VTS

Question 1

What are the WSF procedures for transit through the islands

Answer 1

WSF checks in with Seattle Traffic on 5A prior to departing Anacortes west bound and in the vicinity of Frost Island eastbound. Westbound

Question 2

List the 2 VTS special areas in the Rosario Strait Chartlets.

Answer 2

The two special VTS areas are the Rosario Strait VTS special area and the Guemes Channel VTS special area.

Question 3

How many considerations are there for VTS Rosario

Answer 3

7

Question 4

Who manages traffic for Rosario Strait?

Answer 4

Seattle Traffic manages Rosario Strait on channel 5A

Question 5

Describe the Rosario Strait special VTS area

Answer 5

The Rosario strait special VTS area consists of those waters bounded to S by the center of the precautionary area “RB” (not marked by a buoy) and to the N by the center of Precautionary Area “C” (marked by Lighted Buoy “C”)

Question 6

Describe the Guemes Channel VTS special area

Answer 6

The Guemes channel special VTS area consists of those waters bounded to the west by Shannon Point on Fidalgo Island and to the E by SouthEast Point on Guemes island.

Question 7

What are the 3 additional requirements and 1 deviation for the VTS special areas for Rosario Strait and Guemes Channel

Answer 7

The following conditions apply to vessels 40,000 DWT and over: they shall not be impeded by vessels towing, they will not enter the area without approval of VTS granted at least 15 minutes prior, they will not operate within 2,000 yards of each other or vessels over 100m except when crossing astern. A deviation is granted to Ferries meeting vessels over 40,000 DWT when the intention is to pass astern.