Traffic

Question 1

How many traffic considerations will be discussed

Answer 1

7

Question 2

What traffic uses Rosario Strait

Answer 2

Rosario is in constant use by vessels bound for Cherry Point, Bellingham, Anacortes, and the San Juan Islands. Vessels bound for BC and AK also frequently use it in preference to passages farther W to take advantage of tidal currents.

Question 3

Which route is recommended for Deep Draft traffic

Answer 3

Haro is generally used by ocean going vessels bound for Northerly Ports. It is the widest channel and is well marked. Vessels bound N from Puget Sound may use Rosario Strait or Haro. The San Juan Channel is not recommended.

Question 4

Describe cross traffic

Answer 4

Cross traffic is mainly auto ferries on round trip scheduled routes from Anacortes to the Islands. The routes run through Thatcher, Harney, Wasp, San Juan Channel, Speiden channel, and across Haro. The ferry landings are at Upright Head, Lopez Island, E side of the entrance to Blind Bay, Shaw island, Orcas Island, and Friday Harbor.

Question 5

Oil tankers are commonly bound for….

Answer 5

Tankers transit to March Point

Question 6

Describe recreational boat traffic

Answer 6

Recreational craft navigate between the and extra caution should be given. Small marinas and boat basins can be found on nearly all the islands as well as in Anacortes and Burrows Bay. There are additional fishing vessels frequenting the area in late summer and fall.

Question 7

Seasonal usage for Rosario and Haro Straits

Answer 7

These passes are used extensively by pleasure craft especially in July, August, and September.