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Nanaimo Port Authority Passenger Fee Review Jul 27, 2015


Nanaimo Port Authority Passenger Fee Review
Jul 27, 2015

NANAIMO PORT AUTHORITY PASSENGER FEE REVIEW

                                                        July 27, 2015

On October 1, 2015 the fee assessed to passenger service operators at the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) will increase from $0.15 to $0.25. As part of ongoing operations the NPA reviews tariffs in relation to current, planned, and regulated operational capabilities. This includes the provision of staffing, maintenance and upgrades to reflect roles and responsibilities in maintaining safe navigation, marine security, and environmental response capability.

When first implemented in 2005 the passenger fee was dedicated to providing on water, safety support to the various passenger operations, marine and aviation. Over the last ten years additional regulatory conditions have been added to the NPA’s responsibilities including the provision of port wide marine security under the Transport Canada Marine Transportation Security Regulations as a Port Authority, and as a facility operator. Additionally, enhanced environmental responsibilities have been assigned to Canadian Port Authorities. These include monitoring and response capability.

To meet these challenges the NPA has undertaken the following response capability enhancements:

  • Development of two new patrol vessels, staffing to allow 24/7/365 response capability
  • Working with Nanaimo Fire Rescue to fit both vessels with firefighting capability allowing the response to marine/shore interphase fires where limited capability previously existed
  • Development and installation of a Marine Domain Awareness System to provide real time monitoring capability for the waters of the federally designated port, providing additional safety, security, and environmental stewardship
  • Supporting the marine trade of the Asia Pacific Gateway, and the national economy

These activities listed above have resulted in additional operational staff, and equipment being designed, constructed, maintained and ultimately renewed or replaced. These activities require dedicated financial support. The increase in the passenger fee (first in 10 years) will ensure these vital activities continue to be funded.

Safety, security and environmental response require ongoing investment and support. The commercial shipping sector provides its apportioned share through the “Harbour Dues” component of the NPA tariff program. Terminal operators support these activities through the lease program, and passenger service operators through the passenger fee. The goal is to provide a fair and transparent cost recovery for vital but non-economic expenses. Further information can be accessed through the NPA website at www.npa.ca or by contacting the NPA Administration Offices at (250) 753-4146.

As part of ongoing operations, the NPA reviews tariffs in relation to current planned and regulated operational capabilities. This includes the provision of staffing, maintenance, and upgrades to reflect roles and responsibilities in maintaining safe navigation, marine security, and environmental response capability.

Policies & Procedures, Schedules A & B > Passenger_Fee_Review_July_2015_Doc_for_NPA_Website