ALL marine events that occur within the Toronto Port Authority's jurisdiction require a Harbour Master Authorization. The TPA is responsible for facilitating the safe, shared use of the harbour and ensuring safe navigation. Harbour Master Authorizations must be applied for and obtained prior to any event taking place.

Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event start date.

Marine events include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Yacht or boat races
• Water skiing or personal watercraft events
• Swimming event or races*
• Sailpasts
• Sub-aqua activities
• Hang gliding or parasailing demonstrations
• Any sporting or recreational events
• Media productions

*individuals swimming at designated City of Toronto beaches are exempt

For a Harbour Master Authorization request to be reviewed, applicants must provide:

1. A completed Application for Authorization of an Event Form
2. A signed Waiver of Claims Form
3. Specific insurance with "The Toronto Port Authority and Her Majesty in Right of Canada" added as additional insureds
4. Insurance certificate to include a Cross Liability clause and a Severability of Interest clause
5. Additional clauses may be required depending on the nature of the event; the office of the Harbour Master will advise of any such additional clauses on receipt of the scope of the event
6. A Safety Plan
7. Proof of permission for landside access from any landowner, other than the Toronto Port Authority, where the event occurs
8. A diagram and details including the schedule of placement and removal of any approved temporary markers/docks required for the event.

Fee

The standard marine event application fee is $1,000 plus HST.

Any construction that takes place within the vicinity of the waters of the Harbour of Toronto must be authorized by the Harbour Master's Office.

Any type of construction, dredging, excavation or removal of any material within the jurisdiction of the Toronto Port Authority without a Harbour Master Authorization is not permitted.

The Toronto Port Authority requires a complete application package before a Harbour Master Authorization will be considered.

A complete application package comprises:

1. A completed Application for Authorization of Construction Form
2. Signed Waiver of Claims Form
3. Construction drawings (if applicable)
4. A schedule of work
5. Specific insurance with "The Toronto Port Authority and Her Majesty in Right of Canada" added as additional insureds
6. Insurance certificate to include a Cross Liability clause and a Severability of Interest clause
7. Additional clauses may be required depending on the nature of the construction; the office of the Harbour Master will advise of any such additional clauses on receipt of the scope of the work
8. A Safety Plan
9. Proof of permission from other governmental agencies (if applicable)

Fee

The standard construction in the harbour application fee is $1,500 plus HST.

Diving activities can only occur with the express authorization of the Toronto Port Authority.

Anyone wishing to carry out any diving activities within the jurisdiction of the Toronto Port Authority, including recreational or commercial diving, must first obtain Harbour Master Authorization.

Recreational divers

Insurance is not required from individual recreational divers but they are required to complete:

Application for Authorization of Underwater Diving (for individuals over 18 years of age)
OR
Underwater Diving Permission application (for individuals under 18 years of age)

Commercial divers

As part of the application, commercial divers must provide:

1. A completed Application for Authorization of Underwater Diving
2. Waiver and Indemnity Form (must be signed and witnessed on behalf of the company)
3. Proof of insurance (Commercial General Liability) naming "The Toronto Port Authority and Her Majesty in Right of Canada" as additional insured
4. Insurance certificate to include a Cross Liability clause and a Severability of Interest clause

Fee

The standard diving administration fee is $20.00 + HST per calendar year per individual, and $100.00 plus HST per calendar year for commercial diving companies.

Any filming that takes place on or in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Toronto Port Authority must be authorized by the Harbour Master's Office.

Where filming requires an individual(s) to be on or in the water, a Water-Related Permission Form must be completed for each individual entering the water. Individuals and companies conducting filming must provide insurance and pay location, security as well as administration fees. Please refer to the Filming section of this website for more information.