The transportation of cargos such as grain, timber deck cargo, ore concentrates, coal and dangerous bulk products may constitute a serious threat to human life and the environment. Most bulk carriers must be inspected before loading to check the state of fitness to carry such cargos and to ensure compliance with specific stowing standards.

The inspections and checks are carried out by ship inspectors acting in the capacity of port wardens under Part VIII of the Canada Shipping Act.

These inspections are more specifically intended for foreign vessels leaving Canadian ports for foreign countries. Following most of these inspections, the ships are issued certificates of fitness to proceed to sea.