Travelling for Night Vision Events [Domestic Canada]

As out-of-province night vision events become more popular in Canada, here's a guide on the best way to do so with your night vision device and/or firearms. This guide really only applies if you're travelling by air, but some parts will still be applicable if you're driving. 

STEP 1 - Get your ATT (for restricted firearms only)

1. Book your air travel
2. Book your accommodations at the destination
3. [If you are travelling with Restricteds] Go to RCMP Individual Web Services and obtain an ATT. You will need your PAL/RPAL number, last name, DOB, and place of birth along with the exact firearms that you are travelling with.
4. Once you're logged in, scroll to the ATT section
   
5. Under Reason for Transport, select 'Transport to and from an approved shooting club or shooting range for target practice (for Restricted firearms and Prohibited handguns only)
6. Enter the name of the shooting range where your event is happening. 
7. Select the firearms on step 3. Note that most airlines only allow a maximum of three (3) firearms per person.
8. Under Dates and Times of Transport you will want to put the start/end dates/times of when you are leaving your house. See Step 1
9. Enter the address where you will be staying. See Step 2 above.
10. Complete the application process and check back in a few days
11. Print off two copies of your ATT. One to keep with you and one goes inside each of your cases
12. Pack your firearms per the RCMP regulations (unloaded, 1 trigger lock per firearm inside a locked case). We recommend a Pelican 1700 case. We recommend creating a checklist of all items in the case for later. You can put your holster, loader, slings, empty magazines inside the case.
13. Your kit (eg: belt rig, plate carrier) should go in a separate bag
14. Generally speaking we do not recommend travelling with ammunition unless you absolutely need it (eg: hand-loads for precision rifle, as an example) as it's heavy, requires additional paperwork, and there is usually a weight limit of 5kg per passenger. We recommend simply purchasing ammo when you get into town.
15. Go to airport and proceed directly to the check-in counter.
16. Obtain a declaration of your firearms for air travel from the check-in counter. One copy is retained with you, one copy goes inside the case, and the rest goes to the airline. 
17. Take a photo of your contents and ensure everything is locked. Drop it off at the oversize luggage area.
18. Upon arrival at your destination, in a private area, check that your contents are still in place. See Step 12.  Report anything suspicious or missing to nearby authorities if required.

STEP 2 - Pack your night vision and helmet, etc.

In no particular order here are some tips for travelling with your night vision:

• As always ensure battery is removed from the NV device. Keep a spare battery on hand in case TSA needs to see the device operating.
• Keep your helmet and night vision as carry-on luggage if possible. The AXL NODs nest is a fantastic way to carry your NVGs and helmet. 
  
• NVGs should go inside a padded soft case (such as our NODE pouch)  for protection and ease of access if TSA needs to see it. Do not bother locking the case as it should technically not leave your sight anyway.
• If you're not able to carry your helmet as carry-on, you can check your helmet inside a hard case as checked baggage. Detach your NVG mount to prevent damage/separation. We recommend the Pelican Air 1615 case as it should fit your helmet + a full loadout if required + clothes for a week. 
• It is perfectly safe for NVGs to go through the x-ray machine
• Ownership of night vision is perfectly legal for civilians in Canada so if asked, you can simply say they are night vision devices.