A brief introduction,
The Vessel Traffic Service Puget Sound (VTS) is a marine traffic service operated by the United States Coast Guard in Seattle. Also known as "Seattle Traffic," we provide navigational assistance to the maritime community of Puget Sound similar to the methods used by the FAA in providing air traffic control to aviators.
We provide our service by use of the following methods:
1. Radar surveillance -12 strategically located radar stations from Cape Flattery, through Rosario Strait in the San Juan Islands, to Tacoma.
2. Vessel movement reporting -VHF-FM radio channels 5A, and 14.
3. Traffic separation scheme (TSS) -buoys, and charted traffic lanes that direct the flow of traffic.
The VTS monitors 230,000 vessel movements a year in the 3,500 sq. mi. Puget Sound area. These vessel transits are comprised of mainly large commercial and government craft such as freighters, container ships, tankers, coastal freighters, tugs, fishing vessels, tour boats, Navy ships, and ferries. All of these vessels are required to participate in whole, or in part with the VTS under 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 161.
Your responsibilities
Unless specifically directed by the VTS, the recreational boater is exempt from participation with the VTS in all but the required conduct that governs ALL vessels in, or near a TSS -reference Rule 10 for International Waters as established by the International Maritime Organization, and published in the Navigation Rules by the USCG. This is also found in our own publication, the VTS User's Manual.
Passive listening of the appropriate VTS frequency for your area is highly encouraged! Being tuned in to VTS is free, and a great source of timely traffic information that could save your life, loved ones, and property. See inside back cover for additional guidance in operator responsibility.