Puget Sound pilots work with recreational boating groups to help ensure that people stay safe when large commercial vessels and smaller recreational boats meet on Puget Sound. We publish a tide book each year with valuable information for the boating public. Please contact us if you would like a copy. Show
Members of the Puget Sound Pilots are available to speak to organizations about the unique challenges involved in handling large ships and how best to make the Sound safe for all users. For example, many boaters are not fully aware of how the Puget Sound Traffic Separation Scheme works and where the shipping lanes are.
Puget Sound Traffic Separation Scheme and Vessel Traffic Service Because Washington’s inland marine waters are a high traffic area, the Coast Guard has enacted a traffic separation scheme to ensure safe marine passage. These zones create shipping lanes used by the ocean-going ships moved by the pilots. For example, in Puget Sound, the traffic lanes are ½-mile wide, with a ¼-mile wide separation zone between them. Northbound vessels use the east lane and southbound vessels use the west lane. Recreational boaters should take special care when in or near the traffic lanes. Rule 10 of the “Rules of the Road†establish special rules for ships and boats maneuvering in and around these traffic lanes. Distances are Deceiving Radio and AIS If your boat has an AIS screen, you will be able to see the big ships and identify them on your system. Remember though, that unless you have an AIS transmitter, the big ships will not be able to get an AIS signal from you. They may see you visually or on their radar, but they may not be able to identify you by name and talk to you. Yachts Vessel Traffic Lanes are used to regulate busy traffic in confined waterways for deep-draft commercial vessels such as cargo ships and tugs with barges. VTS is primarily for commercial vessels, although all power-driven vessels 40 meters (131 feet) or longer, commercial or recreational, must be active participants and maintain radio watch on the assigned VTS channel. Within these TSS (traffic lanes or clearways) there is at least one traffic lane in each direction, and usually a separation zone between the directional lanes. There may also be a special zone where a lane splits into two different channels. Although recreational vessels shorter than 20 meters are exempt from being participants in VTS, they must know how to keep out of the way of large, slow-maneuvering vessels. Pleasure craft, even vessels under sail, do not have right-of-way over VTS participant vessels and must not impede commercial vessels in any way. Pleasure boaters should never travel for any extended period in commercial traffic lanes nor in the center separation zone. If pleasure boaters need to cross shipping lanes, it should be done at as close to 90 degrees as possible; never cross at a shallow angle. Large commercial vessels need to stay within the traffic lane and cannot easily maneuver around another vessel that may be in front of them. As a rule of thumb, pleasure boaters should get out of their way; it’s always best to cross behind a commercial vessel in a shipping lane rather than in front of them. Leave a wide berth from behind, as emergency tow-lines often extend several hundred feet from the stern of a barge. Traffic lanes are depicted on nautical charts, but may be overlooked if charts are not studied thoroughly. Traffic separation zones are normally shown in magenta or purple; but if there is no designated traffic separation zone, the casual observer may miss noting the traffic lanes on his/her charts. In Rosario Strait for example, the northern section of the Strait does not have a traffic separation zone, so the lack of a magenta color on the chart may mean that a boater may miss seeing the marine traffic lanes depicted as only dotted lines. Pleasure boaters need to practice extreme caution when transiting across traffic lanes – commercial vessels are traveling at a fast clip and take miles to stop due to their weight and affected inertia. When in doubt, always take the appropriate evasive action. Boaters should also be aware that VTS participants are not required to monitor VHF Ch16; it is advisable for pleasure boaters to monitor vessel traffic channels as well as channel 16 when transiting near or across traffic lanes. See the VTS pages in the Waggoner Cruising Guide for frequencies to monitor and more information.
Asked by: Lupita RodriguezWhen crossing shipping lanes or traveling in shipping lanes, pleasure craft operators need to watch for large ships and keep the following in mind. Watch out for other vessels, and be ready to slow down and yield to large vessels. Use radar and a radio if you have them. What is the recommended safe practice for small vessels when navigating within or close to shipping lanes or where large vessels are restricted to?When operating near a shipping lane or in areas of high boat traffic, smaller craft are not easily visible to larger vessels. Always keep a lookout for larger vessels and be prepared to yield the right of way. Specifically, always steer well clear of vessels in tow, docked ferries, or ferries in transit. What should operators of small recreational boats do when navigating in or near?Boat operators should always stay in the appropriate lane, and avoid crossing lanes whenever possible. Additionally, you should never anchor your boat in or near a shipping lane. To make your smaller boat more visible in these high traffic areas, pleasure craft operators should try to boat in groups. How do shipping lanes work?Shipping lanes came to be by analysing the prevailing winds. The trade winds allowed ships to sail towards the west quickly, and the westerlies allowed ships to travel to the east quickly. As such, the sea lanes are mostly chosen to take full advantage of these winds. What should the operator of powerboat a do when being approached by powerboat B?If a power-driven boat (B) is approaching from your port (left) sector, you are the stand-on craft (A) and have the right-of-way. You should maintain your speed and direction and be ready to take evasive action. How should small boats operate in a shipping lane?Always avoid anchoring in a shipping lane or near its termination. To increase your visibility to larger vessels in or near a shipping lane, you should stay in groups with other small boats, if possible. How should the operator of a boat behave in the presence of other persons or property on shared waterways?You are required to stop and give assistance to other persons involved. You must give aid to the extent you can do so without endangering yourself or your passengers. You are also required to give your name and address and the number of your vessel, in writing, to the owner of any property damaged in the accident. What is a requirement for a vessel operating in a narrow channel?The rules for operating in a narrow channel are found in the Collision Regulations. A vessel in a narrow channel must keep as far to the edge of the channel on the vessel’s starboard (right) side as is safe and practical. Which of the following must follow navigation rules for a powerboat?3. Which of the following must follow Navigation Rules for a powerboat? When a sailboat turns on its motor, and is using it to make way, it then essentially becomes a powerboat under the Navigation Rules. When should recreational powerboats not give-way to sailboats?The Crossing Rule Both International and Inland Rules state that when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side (the give-way vessel) must keep out of the way. As the give-way vessel it is your duty to avoid a collision. What should the operators of a power driven vessel and a sailing vessel do when approaching head on?In short, vessel A must blow two short blasts, indicating its intention to pass starboard-to-starboard, and alter its course to port. Vessel B must return two short blasts to indicate agreement and understanding and alter its course to port, thereby, leaving room on each vessel’s starboard side for passing. Which of the following actions is required of powerboat a when approaching sailboat B?Give way to your starboard side. Powerboat B: When white, red and green lights are visible, you are approaching a powerboat head-on. Give way to your starboard side. Powerboat A: When only red and green lights are visible, you are approaching a sailboat head-on. Which of the following is required to be carried aboard a 25 foot powerboat when operating at night?Must carry approved visual distress signals for nighttime use. Must carry visual distress signals approved for daytime and nighttime use. Which of the following equipment is required to be a board while operating a motorboat in California?All motorboats, regardless of length, must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type and size appropriate for the intended wearer, the conditions and the boating activity. The life jackets must be within easy reach for each person on board. Which of the following equipment is required for motorized vessels operating on inland waters in CA?If you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways you will be required to have a California Boater Card. The law will be phased-in for all boaters over the next 8 years. What equipment must you have on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?Life Jackets and personal floatation devices – The USCG requires one approved – Type I, II, III, or V, life jacket or life vest per person on board. If the vessel is 16 feet or more in length, one throwable floatation device – Type IV – like a ring is required as well. Which of the following items is required on board a personal watercraft PWC )?Protection – A properly fitting life jacket, gloves, wetsuit, eye, head and foot gear, and a helmet will all help protect you from injury. Safety Gear – Make sure you have the required safety equipment – a fire extinguisher, signaling device(s) and all other legally required equipment. What safety equipment is required on a personal watercraft?Boating Safety Equipment Requirements Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length. Watertight flashlight OR Canadian approved flares – Type A,B or C. Sound-signaling device. Manual propelling device (i.e. paddle) OR an anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, chain or cable. What object is required on a 15 foot boat?Fire Extinguisher One B-1 fire extinguisher is required for 15-foot boats; B-1 fire extinguishers are USCG-approved fire extinguishers and are intended for use in marine situations. What should you require from others who operate your vessel?Check that they meet the minimum age and boater education requirements for operation in your state. Make sure they know basic boating safety and navigation rules. Show them how to use the lanyard with the ECOS and require them to use it. How many fire extinguishers must be carried onboard power boats?If your boat is less than 26 feet, you need one 5-B fire extinguisher on board. If your boat is between 26 and 40 feet, you need either two 5-B fire extinguishers or a single 20-B fire extinguisher. What do you need to carry on a boat?5 Must-Have Safety Equipment for Your Boat
What safety equipment is required on your boat and must appear as an item on your pre departure checklist?Equipment. Make sure that you have the required number of lifejackets or PFDs, that they are in good condition, and that they are the proper sizes for the persons on board. Encourage everyone to wear a lifejacket or PFD. What is required to be installed on a recreational use boat in Texas?Required Safety Equipment
Which of the following is required to operate a boat in California?The California Boater Card program is phased-in by age for operators of motorized boats on state waterways (see phase-in schedule below). As of January 1, 2022, the card is required for operators 45 years of age or younger. Which of the following is required to operate a boat in California quizlet?California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs). Which of the following vessels must be registered to operate legally on California public waters?If you own a sailboat over eight feet long or a boat/vessel with a motor (no matter the size), you must register it with DMV in order to legally operate it on California waterways. |
What are you required to do when operating a recreational vessel in commercial shipping lanes Washington?
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