TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME
Traffic lanes are intended for use by vessels 1625 metric tons / 1600 gross tons and over. The provisions of Inland Navigation Rule 9 apply to all vessels navigating in the traffic lanes.
                         
One-way traffic lanes are RECOMMENDED for use by all vessels traveling between the points involved. They have been designed to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches to San Francisco Bay but are not intended in any way to supersede or alter the applicable Rules of the Road. Separation zones are intended to separate inbound and outbound traffic and to be free of ship traffic. Separation zones should not be used except for crossing purposes. Mariners are requested to stay outside the circular separation zone centered on San Francisco Approach Lighted Horn Buoy "SF". When crossing traffic lanes and separation zones use extreme caution.


IMO AMENDED TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME
Portions of the traffic separation scheme shown on this ENC have been amended by the IMO. See IMO COLREG.2/Circ.64. Please be advised that these portions have been revised by the United States Coast Guard and that the corresponding changes have not been updated in the Code of Federal Regulations(33 CFR part 167). There are differences between the two traffic separation schemes and caution is advised.


DEEP WATER ROUTE
Vessels with a draft of 13.7 meters/45 feet or greater should use the "Deep Water Route" east of the Golden Gate Bridge. Vessels intending to use the Deep Water Route should notify San Francisco Traffic before passing Mile Rocks. Deep draft vessels will neither meet nor overtake in the Deep Water Route. Deep draft vessels bound for anchorage 9 should pass east of Blossom Rock, then through the C-D or D-E span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
