Port Saguenay (CASAG)

Chicoutimi is an alternative name for Port Saguenay.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Port Saguenay is situated on the Saguenay River, 54NM from the confluence of the St. Lawrence River.

LOA 345.03m, beam 41.00m, draught 12m and 100,000DWT.

Approx 1,250,000t of cargo, 31,500t of coal, 290,000t of iron ore, zero passengers and 100 vessels handled annually.

Vessels must obtain the SPA's authorisation before proceeding to the anchorage area and then the designated anchorage area must be coordinated with the pilot. Good anchorage in a depth of 36.6m or less, is available on the N side of the river, between Pointe aux Pins and a position E of the spoil ground situated approx 1.5nm SE of the church at Saint Fulgence, (48°27'N 070°54'W). Good anchorage in a depth of 29.3m can also be taken with the church in Saint-Fulgence bearing 142°, distant about 1.5 miles. Except in an emergency no vessel is permitted to anchor within the port limits without the prior permission of the Port Manager and then only in the assigned berth. Note: In the event of treacherous weather the Harbour Master may demand that the ship to be moved. Vessels either at the anchorage or berthed at the terminals are forbidden from conducting overside maintenance which may produce wastes that may fall into the water, including hull coatings or abrasive materials. Any work that can generate excessive underwater noise should be avoided. If they can not be avoided, measures must be taken to limit them. This work must be reported in advance to the Port Authority.

In approach, there is a speed limit of 7 knots when within 2 miles of the port facilities

BA 1370. Admiralty Pilot NP65. Canadian chart: 1202

The Canadian Coast Guard can be contacted via the VTS at Les Escoumins. Tel: +1 418 233 2194, VHF Ch 09.

1000-1015.

Mooring front 286m (939ft).

Pilotage is compulsory and must be requested 24 hours, 12 hours, 6 hours in advance and notice must be confirmed 4 hours prior to arrival at the pilot station. As well as the ETA, vessels must also note their GT to "Pilots Montreal". The pilot boards vessels that are W bound at Anse aux Basques and then E bound at Quebec City. The pilot station for vessels upbound to Saguenay is located at Anse aux Basques, 2 miles SW of Les Escoumains Wharf on the N shore of the St. Lawrence River. There are two pilot boats on service throughout the day. The Master of every vessel inbound in the Gulf of St Lawrence and destined for ports W of Escoumins must report their ETA to pilotage in Montreal via Vessel Traffic Services, on VHF Ch 14, to Sept-Iles radio station, "VCK", giving ETA and other pertinent information required to Escoumins pilot station. There are changeover points along the river at Quebec, Trois Rivieres and St. Lambert. During so, captains are asked: 1. To be present on the bridge during the pilot changeover. 2. Not to take over the conduct of the ship from the pilot who is about to leave the ship. 3. Not to delay the taking of the conduct of the ship by the pilot who has just boarded. 4. To support pilots during this operation. Note: Pilot may refuse to pilot a vessel if he/she health or safety is endangered. 1. If the ship is not compliant with regulations adopted under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, L. C. 2001, c. 26 pertaining to equipment. 2. The ship’s deck is cluttered with cargo, containers or any other material obstructing the pilot’s view or restricts him or her in the discharge his or her duties. 3. If the bridge windows are not defrosted or the bridge is insufficiently heated to the point where it may affect the health of the pilot or render the performance of his or her duties unduly difficult. 4. When the ship cannot provide the pilot or apprentice pilot, on request, suitable meals and, when required by the circumstances, a cabin in accordance with his status as an officer. 5. When the vessel does not meet or violates the guidelines for safe navigation issued from time to time by the Canadian Coast Guard regarding pilotage. 6. SPA is also not liable for any damages that may due to error, fault or negligence on the part of a Pilot or Tug(s), while they are assisting in the berthing or departing manoeuvre of a vessel.

The E limit of the port is a line drawn from Cap Ouest, (48°23'N 070°45'W) in a 010° direction to the mouth of the Riviere Pelletier, on the N shore.

There are range lights which are visible only in alignment, range beacons, and lighted buoys mark the channel to Saguenay. Pointe aux Pins light, shown from a tower, is on the point. Pointe aux Pins is the S extremity of a rocky headland projecting from the N shore of the Saguenay. Poste-Saint-Martin Range lights are in line bearing 287.5° and each light is shown from a tower. The lights are on both shores of the Saguenay River and approximately 3m above Saint-Fulgence. Riviere Valin Range Lights are in line bearing 314°, situated on the N shore close E of the mouth of Riviere Valin and each light is shown from a tower. Riviere Caribou Range Lights are in line bearing 283.5°, situated on the north shore, close E of the mouth of Riviere Caribou and each light is shown from a tower. Simard Range Lights are in line bearing 256°, situated on the north shore, 0.5 mile SW of the mouth of Riviere Caribou and each light is shown from a tower. The rear light is visible only when in alignment. Riviere-du-Moulin Lower Range Lights are in line bearing 215°, situated on the S shore near the residential district of Riviиre-du-Moulin. The rear and front lights are shown from a tower. Riviere-du-Moulin Upper Range Lights are in line bearing 081.5°. The front light is shown from a tower situated on the S shore near Riviиre-du-Moulin and is visible only when in alignment. The rear light is shown from the same structure as the rear light of Riviиre-du-Moulin Lower Range Light.

It has been noted that a fountain emerges from the water near the W extremity of Chicoutimi Old Port wharf. The wharf runs parallel to the Saguenay south shore and is located at the head of the city, 1 mile west of Riviere du Moulin. It is also worth noting that there is a migratory bird sanctuary in the area of Battures de Saint-Fulgence and within the protected area access regulations apply. Caution: Following the channel W from the main terminal (Grande-Anse Marine Terminal) towards the town of Saguenay there are two bridges that span the Saguenay River. The first bridge, with a vertical clearance of 3.1m has private air obstruction lights which are shown from the bridge span. A crib in ruins is just above and below the bridge. Close above the aforementioned bridge, there is a second bridge. This is a fixed highway bridge which stands on six piers 73m apart. The minimum vertical clearance under the centre span of the bridge is 7.8m. Continuing W it is suitable only for small craft and local knowledge is essential. Further upstream, navigation is no longer possible due to the Shipshaw Hydro-Power Dam facilities.

MHWS 4.5m, MLWS 0.4m. Low water levels are considerably affected by meteorological conditions. The tidal range is reduced by the river slope, especially during the freshest season, from Apr to Jul. At this time, there can be a strong seaward flow, which reinforces the ebb current and can overcome the flood current. Whether the flood gates at Saguenay are open or closed will depend on the rate of the ebb current. It has been reported that during the freshet there is no flood current, and the maximum ebb rate is 4 knots. At the height of the thaw, approx the beginning of Jun, the outgoing stream runs swiftly, sometimes overcoming the ingoing tidal stream and requiring special care. At springs a large body of water passes over the shoals below Saguenay, attaining a very rapid rate during the outgoing tidal stream. This out flow falls suddenly into deep water S of Cap des Roches, (48°27.0'N 070°54.0'W) and seems to strike downwards at once, leaving only a slight stream on the surface.

Available at Grande-Anse Marine Terminal. Note: In the event of safety or environmental protection, the SPA requires that a vessel, secures the services of tugs or other agencies or services and the aforementioned services will then be at the expense and risk of the vessel concerned. SPA is also not liable for any damages that may due to error, fault or negligence on the part of a Pilot or Tug(s), while they are assisting in the berthing or departing manoeuvre of a vessel. .

Prevailing winds: W'ly. An icebreaker is available on request for escort upstream and downstream as soon as ice conditions becomes severe for commercial shipping.

Messages can be passed via Marine Communications Traffic Services (MCTS). VHF: Ch 14. Saguenay Port Authority: Telephone: 1-418-697-0250 or 418-812-6400 Facsimile: 1-418-697-0243 E-mail: info@portsaguenay.ca

Allowances: Officers and crew are allowed 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 0.9kg of tobacco and 1.1 litres of liquor or 8.2 litres of beer or ale. There is a penalty for non-compliance. Immigration: There are, generally, no formalities except when a vessel has stowaways and passengers without visas onboard. The following restrictions are in place: ..... 1. Crew members signing off must first be cleared with ustoms. 2. Passengers are not allowed to leave the ship until cleared with ustoms, same for supernumeraries accompanying ship's crew. 3. Passengers from some countries require visas.

The following documents are required on arrival: ..... Document 1. Customs and Immigration A-6 form, (foreign vessels) 2. 1-C form (domestic vessels) 3. Cargo Manifest, loading and unloading As per regulations these documents must be forwarded by the agency 48 hours after the loading or unloading of cargo from a vessel.

Vessel's ETA should be sent 24 hours before arrival to ensure the availability of pilots at Escoumins for vessels proceeding from the Gulf of St Lawrence to Grande-Anse wharf. A second ETA must be sent 12 hours prior to the scheduled time of arrival and confirmed or revised 6 hours prior to arrival at the pilot station.

State flag at the stern, Canadian flag on the mast.

Ice breaking service: When a vessel must leave Grande-Anse Marine Terminal 12 hours notice must be given and confirmed 4 hours before ice breaking assistance required. A 6 hour delay could be required for a new assistance request. A vessel wishing to obtain a berth must apply by completing a berth request, if accepted he will send the ship or his agent a mooring permit. The harbour master is the only person who can assign a berth or authorise a vessel to enter, go beyond or move within the Saguenay Port Authority (SPA). Regulations: 1. A vessel with explosives or other hazardous materials can enter the limits of SPA before getting a dangerous goods permit. 2. In the event of safety or environmental protection, the SPA requires that a vessel, secures the services of tugs or other agencies or services and the aforementioned services will then be at the expense and risk of the vessel concerned. 3. In the event of potential or actual risks to the environment, safety or security of personnel or property, may require the movement of vessels in the port. Movements will be directed by the SPA and must be complied with in these circumstances; the SPA can order tugs, or other services necessary for the safe movement of a vessel. 4. Vessels must proceed at a safe speed. 5. From sunset to sunrise, any vessel that is projecting their bow or stern must be adequately illuminated in order to be visible from all directions. 6. Vessels berthed at the Grande-Anse Marine Terminal may move along the berth with vessel lines and prior authorisation from the Harbour Master. The request may only be granted depending on the weather conditions, other vessels in the vicinity and any special condition relating to the vessel and the safety of the operation in hand. 7. Vessels that wish to test their equipment or machinery, the demobilisation of main engine(s), steering gear or other shipboard system that affects the vessels’ propulsion or manoeuvrability, must apply for authorisation through their agents. 8. Vessels either at the anchorage or berthed at the terminals are forbidden from conducting overside maintenance which may produce wastes that may fall into the water, including hull coatings or abrasive materials. Any work that can generate excessive underwater noise should be avoided. If they can not be avoided, measures must be taken to limit them. This work must be reported in advance to the Port Authority. 9. When in areas near combustibles, no process may be undertaken which produces sources of ignition.

Pratique should only be applied for when vessel is arriving from a country which has a plague outbreak or the vessel has had a death onboard and serious illness among the crew or infestation of rats. Pratique can be applied for by radio. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

As per Charter Party or upon docking with first line ashore.