BC Ferries does not allow fireworks, some camping fuels such as butane, or damaged electric vehicles, and it limits or controls many other dangerous goods, including gasoline, propane, aerosols and lithium batteries. Foot passengers face the tightest rules, so check the list before you pack.
Items that are prohibited
- Fireworks. BC Ferries states they are prohibited on its vessels.
- Butane camping fuel. BC Ferries lists some camping fuels, butane among them, as not permitted.
- Damaged or defective electric vehicles, for example a vehicle with a cracked battery casing, leaking coolant, exposed wiring or signs of fire damage.
Items that are restricted
- Gasoline. A personal vehicle may carry one approved container of up to 25 litres, and foot passengers cannot carry gasoline at all.
- Propane. Personal use is limited to one cylinder of up to 18.9 litres, or three 1 litre cylinders, without extra paperwork.
- Other camping fuels. Up to three 1 litre containers of gaseous fuel or one 5 litre container of liquid fuel are allowed, and the fuel stays on the vehicle deck.
- Aerosols such as hair spray can count as compressed gases and may need documentation.
- Lithium batteries are classed as dangerous goods and need proper documentation when shipped.
- Firearms and ammunition. Foot passengers are limited to specific routes, and ammunition must travel in a separate locked case.
Foot passengers and the baggage service
Dangerous goods are not allowed as hand baggage for foot passengers. BC Ferries also says no dangerous goods of any kind go in its baggage vans. That covers gas or propane tanks, scuba tanks, chainsaws and outboard motors with attached tanks.
Before you leave home
Sharp objects, plants and soil are not covered by the dangerous goods list that was checked here, so ask the terminal if you are unsure about a specific item. BC Ferries recommends contacting the departure terminal before travel for anything that is not clearly listed.
If you are unsure whether an item counts, leave it at home or ask the terminal staff.