VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM

The Canadian and United States Coast Guards have established a mandatory Co-operative Vessel Traffic Service (CVTS) for the Juan de Fuca region.

Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service Area (PSVTS).  The United States Coast Guard operates a mandatory Vessel Traffic Service for the United States of America navigable waters.

Limits of the Vancouver or Seattle Vessel Traffic Services Zones.  Applicable vessels must participate fully on the appropriate sector frequency reporting at all calling-in points and upon entering or leaving these zones.

A Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) numbered calling-in point with arrow indicates the direction of vessel movement for which a report must be made.

For additional information see Radio Aids to Marine Navigation (RAMN), CHS Sailing Directions and United States Coast Pilot, or contact appropriate traffic center.

HARO STRAIT TSS

While the Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) in Haro Strait have been amended, there will be times when due to congestion, the state of tide and stress of weather, deep sea vessels and tug and tows may have to deviate from the published traffic lanes in the area between Trial Island in the south and Hanbury Point on San Juan Island in the north.

In addition, extreme caution must be exercised in the region of Discovery Island as southbound deep laden bulk carriers could carry into the northbound lane when turning around Discovery Island, due the strength of the currents in the area.

