Boater Resources

Whether you’re new to the Sound or a lifelong mariner, these resources can help you navigate its waters safely and efficiently.

Stay Informed

Annual Tide Book. Includes local tide tables, charts, and safety information for recreational boaters. Request a copy.
Presentations and Outreach. PSP members are available to speak with yacht clubs, boating organizations and schools about safe vessel navigation. Schedule a presentation.

Puget Sound Traffic Separation Scheme. Designated shipping lanes keep commercial and recreational vessels safely separated.
- Northbound vessels use the east lane; southbound vessels use the west lane.
Lanes are approximately ½ mile wide, with a ¼ mile separation zone.
Rules of the Road (Rule 10). Special navigation rules apply when operating near traffic lanes — always give large ships ample space and avoid crossing ahead of them.
Distance Awareness. Large vessels often appear to move slowly but can travel faster than expected and require significant distance to stop or turn.

If you’re unsure about the situation with a ship, reach out on one of the channels below, clearly identifying the ship and your vessel. Pilots would much rather communicate on the radio than have to guess at your intentions.
VHF Channels
- Channel 13 — Ship-to-ship communications
- Channels 14 & 5A (or 1005 on new VHF radios) — U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)
AIS (Automatic Identification System)
Use AIS to view and identify commercial vessels.
Remember: Without a transmitter, your vessel’s signal will only appear on other vessels’ radars and not their full suite of electronic navigation equipment.

Yacht Exemption. Foreign-registered yachts up to 200 feet in length or 1,300 gross tons (ITC) may qualify for pilotage exemption in Puget Sound. Apply through the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners.
Advocacy. Puget Sound Pilots work with organizations like the Northwest Marine Trade Association to support policies that promote safety and economic opportunity for all who use Washington’s waters.

Puget Sound Pilots
2003 Western Ave, Suite 200
Seattle, Washington 98121