Travelling with Dangerous Goods

Many commonly used products are among the thousands of items subject to regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods. This list includes products such as gasoline, propane, paint, hay, and fireworks.

To ensure the safety of our passengers, crews, and vessels, Marine Atlantic meets or exceeds all applicable Canadian and International regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods.

If you have additional questions or if you are a passenger transporting items for resale, you can contact us for further information.

Commercial customers transporting dangerous goods can find more information here.

Information to remember

• Consumer products must be transported in their original container or packaging.
• Dangerous goods must be left in your vehicle. Foot passengers cannot transport dangerous goods.
• Empty containers that hold dangerous goods, such as jerry cans, tanks, and cylinders, are still considered dangerous and subject to the same regulations as if they were full.
• Some items listed below include a 150 kg maximum, which is also the combined maximum weight of all dangerous goods allowed per booking.
• There are exceptions for limited amounts of some goods that are in quantities or concentrations available to the general public. There are additional limitations, requirements, and fees when transporting dangerous goods not covered by exemptions. 

Declaring dangerous goods

Below is a list of common consumer dangerous good items. If you are travelling with any of the below items in excess of the noted allowable limits, you will need to fill out a dangerous goods shipping document before travelling with Marine Atlantic.

Have questions about travelling with another item not listed below? Please contact us for details.

Consumer dangerous goods items

Aerosols

Most aerosols in consumer packaging under 1 litre in size can be carried on our ferries.

Batteries (vehicle)

Each vehicle can carry up to 30 kg of new or used vehicle batteries.

Firearms and ammunition

Firearms may be transported in passenger vehicles. They must be cased or locked, out of sight, and follow all federal transportation requirements.

Ammunition for handguns, rifles and shotguns that has been legally acquired as consumer goods may be transported by passengers in amounts up to 25 kg of total weight. Ammunition must be in the original packaging and carried separately from any firearm.

Please note some types of specialized ammunition, such as those including black powder, have additional requirements. Contact us for more specific information.

Fireworks and pyrotechnics

Passengers may not carry any fireworks or pyrotechnics.

Flares

Most flares can only be transported on designated dangerous goods sailings and require full documentation. Contact us for more details.

 Fuels

Gasoline and diesel

Passengers must declare all fuel products they’re carrying. Spare containers of gasoline are permitted, but only in limited amounts and in CSA-approved containers. The containers cannot exceed 25 litres each and must be secured in the vehicle.

• Passenger vehicles and RVs may carry one spare container
• Vehicles towing a boat may carry two spare containers
• Vehicles carrying a snowmobile or ATV may carry two spare containers

Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

Often referred to as slip tanks, these tanks can be installed in the beds of pickup trucks to carry additional fuel. They are permitted when carrying diesel and firmly secured to the vehicle. Tanks with a total capacity over 100 gallons or 450 liters require declaration and a shipping document.

Propane

Passengers must declare all propane products they’re carrying and any propane tank will be issued a tag. One tag must be affixed per propane tank once it has been shut off.

• Propane valves must be closed and cylinders must be firmly secured to prevent tipping.
• No gas appliances may be operated while on board.
• RVs may have a maximum of two cylinders with a total capacity of 65 litres or less (as reference, a 20 pound tank holds 17.8 litres of propane). RVs carrying a portable barbecue may carry an additional cylinder with a capacity up to 65 litres.
• Regular passenger vehicles may carry up to three one-pound propane tanks. Larger tanks are prohibited.

Coleman’s Fuel, Naphtha, White Gas

These products are used to fill camp stoves and lanterns. Passengers may have two containers that are a maximum of 5 litres each. 

Gases

Any cylinder or tank containing gases must be transported upright and firmly secured in a vehicle with the valves closed.

Acetylene

All full or partially full tanks with a capacity over 46 liters, or multiple tanks with a total capacity over 150 kg, must travel on designated dangerous goods sailings and require full documentation.

Tanks under 46 liters may be carried on all sailings if regulators and hoses are detached and the valve is closed and capped. They require a dangerous goods declaration form.

Air bottles, scuba tanks

Passengers may transport up to 150 kg in one or more approved containers.

Empty tanks last containing air are not considered dangerous goods as long as the valves are open and not under pressure.

Helium

Passengers may transport up to 150 kg in one or more approved containers.

Oxygen (compressed)

Passengers may transport up to 150 kg in one or more approved containers.

Personal medical oxygen is permitted. Click here for more details.

Hay

All vehicles travelling with animals that include any hay or straw require a dangerous goods declaration form.

See more information about travelling with livestock here.

Paint & paint-related products

Oil-based products, including paint, lacquer, enamel, stain, shellac, varnish, polish, liquid filler and liquid lacquer base, as well as paint thinners or reducing compounds, are regulated. Passengers are permitted up to 150 kg of total product in containers no larger than 30 kg each.

Latex paint is not regulated and is permitted onboard.