Vessel Traffic Systems and Shipping Lanes

Puget Sound has a Vessel Traffic System (VTS), which are shipping lanes through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and into Seattle. The Columbia River has shipping lanes but no vessel traffic system.

• Avoid commercial shipping traffic lanes by as wide of a margin as possible. Commercial traffic has the right-of-way.
• At night, be extra vigilant and note navigation lights, especially sidelights. If both red and green lights are visible, a vessel is approaching you head-on. 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.
• Stay a long distance behind deep-draft traffic.
• Cross traffic lanes at 90 degrees to the prevailing traffic or as practical.
• Never cross in front of a tugboat or between a tugboat and its tow.
• Leave ample room when crossing or traveling behind a ship or tugboat.
• Never anchor in a shipping lane, and never tie up to a buoy or other navigational aid.
• Do not enter into the direct path of commercial vessels that are approaching bridges and locks. It is dangerous for ships to alter their courses in these situations.
• When necessary to communicate your position to a ship, contact commercial vessels by VHF-FM radio using the locally monitored frequency. Do not use a cell phone.