LA & LB Local Knowledge - Know Test Questions

Question 1

What is the turning diameter of the LA turning basin?

Answer 1

1596 ft

Question 2

What is the bearing of the LA Main Ship Channel?

Answer 2

339° - 296° - 342° - 357° - 027°

Question 3

What is:
A) The Variation of Los Angeles Harbor?
B) The rate of change?
C) Where can it be found?

Answer 3

A) 12°E.
B) Decrease 5’.
C) On chart 18751 in a compass rose.

Question 4

Which LA Approach Buoy has a Racon on it?

Answer 4

Lighted Whistle Buoy 3

Question 5

What are the horizontal and vertical clearances for the Vincent Thomas Bridge

Answer 5

・Horizontal Clearance: 1,150 ft.
・Vertical Clearance: 165 ft.
・Vertical Clearance: 185 ft. for middle width of 500 ft.

Question 6

What is the vertical clearance for the power cables strung across the Cerritos Channel?

Answer 6

Authorized clearance: 155 ft.

Question 7

Where are the LA Fireboat Stations located?

Answer 7

・West Channel - Berth 43.
・Main Channel - Berth 85-86.
・East Basin - Berth 194-195.
・Fish Harbor - Berth 256.

Question 8

In Long Beach, where might one experience bank cushion and suction, and how can its affects be reduced?

Answer 8

A pilot in the port of Long Beach can expect to encounter bank cushion and suction in the Back Channel. Reducing speed will reduce the effects of bank cushion and suction. To keep the vessel in the channel, a pilot may also employ the help of the rudder, by steering slightly toward the closest bank to counteract the bank cushion effect on the bow.

Question 9

What specific local charts and publications must a pilot have access to and maintain?

Answer 9

・NOAA Charts 18751, 18749, 18746, 18740.
・NOAA US Coast Pilot 7.
・US Coast Guard, Light List, Volume IV .

Also:
・Charts 18720.
・VTMS Users Manual.
・Los Angeles and Long Beach Port Tariffs.
・Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbor Safety Plan.

Question 10

You are on an inbound ship within 1nm of Queens Gate and observe a fleet of sailboats moving eastward approaching the number 3 buoy and hoisting their spinnakers and it appears they will continue east towards the Delta anchorage. What should you do?

Answer 10

The sailboats should keep clear of a vessel that can only maneuver in a narrow channel, as per Inland Navigation Rules, Rule 9 (as noted in Note C).
If your vessel is in doubt as to whether the actions of the sailboats are taking sufficient action to avoid collision, your vessel should sound 5 short blasts and if necessary to avoid collision shall slacken her speed or take off all way.

Question 11

Name three areas where one-way traffic is recommended in Long Beach.

Answer 11

・Back Channel.
・Cerritos Channel.
・Entering Pier J Slip.
・Entering Queens Gate.
・Entering Southeast Basin.
・When visibility is <0.5nm.

Question 12

How can you obtain weather forecasts 24 hours a day?

Answer 12

・Inmarsat C Weather Bulletin.
・Internet.
・Radio.
・NOAA Wx Broadcasts:
-Los Angeles, CA - KWO 37 - 162.550 mHz.
-Santa Ana, CA - WWG 21 - 162.450 mHz.

Question 13

The standards of care for reduced visibility state, whenever visibility inside the federal breakwater is less than 0.5nm, the Los Angeles/Long Beach traffic center will impose _________ where appropriate.

Answer 13

one-way traffic

Question 14

NOAA Weather Radio Broadcast Channels:

Answer 14

・Los Angeles, CA - KWO 37 - 162.550 mHz.

・Santa Ana, CA - WWG 21 - 162.450 mHz.

Question 15

What time of day is the calmest?

Answer 15

Early morning hours.

Question 16

Which months have the most wind and which months have the least wind in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach?

Answer 16

・March-May (April - Highest mean wind speed of 7.4 kts).

・November-January (December - Lowest mean wind speed of 5.7 kts).

Question 17

Frequency for Oxnard NOAA WX station (PROTEST QUESTION):

Answer 17

There is no Oxnard Wx Station. Use the Los Angeles WX Station.
・Los Angeles, CA - KWO 37 - 162.550 mHz.

Question 18

What is P.O.R.T.S.?

Answer 18

Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (P.O.R.T.S.) is an integrated system of sensors concentrated in seaports that provide real-time information about environmental conditions. It collects and disseminates observations of water levels, currents, salinity, bridge air gap and meteorological parameters (e.g., winds, atmospheric pressure, air and water temperatures) that mariners need to navigate safely. The objectives of the PORTS® program are to promote navigation safety, improve the efficiency of U.S. ports and harbors, and ensure the protection of coastal marine resources.

Question 19

Tides and currents - What is Max Low Tide? What is the Datum?

Answer 19

The mean range of tide in Los Angeles Harbor is 3.8 feet, and in Long Beach inner and outer harbors the mean range is 3.7 feet. The diurnal range of tide is about 5.4 feet for these harbors. A range of about 9 feet may occur at times of maximum tides (7.3 ft to -2.0 ft from MLLW).

Datum: MLLW.
Chart Datum: NAD83 (NGS84)

Question 20

Average tidal ranges. Diurnal Tide ranges. Max tide ranges.

Answer 20

The mean range of tide in Los Angeles Harbor is 3.8 feet, and in Long Beach inner and outer harbors the mean range is 3.7 feet. The diurnal range of tide is about 5.4 feet for these harbors. A range of about 9 feet may occur at times of maximum tides (7.3 ft to -2.0 ft from MLLW).

Datum: MLLW.
Chart Datum: NAD83 (NGS84)

The tidal currents follow the axis of the channels and rarely exceed 1 knot.

Question 21

You are on a laden tanker preparing to enter Queens Gate, what is the maximum draft for a minus 1ft tide for the transit?

Answer 21

On the approach to Queen’s Gate, while in the channel, the controlling depth is 76 ft. Since the minimum UKC requirement for the Port of Long Beach is 10% of the vessel’s draft for the transit between the seabuoy and Buoy #3, a maximum draft of 69 ft is acceptable (69 ft + 6.9 ft = 75.9 ft). With a tide of -1 feet, the maximum draft is reduced by 1 foot to 68 ft.

Question 22

You are on a ship entering the LA Pilot Area bound for berth 208. What is the required minimum UKC for the transit?

Answer 22

・For the transit between Buoy 1 and Buoy 11, the minimum UKC is 10% of the vessel’s draft. (With a controlling depth of 81 ft, the maximum draft is 73 ft).
・From Buoy 11 to a position off the berth, the minimum UKC is 2 ft. (With a controlling depth of 53 ft, the maximum draft is 51 ft).

Question 23

What is the UKC required to transit the flats?

Answer 23

・Between the Long Beach seabuoy and the Long Beach Channel Buoy #3, minimum under-keel clearance before correction for roll and pitch is 10% of the vessel’s draft.
・Between the Los Angeles Approach Channel Lighted Buoy #1 and the Los Angeles Main Channel Buoy #11, minimum under-keel clearance before correction for roll and pitch is 10% of the vessel’s draft.
・Elsewhere in the main channels of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the minimum UKC is 2.0 ft until off of the berth.
・In the final approach to the berth, and while at berth, the vessel must always remain afloat.
・At anchorages inside the breakwater, minimum underkeel clearance is:
• 4.0 ft for anchorages B-7 and B-11 when vessels draft is 50 ft or more.
• 2.5 ft for all other anchorages.
・For shifts via outer harbor between Los Angeles and Long Beach, minimum underkeel clearance is 3.0 ft.

The answer is 3.0 ft in the flats (it is considered the outer harbor).

Question 24

What is the controlling depth for the Los Angeles approach?

Answer 24

81 ft.

Question 25

What is the controlling depth for the Long Beach approach?

Answer 25

76 ft.

Question 26

Describe the Depths in 6 channels/berths in Los Angeles and 6 in Long Beach.

Answer 26

Los Angeles
・Approach and Entrance Channels: 81 ft.
・Pier 300 Turning Basin: 81 ft.
・Pier 300 Channel: 53 ft.
・Main Channel: 53 ft.
・East Basin Channel: 53 ft.
・Turning Basin: 53 ft.
・All other Channels and Basins: 53 ft.
Long Beach
・Main Channel: 76 ft.
・Back Channel: 52 ft.
・Inner Harbor (Turning Basin): 52 ft.
・Cerritos Channel: 50 ft.
・Channel Two: 37 to 55 ft.
・Channel Three: 36 to 45 ft.

Question 27

Things to consider while considering UKC:

Answer 27

1. Vessel’s trim and list characteristics;
2. Depth of the transit area;
3. Depth at the facility or anchorage;
4. Tide and current conditions; and
5. Weather impact on water depth.

Question 28

If you are transiting from LB78 to LA118 and transiting the flats, what is the minimum under-keel clearance and what is the UKC required?

Answer 28

SO (before accounting for tides, pitch, squat, etc):
・To remain afloat at Dock LB78, the maximum draft is: 40.9 ft (the depth at the dock is 41 ft). {Afloat at all times}.
・To transit from the dock to the Inner Harbor via Channel Two from Dock LB78, the maximum draft is: 40 ft (the shallowest depth on the transit is 42 ft).
・To transit from the Inner Harbor to the LB Main Channel via the Back Channel, the maximum draft is: 50 ft (the controlling depth is 52 ft).
・To transit to the LA Main Channel via the flats, the maximum draft is: 37 ft (with the controlling depth being a 40ft obstruction between anchorages B-9 and B-10). This depends upon the route taken.
・To transit the LA Main Channel up to Buoy 11, the maximum draft is: 73 ft (controlling depth is 81 ft).
・To transit the LA Main Channel. past the Turning Basin and up the channel to the Southwest Basin, the maximum draft is: 51 ft (controlling depth is 53 ft).
・To transit rom the Turning Basin channel, through the Southwest Basin, to the dock, the maximum draft is: 36 ft (controlling depth for the transit is 38 ft).
・To dock at Dock LA118 and remain affloat, the maximum draft is: 35.7 (depth alongside the dock 35.8 ft). {Afloat at all times}.

Question 29

UKC factors to consider (5? factors)

Answer 29

Masters and pilots should use their vessel’s deepest draft in still water when calculating under-keel clearance. Masters and pilots should apply a plus or minus allowance for the tide when calculating depth of water, and consider the following factors:

1. Vessel’s trim and list characteristics;
2. Depth of the transit area;
3. Depth at the facility or anchorage;
4. Tide and current conditions; and
5. Weather impact on water depth.

Question 30

Soundings range Between LA gate and VT bridge in main channel.

Answer 30

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintain the Los Angeles Entrance Channel at 81 ft and the Los Angeles Main Channel at 53ft.
Deepest sounding is right at the gate at 88 ft. Shallowest sounding is just north of the range line at 52 ft (found at two different locations - one south of Reservation Pt. and the other near the western edge of the channel by Pier 1).

Question 31

Minimum and maximum depths of Los Angeles Channel.

Answer 31

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintain the Los Angeles Entrance Channel at 81 ft and the Los Angeles Main Channel at 53ft.
Deepest sounding is right at the gate at 88 ft. Shallowest sounding is just north of the range line at 52 ft (found at two different locations - one south of Reservation Pt. and the other near the western edge of the channel by Pier 1).
In the maintained channels in Los Angeles, the shallowest recorded sounding is in the Turning Basin, near the S tip of Mormon Island at 51ft.

Question 32

You are the master of a tug with a tow on approach to Long Beach. You will enter the harbor, break tow, and proceed to berth. Describe the sequence of events.

Answer 32

・Check into the VTS (25nm off of Pt. Fermin).
・Check into the Precautionary Area.
・Notify LB Pilots on VHF Ch. 74 of your intentions to enter the harbor, break tow, and go to berth, and to obtain an escort tug (if necessary).
・Enter the harbor when no traffic conflicts and break tow to put the barge on the hip.
・Notify LB Pilots of barge on hip and proceed with caution to berth.
・Notify LB Pilots when the vessel has first line and when it is fast at berth.

Question 33

Tanker Force Matrix

Answer 33

TANKER FORCE SELECTION MATRIX
Tanker Displacement (Metric Tons) ——– Forces For Tug(s) Tethered at the Stern (Short Tons)
0 to < 60,000 ——————————————————– 10
60,000 to < 100,000 ———————————————— 20
100,000 to < 140,000 ———————————————– 30
140,000 to < 180,000 ———————————————– 40
180,000 to < 220,000 ———————————————– 50
220,000 to < 260,000 ———————————————– 62
260,000 to < 300,000 ———————————————– 75
300,000 to < 340,000 ———————————————– 87
340,000 to < 380,000 ———————————————– 105
380,000 to < 420,000 ———————————————– 128
・Only tractor type tugs may be employed.
・Laden tankers with displacements less than 180,000 metric tons must employ at least one tractor tug.
・Laden tankers with displacements equal to or greater than 180,000 metric tons may employ two tugs that have sufficient combined power, provided that: both tugs have bollard pull ratings of 45 short tons or more; a team towing configuration is used.
・No more than two escort tugs may be used to meet the “Forces For Tug(s)” requirements in the Tanker Force Selection Matrix, except in cases of emergency and as provided below.
・The tanker master/pilot shall arrange for additional escort tug(s) should adverse weather conditions, unusual port congestion, the contemplated movement of the vessel or other conditions or circumstances so require.
・All the escort tugs required to satisfy the Tanker Force Selection Matrix shall be tethered on the tanker’s stern.

Question 34

Tanker Zones

Answer 34

Three tank vessel escort zones are established as follows:
・Zone 1: All waters within 2.0 nautical miles to seaward of the Federal Breakwater; Escort tugs are required for all tank vessels.
・Zone 2: All waters in the approaches to the Port of Long Beach within 3.5 nautical miles to seaward of the Federal Breakwater; Escort tugs are required for all tankers with a static deep draft that is more than 16.5 meters (54’ 01.6”).
・Zone 3: All waters in the approaches to the Port of Los Angeles within 4.0 nautical miles to seaward of the Federal Breakwater; Escort tugs are required for all tankers with a static deep draft that is more than 14.0 meters (45’ 11.2”).

Question 35

Escort Conference (4 things to discuss)

Answer 35

Prior to commencing an escorted transit, the tank vessel master/pilot shall conduct a Pre-Escort Conference and:

(1) Contact the escort tug master, mate or officer in charge of the watch, to confirm the number and position of the escort tug(s).
(2) Establish the radio frequency to be used for communications.
(3) Establish the anticipated direction of movement and destination of the tank vessel.
(4) Communicate any other pertinent information that the master/pilot and escort tug master, mate or officer in charge of the watch deem necessary to facilitate operations in the case of an unplanned event.

Question 36

Size of escort tugs and how to discuss.

Answer 36

TANKER FORCE SELECTION MATRIX
Tanker Displacement (Metric Tons) ——– Forces For Tug(s) Tethered at the Stern (Short Tons)
0 to < 60,000 ——————————————————– 10
60,000 to < 100,000 ———————————————— 20
100,000 to < 140,000 ———————————————– 30
140,000 to < 180,000 ———————————————– 40
180,000 to < 220,000 ———————————————– 50
220,000 to < 260,000 ———————————————– 62
260,000 to < 300,000 ———————————————– 75
300,000 to < 340,000 ———————————————– 87
340,000 to < 380,000 ———————————————– 105
380,000 to < 420,000 ———————————————– 128
・Only tractor type tugs may be employed.
・All the escort tugs required to satisfy the Tanker Force Selection Matrix shall be tethered on the tanker’s stern.
・Laden tankers with displacements less than 180,000 metric tons must employ at least one tractor tug.
・Laden tankers with displacements equal to or greater than 180,000 metric tons may employ two tugs that have sufficient combined power, provided that: both tugs have bollard pull ratings of 45 short tons or more; a team towing configuration is used.
・No more than two escort tugs may be used to meet the “Forces For Tug(s)” requirements in the Tanker Force Selection Matrix, except as provided below.
・The tanker master/pilot shall arrange for additional escort tug(s) should adverse weather conditions, unusual port congestion, the contemplated movement of the vessel or other conditions or circumstances so require.

Question 37

What is the speed limit in Los Angeles Outer Harbor?

Answer 37

LOS ANGELES:
・Precautionary Area - 12kts or less.
・Pilot Operating Area (Between the seaward limits of the applicable tank vessel escort zone and anywhere inside the
Federal Breakwater (except where lower speed limits apply)) - Tankers <60,000MT = 8kts; Tankers ≥60,000MT = 6kts.
・Outer Harbor - 1.5m draft or more = 10kts; Vessels less than 1.5m draft = 15kts.
・Everywhere else in the harbor = 6kts.
・Vessels in Fish Harbor, the West Channel, marinas, and yacht anchorages = 4.4kts, no wake.
・No wake zone - (that portion of the Cabrillo Beach recreation area extending from the launch ramp to an imaginary line extending northwesterly from the west end of the municipal fishing pier to the west end of Berth 47) - 5kts.
LONG BEACH:
・Precautionary Area - 12kts or less.
・Pilot Operating Area (Between the seaward limits of the applicable tank vessel escort zone and anywhere inside the
Federal Breakwater (except where lower speed limits apply)) - Tankers <60,000MT = 8kts; Tankers ≥60,000MT = 6kts.
・Within the Main Channel between the breakwater entrance and light 6 (outside the Harbor Restricted Area): 5ft draft or more = 10kts; Vessels less than 5ft draft = 15kts.
・Everywhere else in the harbor = 6kts.
・Long Beach Harbor Restricted Area = 6kts.
・Vessels in Queensway Bay = 5mph.
・Inner Harbor = 6kts.

Question 38

Speed limits for Los Angeles and Long Beach. Have to know tanker rules, small boat rules, and the geographic areas.

Answer 38

LOS ANGELES:
・Precautionary Area - 12kts or less.
・Pilot Operating Area (Between the seaward limits of the applicable tank vessel escort zone and anywhere inside the
Federal Breakwater (except where lower speed limits apply)) - Tankers <60,000MT = 8kts; Tankers≥60,000MT = 6kts.
・Outer Harbor - 1.5m draft or more = 10kts; Vessels less than 1.5m draft = 15kts.
・Everywhere else in the harbor = 6kts.
・Vessels in Fish Harbor, the West Channel, marinas, and yacht anchorages = 4.4kts, no wake.
・No wake zone - (that portion of the Cabrillo Beach recreation area extending fromthe launch ramp to an imaginary line extending northwesterly from the west end of the municipal fishing pier to the west end of Berth 47) - 5kts.
(NOTE: The inner harbor is that area inshore of the Plot Station.)

LONG BEACH:
・Precautionary Area - 12kts or less.
・Pilot Operating Area (Between the seaward limits of the applicable tank vessel escort zone and anywhere inside the
Federal Breakwater (except where lower speed limits apply)) - Tankers <60,000MT = 8kts; Tankers≥60,000MT = 6kts.
・Within the Outer harbor (outside the Harbor Restricted Area) - 5ft draft or more = 10kts; Vessels less than 5ft draft = 15kts.
・Everywhere else in the harbor = 6kts.
・Long Beach Harbor Restricted Area = 6kts.
・Vessels in Queensway Bay = 5mph.
・Inner Harbor = 6kts.

Question 39

What actions to take while anchored?

Answer 39

1. Maintain a 24-hour bridge watch by an English speaking licensed deck officer monitoring VHF-FM Channel 16.
2. Make frequent checks to assure vessel is not dragging anchor.
3. When winds exceed 40 knots, put the propulsion plant on standby ready to bring on line on short notice and make another anchor ready to let go. Accurate wind speed can be determined by contacting either VTS or the appropriate pilot station.
4. Provide 15-minute advance notice to the Long Beach pilot station (for inside anchorages) or to VTS (for outside anchorages) before heaving anchor to get underway.

Question 40

Anchorage Alpha: What is the length of time allowed to stay in this anchorage? Is bunkering allowed in the anchorage?

Answer 40

No vessel may anchor anywhere within Los Angeles or Long Beach harbors for more than 10 consecutive days unless unless an extended anchorage permit is obtained from the Captain of the Port. Bunkering is allowed in the Alpha Anchorage.

At the end of 2014, the Coast Guard amended the anchorage regulations found in 33 CFR Part 110.214. These amendments include disestablishing Commercial Anchorage “A” and revising the permission and notification requirements for six other deep draft anchorages.

Question 41

Anchoring Standards of Care.
Sierra Foxtrot anchorage. 
Which anchorages can use which areas? 
What anchorages G-1(?) and F-1(?) are held for. 
How anchorages are assigned. 
Size limitations for certain anchorages.

Answer 41

・1. Maintain a 24-hour bridge watch by an English speaking licensed deck officer monitoring VHF-FM Channel 16.
2. Make frequent checks to assure vessel is not dragging anchor.
3. When winds exceed 40 knots, put the propulsion plant on standby ready to bring on line on short notice and make another anchor ready to let go. Accurate wind speed can be determined by contacting either VTS or the appropriate pilot station.
4. Provide 15-minute advance notice to the Long Beach pilot station (for inside anchorages) or to VTS (for outside anchorages) before heaving anchor to get underway.
~~~Laden tankers and all vessels with a draft of 15.2m (50 feet) or greater anchoring within the federal breakwater will use at least one tug to ensure proper placement of the anchor and chain, as well as to assist in turning the vessel at the anchorage site. All other commercial vessels will use tug assistance as determined by the master and pilot.
・Sierra Foxtrot anchorages are designated for deep draft vessels and vessels engaged in hull cleaning operations; Deep draft vessels 15.2 meters (50 feet) or greater that do not require a Sierra Foxtrot anchorage due to their draft will be assigned to anchorages F-11 through F-16. Anchorage assignments will be assigned from South to North dependent on the vessels’ draft and anchorage availability.
・B, C, D, E, F, G - Commercial Vessels. D-Naval vessels (Navy retains priority for eastern half of Anchorage D). N, P, Q - Recreational Vessels. Explosives Anchorage - Vessels with Explosive cargos - Upon activation, no other vessels are permitted within parts of Anchorages C, D, F, and Q.
・Special anchorage areas B-1, C-1, and E-1 are reserved for barges on mooring balls, unless otherwise authorized by the Captain of the Port Los Angeles-Long Beach.
・Golf-1 and Foxtrot-1 anchorages are established as “bail out” anchorages and only used for emergency purposes (including tankers and vessels 200 meters length overall or greater, dependent on vessels’ draft).
・The pilot stations for the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles will assign the use of commercial anchorages within their jurisdictions (Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbors respectively). All anchorages outside (seaward) of the federal breakwater will be assigned by the San Pedro VTS.
・VTS will not assign an anchorage in the first row of sites closest to the breakwater (G–1 through G-3 and F–1 to F–4) to tankers or vessels exceeding 200m length overall. VTS will not assign anchorage G-6 to vessels 300 meters length overall or greater.

Question 42

4 things for a master at anchor to monitor.

Answer 42

1. Keep a 24–hour bridge watch by an English-speaking licensed deck officer monitoring VHF–FM Channel 13 and 16.
2. When winds are forecasted and/or observed at 35 knots or greater in the AOR (including wind gusts) vessels shall ensure their propulsion plant is placed in immediate standby and a 2nd anchor, if installed, is made ready to let go.
3. Determine accurate wind speed by contacting either the VTS, the Los Angeles Pilot Station or the Long Beach Pilot Station. When winds exceed 40 knots, put your propulsion plant on standby ready to bring on line on short notice and make another anchor ready to let go.
4. Provide 15–minute advance notice to the respective pilot station (inside anchorages) or to VTS (outside anchorages) before heaving anchor to get underway.

Question 43

What defines an active VTS User?

Answer 43

・Power driven vessels of 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) or more in length while navigating.
・Commercial towing vessels 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more in length that are towing alongside, astern or by pushing ahead.
・Vessels certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for hire, while engaged in trade. (San Pedro Sector only)

Question 44

What is the purpose of the Long Beach/Los Angeles Vessel Traffic Service?

Answer 44

To provide vessel transit safety by providing vessel operators with advanced information of other reported marine traffic and any additional information, advice, and recommendations that may affect vessel traffic safety within the vessel traffic area.

Question 45

Describe the three sectors of the VTS.

Answer 45

・Offshore VTS (outside the Federal Breakwater - in an area with a 25nm radius of Pt. Fermin) - VHF Ch. 14 (156.7 mHz) - Call sign “San Pedro Traffic”.
・Port of Los Angeles (inside the Federal Breakwater) - VHF Ch. 73 (156.675 mHz) - Call sign “Los Angeles Pilots, KEB 260”.
・Port of Long Beach (inside the Federal Breakwater) - VHF Ch. 12 (156.6 mHz) - Call sign “Long Beach Pilots, KMA 372”.

Question 46

What are the active and passive VTS user requirements?

Answer 46

Covered Mandatory Full Participants:

  1. Every power driven vessel of 40 meters (131 ft.) or more in length, while navigating.
  2. Commercial vessels 8 meters (26 ft.) or more in length that are towing alongside, astern or by pushing ahead.
  3. Every vessel certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for hire, while engaged in trade, under sail or power (San Pedro Sector only).

The operators of these vessels must comply with:
・Monitor VTS frequencies.
・Respond promptly when hailed.
・Follow reporting procedures as outlined in this User Manual (Sailing Plan, Position Reports, Final Reports, Other Reports).
・Have a User Manual Onboard.

Mandatory Passive Participants:

  1. Every power driven vessel 20 meters (65 ft.) or more in length.
  2. Every vessel 100 gross tons or more carrying one or more passengers for hire, while engaged in trade, regardless of length, or whether under sail or power.
  3. Every dredge or floating plant.

The operators of these vessels must comply with:
・Monitor VTS frequencies.
・Respond promptly when hailed.
・Encourage full participation when visibility is less than 1nm.
・Mandatory Passive Participants are required to monitor Channel 14 VHF/FM when operating in the VTS area.

Participating vessels are to ensure that a copy of the VTS Users Manual is available on board the vessel when operating within the VTS area.

Question 47

Call Signs, Radio Channels, and Passing Arrangement Channels for each VTS Sector’s Vessel Traffic Center (VTC):

Answer 47

・SAN PEDRO SECTOR- VTC VHF-FM Channel: Ch.14 - VTC Voice Call: San Pedro Traffic - Passing Arrangements: Ch.14.
・LOS ANGELES SECTOR - VTC VHF-FM Channel: Ch.73 - VTC Voice Call: Los Angeles Pilots - Passing Arrangements: Ch.13.
・LONG BEACH SECTOR - VTC VHF-FM Channel: Ch.12 - VTC Voice Call: Long Beach Pilots - Passing Arrangements: Ch.13.

Question 48

Describe the San Pedro VTS.

Answer 48

The Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Los Angeles/Long Beach, operated by the Marine Exchange in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, has been established within the approaches to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Vessel Traffic Service is a California State mandatory service and a federally mandated Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS), and is designed to enhance navigational safety in the main approaches to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Mandatory participation and monitoring of VHF-FM channel 14 is required by state and federal law for participating vessels.
VTS Area: The VTS Area consists of Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors (inside the breakwater), and the waters of San Pedro Bay and San Pedro channel, including Santa Monica Bay, within a 25 nautical mile radius of Point Fermin Light. This includes all of the Precautionary Area and portions of the Traffic Separation Scheme Lanes.
VTS Communications: The responsibility of information exchange in the VTS Area outside the breakwater will be handled by the Marine Exchange Vessel Traffic Center (VTC), and inside the breakwater by the appropriate Pilot Station.
All reports and communications made to the VTC (voice call “San Pedro Traffic”) shall be on VHF-FM channel 14, to Los Angeles Pilots on VHF-FM channel 73, and to Long Beach Pilots on VHF-FM channel 12 or 74. All stations monitor VHF-FM channels 16 and 13.
If arrival/departure information has been given and new data is received by the VTS, the VTS will attempt to contact vessels to pass the updated information. In addition, a traffic advisory broadcast is given on VHF-FM channel 14 every hour on the quarter hour. Other navigational information may be given on a case by case basis.
The Marine Exchange of Southern California records, classifies, and disseminates information on ship arrivals to, departure from, and movement within the Los Angeles/Long Beach harbors. The Exchange, about 0.4 mile N of Point Fermin, is manned 24-hours a day. It has a visual lookout, VHF-FM radiotelephone, visual communication capability, and a battery of landline telephones. The station, call sign KGW-299, monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and 13, and uses channel 14 for working.

Question 49

What are the following, concerning the Los Angeles Pilot Station:

a) Location?
b) What Channel do they use?
c) What is their call sign?

Answer 49

a) Southern-most part of Pier 1 in Los Angeles Harbor.
b) VHF Ch. 73 (156.675 mHz).
c) KEB 260 - Los Angeles Pilots.

Question 50

What are the following, concerning the Long Beach Pilot Station:

a) Location?
b) What Channel do they use?
c) What is their call sign?

Answer 50

a) Northwest end of Pier F in Long Beach Harbor.
b) VHF Ch. 74 (156.6 mHz) for hailing. VHF Ch. 12 (156.6 mHz) for VTS inside the Long Beach VTS Sector.
c) KMA 372 - Long Beach Pilots.

Question 51

What are the regulations concerning a radio listening watch?

Answer 51

Vessels must keep a 24–hour bridge watch by an English-speaking licensed deck officer monitoring VHF–FM Channel 16.

Question 52

What are the working frequencies for tugs and pilots in the port of Los Angeles?

Answer 52

・For tugs, use VHF 77 (Primary for LA) or VHF Ch. 65A (secondary).
・For LA Pilots, use VHF Ch. 73. (The LA Pilots also monitor VHF Ch. 63A - secondary.)

・VHF 05A is primary for tugs in Long Beach.
・For LB Pilots, use VHF Ch. 12. (The LB Pilots also monitor VHF Ch. 74 - secondary.)

Question 53

Who is required to monitor Channel 13? (5 types of vessels).

Answer 53

When operating on the Navigable Waters of the United States (12 nautical miles from the baseline), the following vessel categories must monitor VHF FM Channel 13:
・Power driven vessels 65.5’ (20 m.) or longer;
・Vessels 26’ (7.9 m.) or longer with tows;
・Vessels of 100 gross tons or more carrying one or more passengers for hire;
・Vessels certified for 150 passengers or more for hire; and
・Dredge and floating plants operating in or near a fairway or channel.

・All VTS Users (Both full and passive participants) navigating in Los Angeles Harbor.
・All VTS Users (Both full and passive participants) navigating in Long Beach Harbor.
・All vessels greater than 1600 tons when anchored in Los Angeles or Long Beach Harbor.

Question 54

What are the pilotage regulations for Los Angeles Harbor?

Answer 54

A pilot is required for vessels 300 GT or more when entering, departing, or shifting within the harbor.

Question 55

When are you required to take an alcohol and drug test after a marine casualty or accident?

Answer 55

i) One or more fatalities.
ii) An injury to a crewmember, passenger, or other person which requires professional medical treatment beyond first aid and, in the case of a person employed on board a vessel in commercial service, which renders the individual unfit to perform routine vessel duties.
iii) Property damage in excess of $200,000.
iv) Actual or constructive total loss of any inspected vessel.
v) Actual or constructive total loss of any self-propelled uninspected vessel of 100 gross tons or more.
vi) A discharge of oil into a navigable water excess of 10,000 gallons.
vii) A release of a Hazardous Substance greater than or equal to its reportable quantity into a navigable water, whether from a casualty or not.

・Alcohol Test within 2hrs of the incident.
・Drug test ASAP, but no more than 32hrs after the incident.
・Crewmembers and embarked personnel directly involved in the casualty or accident.
・Accident that caused more than $100,000 or damage.
・Accident involving death.
・Accident involving a spill of 10,000 gallons of oil or more.
・Accident involving a spill of a reportable quantity of hazardous substances.

Question 56

What does the 33 CFR 165.1152 say about the Los Angeles and Long Beach deep water pilot areas?

Answer 56

・No vessel may enter the Los Angeles or Long Beach pilot areas unless entering or departing Los Angeles or Long Beach harbors.
・Vessels entering either of the Pilot Areas shall pass directly through without stopping or loitering except as necessary to embark or disembark a pilot.
・Every vessel shall leave Long Beach Approach Lighted Whistle Buoy “LB” to port.
・When a vessel of 50 foot draft or greater is using the Los Angeles or Long Beach Deep Water Traffic Lane no other vessel shall enter the Deep Water Traffic Lane if it will result in a meeting, crossing or overtaking situation.
・When a vessel of 50 foot draft or greater is embarking or disembarking a pilot in the Los Angeles Deep Water Pilot Area no other vessel shall enter the Deep Water Pilot Area.

Question 57

What constitutes a marine casualty?

Answer 57

(1) An unintended grounding, or an unintended strike of (allision with) a bridge;
(2) An intended grounding, or an intended strike of a bridge, that creates a hazard to navigation, the environment, or the safety of a vessel, or that meets any criterion of paragraphs (a) (3) through (8);
(3) A loss of main propulsion, primary steering, or any associated component or control system that reduces the maneuverability of the vessel;
(4) An occurrence materially and adversely affecting the vessel’s seaworthiness or fitness for service or route, including but not limited to fire, flooding, or failure of or damage to fixed fire-extinguishing systems, lifesaving equipment, auxiliary power-generating equipment, or bilge-pumping systems;
(5) A loss of life;
(6) An injury that requires professional medical treatment (treatment beyond first aid) and, if the person is engaged or employed on board a vessel in commercial service, that renders the individual unfit to perform his or her routine duties; or
(7) An occurrence causing property-damage in excess of $75,000, this damage including the cost of labor and material to restore the property to its condition before the occurrence, but not including the cost of salvage, cleaning, gas-freeing, drydocking, or demurrage.
(8) An occurrence involving significant harm to the environment as defined in §46 CFR 4.03-65.

Question 58

What are you required to report in the event of a marine casualty?

Answer 58

Report to the nearest Coast Guard Sector:
・Name and official number of the vessel involved.
・Name of the vessel’s owner or agent.
・Nature and circumstances of the casualty.
・Locality in which it occurred.
・Nature and extent of injury to persons.
・Damage to property.

Question 59

Regulations for Regulated Navigation Area as per 33 CFR 165.1152

Answer 59

For vessels of 1600GT or more gross tons, towing vessels of 26 feet or over in length (engaged in towing), or vessels of 100GT and upward carrying one or more passengers for hire:

(1) A vessel shall not exceed a speed of 12 knots through the water within the RNA.
(2) A vessel navigating within the RNA, shall have its engine(s) ready for immediate maneuver.
(3) A vessel navigating within the RNA shall maintain a minimum separation from other vessels of at least 0.25 nm.

Specific regulations -
(1) Los Angeles & Long Beach Pilot Areas:.
(i) No vessel may enter the Los Angeles or Long Beach Pilot Area unless it is entering or departing Los Angeles or Long Beach Harbor entrance (Angels Gate or Queens Gate).
(ii) Vessels entering the Los Angeles or Long Beach Pilot Area shall pass directly through without stopping or loitering except as necessary to embark or disembark a pilot.
(iii) Every vessel shall leave Long Beach Approach Lighted Whistle Buoy “LB” to port when entering and departing Long Beach Channel and departing vessels shall pass across the southern boundary of the Long Beach Pilot Area.
・When a vessel of 50 foot draft or greater is using the Los Angeles or Long Beach Deep Water Traffic Lane no other vessel shall enter the Deep Water Traffic Lane if it will result in a meeting, crossing or overtaking situation.
・When a vessel of 50 foot draft or greater is embarking or disembarking a pilot in the Los Angeles Deep Water Pilot Area no other vessel shall enter the Deep Water Pilot Area.
・None of the vessels mentioned above may enter the area between Anchorage G and Middle Breakwater unless: In an emergency;
Proceeding to anchor in or departing Commercial Anchorage G; Standing by with confirmed pilot boarding arrangements; or Engaged in towing vessels to or from Commercial Anchorage G, or to or from the waters between Commercial Anchorage G and the Middle Breakwater.