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)).
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 BOART 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.
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
CAR BATTERIES
You can transport a maximum of three batteries in addition to the one in your vehicle's engine.
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
See below for suggested quantities. If you are transporting more than these amounts, you must stay within sight of your vehicle and notify a member of staff on the vehicle deck immediately if you see a leak.
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)
Note: Cyclists and foot passengers are prohibited from transporting gasoline or fuel.
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, oil stained, 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.
PROPAGE
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
See below for suggested quantities. If you are transporting more than these amounts, you must stay within sight of your vehicle and notify a member of staff on the vehicle deck immediately if you see a leak.
Vehicles can transport a maximum of 65 liters of propane (2 x 30 pounds) (TDGR, Schedule 1, Column 8).
Two cylinders with a total capacity of 65 liters (2 x 30 pounds) can be transported in a camper van or a recreational vehicle. If the vehicle is transporting a portable barbecue, one additional 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 GASES
(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 EXEMPTIONSsections below.
Links 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 EXEMPTIONSsections 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 25 passengers (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, carriers of dangerous goods that are forbidden or limited should travel on crossings scheduled between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
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
UN Number | Shipping Name and Description | Class | Packing Group |
1972 | METHANE, REFRIGERATED LIQUID; or NATURAL GAS, REFRIGERATED LIQUID with high methane content | 2.1 | N/A |
1075 | LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES; or PETROLEUM GASES, LIQUEFIED | 2.1 | N/A |
1978 | PROPANE | 2.1 | N/A |
1951 | ARGON, REFRIGERATED LIQUID | 2.2 | N/A |
1977 | NITROGEN, REFRIGERATED LIQUID | 2.2 | N/A |
2187 | CARBON DIOXIDE, REFRIGERATED LIQUID | 2.2 | N/A |
1073 | OXYGEN, REFRIGERATED LIQUID | 2.2 (5.1) | N/A |
1203 | GASOLINE; MOTOR SPIRIT; or PETROL | 3 | II |
1263 | PAINT; or PAINT RELATED MATERIAL | 3 | I |
1275 | PROPIONALDEHYDE | 3 | II |
1863 | FUEL, AVIATION, TURBINE ENGINE | 3 | II |
1993 | FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S. | 3 | I |
2426 | AMMONIUM NITRATE, LIQUID | 5.1 | N/A |
2014 | HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, AQUEOUS SOLUTION with not less than 20% but not more than 60% hydrogen peroxide (stabilized as necessary) | 5.1 (8) | II |
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:
- Use the boarding lane reserved for vehicles carrying dangerous goods
- 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:
- Canada Shipping Act, 2001
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations
- Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations
Please make sure you are compliant before starting your trip.