SPECIAL PROCEDURES and EXEMPTIONS sections below.

If Column 8 has the word Forbidden, special procedures might apply to allow you to transport the goods (TDGR 1.6(1)). See the SPECIAL PROCEDURES and EXEMPTIONS sections below.

Where Column 8 is blank, there are no restrictions.

Note: The number of dangerous goods haulers per crossing is limited.

SPECIAL PROCEDURES

Dangerous goods that are forbidden or limited can be brought on board vessels with no more than 21 or 25 passengers (depending on the boat and not including the crew) except for explosives, where the maximum number of passengers is 12 (TDGR 1.10).

To comply with these passenger number requirements, there are special crossings for carriers of dangerous goods that are forbidden or limited. Please contact our offices 48 hours in advance to learn more.

Note: We do not restrict passenger numbers in order to accommodate carriers of dangerous goods that are forbidden or limited. Such carriers will board last, shortly before departure.

EXEMPTIONS

UN1203 gasoline and UN1978 propane
Under an exemption for UN1203 gasoline and UN1978 propane, tanker trucks are allowed (TDGR 1.30.1).

UN1075 liquefied petroleum gases
Tanker trucks carrying UN1975 liquefied petroleum gases can be substituted for UN1978 propane in the preceding paragraph provided the word propane is on the shipping document in parentheses after the words liquefied petroleum gases (TDGR 132.1 (3))

To qualify for these exemptions, the driver must:

 

  • Pass an inspection to check for dents and any signs of leaks before the truck is loaded on the ferry
  • Leave the parking brakes on for the duration of the crossing until the ferry is docked
  • Leave the engine on or, if it is off, not turn it on again until the ferry is docked
  • Stay with the truck during the crossing

 

Quick reference

DANGEROUS GOODS WITH SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

UN1327 Hay or straw in bales
UN1327 Hay or straw in bales can be transported on our ferries and must be covered with a plastic tarp, regardless of the quantity.

Note: Hay is not permitted if the bales are wet damp, oil stained, or if the ties between the bales are loose (TDGR, Schedule 1).

Service vehicles
UN1978 Propane, UN1072 Compressed oxygen, and UN1001 Acetylene, dissolved Service vehicles are allowed on our ferries if they are transporting no more than:

 

  • One propane cylinder with a maximum capacity of 65 liters or
  • One compressed oxygen cylinder with a maximum capacity of 50 liters or
  • One dissolved acetylene cylinder with a maximum capacity of 75 liters

 

Cylinders must be stowed upright in the vehicle in permanent fixtures, and their valves must be tightly closed and covered with a metal screw cap.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

To facilitate boarding and protect the health and safety of passengers and employees, please:

 

  • Arrive early to allow STQ staff to complete the required checks
  • Check your vehicle (truck and trailer) for any leaks or other problems before you drive onto the ferry
  • Have your shipping documents ready for inspection
  • Drive slowly as you approach the ferry and follow instructions from crew members, who will direct you to the bow or stern of the boat.
  • Apply the parking brake. An STQ employee will put wheel stops in place

 

CURRENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS

All Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) ferries must comply with the following laws and regulations:

 

 

Please make sure you are compliant before starting your trip.