Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service

[Crewdog]

Spending a cup of coffee this morning looking up info on Puget Sound VTS and info on the upcoming Desolation Sound Cruise, and came across this link to a nice video on what the VTS does:

http://www.uscg.mil/d13/psvts/video.asp

Bill

 

[Knot Finishe]

I've been following a thread on another (far less friendly) boating forum, where people are reporting massive wakes off the SuperMax carriers that are moving between Seattle and Tacoma. It seems that these wakes a fairly well known by locals, and once they've crossed one they'll run from them for the rest of time - really rather frightening.
I could attempt to link that conversation here...
http://www.baylinerownersclub.org/forum ... Home-Today
...with apologies for the rather uncivil tone at times.

John

 

[TonyM]

Hi Bill,
You may want to monitor VHF ch 14 when cruising Puget Sound to get an idea of where everybody is.(better if you have AIS)
If you have any concerns about traffic in your area don't hesitate to call them, they are very good at what they do. Many moons ago ( late 90's) I was departing Quartermaster harbor to Browns point then on to my marina, crossing the traffic lanes in my Newport 28 sailboat. I called VTS because I found myself in a thick fog. VTS told me to steer a course then make a turn. I was identified on his radar and he then told me to stop and wait there. Through the fog I heard an inbound car carrier go by. VTS then gave me a course to steer. I radioed back that I was clear when the fog lifted. If you participate with VTS always radio back when you get to your destination.

A few tips about navigating in Puget Sound:
1. Vessels in the traffic lanes under VTS control have the right of way.
2. Ferry Traffic does not always stay in their lanes, so give them a wide birth.
3. Sea going vessels operating at sea speed make a huge wake. Their wake will hit the shore bounce off and create a second wake in some areas.
4. Monitor VTS channel 14
5. I am sure other "TugNutters" have lots of good suggestions.

Happy Cruising,

 

[Crewdog]

Thanks for the advice.

John, in spite of the confrontational tone on the other boat brand board, there's still something to learn. I'll pay attention out there.

Tony M, I'll keep your suggestions in mind and appreciate the tips.

In a general sort of way, it reminds me of flying a small plane in or out of a big airport in proximity to airliners, but at least there was Air Traffic Control advising "Caution wake turbulence departing 767 Heavy" or "Keep your speed up on final, 737 3 miles behind you."

There is a choreography it seems, so keep those tips coming.

Bill

 

[Longbranch Louie]

I wrote before about hitting a carrier wake in our 25 coming home from Everett. As described in the bayliner post, the backside of the wave was a very steep drop and everything went flying. One mistake I made probably was getting into shallower water in my attempts to give the carrier a wider berth and the wave was amplified in the shallower water. Overall the wake was 2 to 3 times larger than freighter wakes we've encountered. I would caution to get passengers inside the cabin when you see one of these monsters coming your way.

 

[baz]

Ever since learning about VHF 14 for the Puget Sound area I've been an avid listener each time I venture out from Edmonds. It gets very chatty at times but normally it will provide you with clear and concise info on commercial vessel traffic in your area.

If at all possible I cross the traffic lanes at 90º to minimize my residency time in the lanes.

Reading that other forum was scary... never want to encounter steep 10' foot waves in my R-25... and maybe I'll just stay away from going too far south from Edmonds. :roll:

I have to add... the Ferries to/from Edmonds and to/from Mukilteo that I've encountered generate very little wake, and large vessels going up/down the lanes between Edmonds, East of Whidbey and South Camano Island I've seen/encountered don't throw up much of a wake. They typically are widely dispersed and very gentle. It's the fast traveling commercial metal fishing and sport boats that throw up nasty steep wakes/waves.

I come across many day fishing boats in and around Edmonds and always cruise and wind my way through them at no-wake speed of around 4 kts.

 

[Lobo]

Since you are planning for Desolation, VHF 11 when you get to Canadian waters. Same good service if you call them for assistance.

Dave
"Lobo"