Port Security
Hamilton Port Authority Security Overview
The Hamilton Port Authority (HPA) has implemented electric gate activation, via proximity card readers at port entrance points.
The present hours of operation of the electric and manual security gates are:
- Gates closed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
- The Pier 26 swing gate is closed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Access may be arranged by calling the Port Security Centre.
- The Hillyard Street swing gate at Evans McKeil Way is closed permanently.
When gates are closed, access is granted via use of HPA issued proximity card (PSAC) and reader device located at each gate.
New Times for Port Security Access Card Application Processing
The Port Security Center (PSC) processes Port Security Access Cards (PSACs) Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4pm and by appointment. Appointments can be made by contacting the Port Security Center (PSC) at (905) 525-3412. No PSACs are issued on holidays.
As of March 15, 2010, the PSC will be issuing PSACs from 8am-12pm Monday through Thursday, and by appointment.
Port Security Access Card (“PSAC”)
The PSAC is a plastic identification card with name, facility name, access permission information, physical statistics and photograph; together with a proximity microchip which will allow the card readers at gates to verify information and automatically open gates for access. The PSAC does not need to be ‘swiped’, merely held in front of the card reader.
Only persons having need and right to access port property will be allowed entry into the port. Marine facilities and other HPA customers may obtain PSACs to allow access to the port for their employees.
Effective May 1, 2009 all individuals requiring access to Hamilton's secured port piers and properties are required to hold a valid Port Security Access Card (PSAC). Without this card, no access shall be granted during gates closed hours. Please see below for instructions on how to obtain a PSAC.
There are four (4) types of PSACs available:
| Card Type |
Contractor Access |
Limited Access |
Restricted Access |
TSC-R2 Access* |
Colour |
Yellow |
Green |
Red |
Red with Blue Stripe |
Permission |
Non-Restricted areas** only (unless accompanied by a Restricted Access PSAC holder) |
Non-Restricted areas** only (unless accompanied by a Restricted Access PSAC holder) |
Restricted areas** (excluding R-2 Restricted areas) |
R2-Restricted areas** |
Expiration |
3 years |
5 years |
5 years |
5 years |
Cost (incl. Tax) |
$30.00 |
$30.00 |
$30.00 |
$30.00 |
* TSC-R2 Access Cards are only available to applicants applying for and passing Transport Canada background checks. Further information on this type of access is available at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSecurity/Regulatory/Initiatives/InfopackageMTSCP.htm
** Non-Restricted, Restricted and R2 Restricted Areas are areas defined by Transport Canada’s Marine Transportation Security Regulations and individual facility security plans. Further information is available at:
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/M-0.8/
Application Process
A PSAC can be obtained by completing the application form attached (or online at http://www.hamiltonport.ca/security/PSAC-Application.pdf) and submitting to the HPA together with two (2) pieces of government issued photo ID (see Section 1.2 below) and signed endorsement of an HPA Marine Facility. A photograph will be taken by HPA and included on the PSAC.
The fee for each PSAC is $30.00 Cdn. including applicable taxes, payable by debit, MasterCard or Visa.
If a PSAC is lost or stolen, it must be reported immediately to the Port Security Office at (905) 525-3412. Lost/stolen cards will be replaced at a cost of $50.00 including applicable taxes, at the discretion of the HPA.
Acceptable Identification for PSAC Application
Valid, tamper-resistant government issued photo ID cards containing personal details such as name, description, address and other pertinent data are acceptable forms of identification when applying for a PSAC. These include:
- Provincial driver’s license with photograph
- Canadian passport
- Canadian citizenship card with photograph
- Ontario Health card with photograph
- Canadian Armed Forces identification card
- LCBO BYID photo card
- Photo ID Card issued by a government agency
- Employee photo ID from another Canadian Port Authority
Identification of Personnel Entering Port
All personnel must carry a valid PSAC, such that it is visible, and shall be presented upon request to any Port Security Personnel or Transport Canada representative. While conducting roving patrols, Port Security Personnel may request any persons to identify themselves. Unauthorized persons will need to attend at the Port Security Centre at 450 Sherman Avenue for authorization prior to entry and may be requested to leave the port area.
- All marine facilities are responsible to control access to their own facilities as required by their approved Transport Canada Security Plans and the Marine Transportation Security Regulations.
- Truck drivers - Each facility is responsible for access for persons, trucks and other vehicles that enter their facility as required by their Transport Canada Security Plans and the Marine Transportation Security Regulations. Truck drivers are required to apply for a PSAC to facilitate entry to port property.
- Visitors - Visitors that enter the facilities are subject to the access control measures outlined in the facility’s Transport Canada Security Plans and the Marine Transportation Security Regulations. Visitors without a PSAC must be accompanied at all times by a person who has a valid PSAC and will take responsibility for the actions of the visitor while on port property.
- Vessel crew and passengers - Vessel crew and passengers’ access control measures will be the responsibility of each facility as outlined in their Transport Canada Security Plans and the Marine Transportation Security Regulations.
Port Security Centre
The Port Security Centre is located at 450 Sherman Avenue North. The Harbour Master's Office personnel are stationed at this location to manage all security related activities including issuance of PSACs. Persons without a PSAC who need access to the port will have to proceed to the Port Security Centre to arrange access. The following link will provide directions to the Port Security Centre http://www.hamiltonport.ca/security/PSC-Directions.pdf.
You may contact staff at the Security Centre by:
905-525-4330 x221
HMO@hamiltonport.ca
Hours of Gate Opening/Closures and Related Marsec Levels
NOTE: As of December 19th, 2009, all security gates will be closed 24/7.
Marsec Level 1 - Normal Operating Conditions
Definition: The minimum operating condition for the Port and Marine Facilities at all times unless a higher level is ordered.
All persons entering port areas are required to carry their PSAC to access the electric security gates. All marine facilities are required to follow their Transport Canada approved security plans for MARSEC 1, and provide access control into and on their respective marine facilities.
Marsec Level 2 - Increased Alert
Definition: The threat of an unlawful act is possible and intelligence indicates the terrorists are likely to be active within a specific area against a type of vessel or Marine Facility.
All persons entering port areas are required to carry their PSAC to access the electric security gates. Businesses will be required to operate at an increased alert, and practice extra vigilance and awareness. Random spot checks and additional security staff may be implemented at port entrances and exits. Marine facilities are required to implement their appropriate MARSEC 2 procedures as described in their Transport Canada approved security plans.
Marsec Level 3 - High Alert
Definition: The threat of an unlawful act is probable or imminent and intelligence indicates that terrorists have chosen specific targets.
Port operations may cease at MARSEC 3 due to Police and Emergency Services activity and investigation. Extra security will be posted at entry points and where required. All vehicles entering and exiting the port will be subject to search and may be escorted to their destination. All marine facilities will implement their MARSEC 3 security procedures as described in their Transport Canada approved security plans. All non essential activities should be rescheduled.
Security and Emergency Contact Information
911 IS TO BE CALLED FIRST IN ALL EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
To report marine and/or rail emergencies or to report suspicious activity call:
Port Security Office
(905) 525-3412 - 24 Hours
and then call:
Transport Canada Marine / Rail Duty Inspector
1-877-455-0626 - 24 Hours
Environmental Emergency Spills Action Centre (SAC)
1-800-268-6060