Marine traffic puget sound manual#
Marine traffic puget sound full#

Table 1 to § 161.12(c)-VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River. Vessel Traffic Service Prince William Sound. Vessel Traffic Service Puget Sound and the Cooperative Vessel Traffic Service for the Juan de Fuca Region.

Vessel Traffic Service Houston/Galveston. Vessel Traffic Service and Vessel Movement Reporting System Areas and Reporting Points Follow the link below to see the BoatUS Press Release.Services, VTS Measures, and Operating Requirements

Marine traffic puget sound manual#

Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Manual for VTS Puget Sound at BOAT US recently published a press lease showing two instances where small recreational vessels passed too closely in front of two 600′ cargo ships. Contact commercial vessels in Puget Sound on VHF-FM channel 14/5A or channel 13.VHF-FM radio is monitored by nearby vessels ready to assist. Do not use a cell phone for a distress call.When necessary to communicate your position to a ship, contact commercial vessels by VHF-FM radio using the locally monitored frequency.Narrow passageways restrict movement for large vessels and make it dangerous for ships to alter their courses. Do not enter into the direct path of commercial vessels that are approaching bridges and locks.

Never anchor in a shipping lane, and never tie up to a buoy or other navigational aid.Dangerously strong underwater currents (or wheel wash) created by the engines can extend for hundreds of yards from the ship or tugboat. Allow ample room when crossing or traveling behind a ship or tugboat.A pilot’s “blind spot” can extend for hundreds of feet in front of tugboats and towboats pushing barges. Never cross in front of a tugboat or between a tugboat and its tow.Cross traffic lanes at 90 degrees to the prevailing traffic or as practical.Be aware that there may be an unlit space of several hundred yards between bow and stern lights, such as when a tugboat is pushing a barge.Avoid commercial shipping traffic lanes by as wide of a margin as possible.Recreational vessel operators in shipping lanes need to watch for large ships and keep the following in mind.

Marine traffic puget sound full#

It is important to always allow plenty of space between your boat and the commercial vessel.Ĭommercial ships have limited views from the bridge and require long distances to come to a full stop-often ¾ to 1½ miles. Boating in the Pacific Northwest is about as good as it gets! More likely than not you will constantly see ferries and cargo ships navigating the same waters as recreational water craft.