SAFETY & SECURITY
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
At Port Saint John, our commitment to health, safety, and wellness is at the heart of our operations. We prioritize the well-being of our employees, contractors, customers, and community, recognizing that a safe and healthy workplace is essential and reflective of our core values.
By fostering a culture of safety and wellness we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. Our dedication to continuous improvement drives us to proactively identify and manage risks, promote wellness, and uphold our commitment to a safe and resilient port community.
ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System)
Port Saint John attained ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems certification in 2022.
We became the first Canadian Port Authority to achieve this milestone. Since then, we have successfully maintained and strengthened our health and safety management system. We recently received our third certification.
ISO 45001 is the global standard for health and safety management. It recognizes organizations that systematically manage and improve health and safety. As a certified port, PSJ remains committed to reducing risks, supporting well-being, and promoting a strong safety culture.
Certification Body: Amtivo (USA) Inc.
SECURITY
PSJ is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient marine transportation environment for port users, tenants, service providers, visitors, and the surrounding community. Our security program supports compliance with applicable Canadian marine security requirements and is designed to help prevent unauthorized access, protect restricted areas, and support the safe movement of people, vessels, and cargo.
ACCESS TO PORT PROPERTY
Access to port property is controlled and monitored. All individuals entering secure or operational areas must have a valid business purpose, follow posted instructions, and comply with directions from security personnel, Port Authority staff, terminal operators, and authorized enforcement agencies.
Photo identification must be presented upon request.
Visitors must be authorized, signed in where required, and escorted unless otherwise approved.
Vehicles, bags, equipment, and deliveries may be subject to inspection as a condition of entry.
Unauthorized access, tailgating, photography in restricted areas, or bypassing access controls is prohibited.
RESTRICTED AND OPERATIONAL AREAS
Some areas of the port are designated as restricted or controlled access areas. These areas may include terminals, vessel berths, cargo handling zones, gates, security offices, marine infrastructure, and other locations identified by signage or by security personnel. Only authorized personnel may enter these areas.
Personnel working in or near restricted areas are expected to remain alert, wear required identification, report suspicious activity, and immediately notify security if an access card, pass, key, or company identification is lost or stolen.
REPORT A SECURITY CONCERN
Security is a shared responsibility. Port users, employees, contractors, vessel crews, and visitors are encouraged to report anything unusual, unsafe, or suspicious, including unauthorized access attempts, unattended items, damaged fencing or gates, suspicious photography, threatening behaviour, or lost identification.
For urgent situations, call 911. For non-urgent security matters, contact Port Security at 1 506 636 5044 or portsecurity@sjport.com. Reports should include the location, time, description of the concern, and any immediate safety risks.
PORT PASSES & MARINE SECURITY CLEARANCES
Depending on the nature of the work, individuals may require a Port Authority identification badge, a temporary visitor pass, or a Marine Transportation Security Clearance before accessing certain restricted areas. Employers, contractors, and sponsors are responsible for confirming access requirements before work begins and for ensuring that personnel complete any required application, orientation, or escort process.
The Pass office is located at 111 Water St – inside the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal
Passes and badges remain the property of the Port Authority and must be returned upon request or when access is no longer required.
PSJ facilitates this program on behalf of Transport Canada and has no insight or control over approvals or denials.
Badges must not be shared, altered, copied, or used by anyone other than the authorized holder.
Access privileges may be suspended or revoked for non-compliance with security procedures.
Processing times for security clearances may vary, so applications should be started well in advance of the required access date.
Port ID must be displayed at all times and be worn from the waist or above.
More information about the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program can be found here: MTSC,
or by calling Port Security - 1 506 636 5044.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE & SECURITY LEVELS
The Port Authority works with marine facilities, terminal operators, vessel representatives, first responders, law enforcement agencies, and Transport Canada to support emergency preparedness and coordinated security response. Security procedures may change based on operational conditions, regulatory requirements, or elevated security levels. Port users must follow instructions issued by authorized personnel at all times.
SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PORT USERS
Comply with all posted signs, access controls, speed limits, and site instructions.
Wear required personal protective equipment and identification where applicable.
Remain within authorized work areas and do not enter restricted areas without approval.
Report unescorted visitors in controlled areas when safe to do so.
Keep gates, doors, and access points secured after use.
Report incidents, hazards, suspicious activity, or lost access credentials immediately.
REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCAFT SYSTEMS- DRONES
Drone operations are regulated by Transport Canada; more information can be found here: Drone Guidance . Drone operators are required to operate safe distances from all operations, vessels, buildings and people. To coordinate a drone operation with Port Saint John, please contact Port Security.
CONTACT PORT SECURITY
For questions about access, passes, visitor requirements, deliveries, escorts, or security procedures, contact Port Security by email or phone 1 506 636 5044.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Throughout 2021 there have been some positive outcomes regarding emergency management.
Our continuous emergency planning and training were put into practice in November through a security exercise, “Cyber Synergy Saint John” including an escalation from MARSEC 1 to MARSEC 2. This involved a full activation of the Port Emergency Response Plan and on-site Emergency Operations Centre and involvement from Port stakeholders and terminal operators.
OTHER PERMITS & PASSES
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Hot work permits are required for all hot work, burning, working with an open flame, or welding carried out on Port Property both ashore and on board ship.
Anyone applying, please contact the Port Security (506) 636-5044.
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All Dangerous Goods Permit requests shall be made to the Harbour Master’s office by 12 pm on the last normal working day preceding the expected time of arrival of such goods in the Port. This includes dangerous goods for export, import, to be retained on board vessel or to be used within the Port. Agents must also ensure that the Stevedore or Terminal Operator, the Ocean Carrier and the Inland Carrier all receive a copy of any permit. Permits are obtained through Port Saint John’s Vessel Portal (Port Control).
Vessels are required to report, prior to arrival in Port, any dangerous goods on board whether for discharge or in transit. This may be done through Canadian Coast Guard ECAREG reporting procedures. A copy of the Dangerous Goods Manifest for all hazardous materials on board the vessel should be readily accessible to shore personnel while the vessel is in Port in the event of an emergency situation occurring.
For further information contact the Harbour Master.