San Juan Islands: boating safety
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The San Juan Islands lie between the mainland of Washington State and Vancouver Island, just south of the Canadian border, with Friday Harbor on San Juan Island as the main town and port of entry. Their sheltered passages and many anchorages are busy with pleasure boats in summer, and boats often cross to and from Canada's Gulf Islands.
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Harbour and marinas
US waters around the San Juan Islands are covered by Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service, "Seattle Traffic", on VHF channel 5A. Haro Strait and Boundary Pass to the north and west are covered by Canada's "Victoria Traffic" on channel 11.
eCFR, 33 CFR 161.12 (Vessel Traffic Services) · eCFR, 33 CFR 161.12 (Vessel Traffic Services) ▾
Friday Harbor Marina (Port of Friday Harbor) has 500 slips, 100 of them for overnight visitors. Call on VHF channel 66 US when you enter the harbour and when you leave guest moorage.
Port of Friday Harbor · Port of Friday Harbor ▾
Weather
The National Weather Service in Seattle forecasts these waters as the zone "Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands" (PZZ133).
National Weather Service ▾
Local rules
By state law all boats, including sailboats, kayaks and paddleboards, must stay 1,000 yards (about half a nautical mile) from Southern Resident killer whales. Within that distance, move away at 7 knots or less; if a whale comes within 400 yards, put the engine in neutral if safe.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ▾
To run a boat with a 15 hp or larger motor in Washington you need a Washington Boater Education Card if you were born after 1 January 1955. Visitors from another state or country boating here for less than 60 days do not need one.
Washington State Parks · Washington State Parks · Washington State Parks ▾
Hazards
Tidal currents in the island passes are fast in places and cause dangerous tide rips. Sailboats should not fight the current without a fair, fresh wind, and a reliable engine is essential; at night or in fog, small craft should not attempt the passes without local knowledge.
NOAA Office of Coast Survey, U.S. Coast Pilot 10, ch. 7 · NOAA Office of Coast Survey, U.S. Coast Pilot 10, ch. 7 ▾
Hospital and medical
PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor has a full-time emergency room on the island, with air-ambulance links to the mainland.
PeaceHealth (archived page) ▾
Arriving from abroad
Friday Harbor, Point Roberts, Anacortes and Port Angeles are CBP reporting points for boats arriving from Canada; call the nearest office before arrival. NEXUS or I-68 holders may phone in their arrival instead of reporting in person, unless told otherwise.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection · U.S. Customs and Border Protection ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near San Juan Islands?
Call Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound on 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in San Juan Islands?
US waters around the San Juan Islands are covered by Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service, "Seattle Traffic", on VHF channel 5A. Haro Strait and Boundary Pass to the north and west are covered by Canada's "Victoria Traffic" on channel 11.
Where do I get the marine forecast for San Juan Islands?
The National Weather Service in Seattle forecasts these waters as the zone "Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands" (PZZ133).
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com