USCG Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco Tour

How many of those monster commercial ships enter San Francisco Bay every day? Why do some turn north while others turn south after they get past Alcatraz? How fast do those twin hulled ferries go? How do they all keep track of each other so that we don’t have a Bay full of collisions?

We don’t know the answer to all those questions, but we know who does, and we’re going to go ask them. In March, we are going to visit the USCG’s VTS site on Yerba Buena. VTS stands for Vessel Traffic Service, and it is a pivotal part of the equation that includes Homeland Security concerns as well as their primary mission of making sure that we don’t have two giant ships trying to occupy the same patch of water at the same time. The VTS monitors and controls shipping traffic within a circle with a diameter of 60 miles, which includes the SF Bay and Delta system, all the way up to Sacramento.

It’s quite a facility, and they’ve invited us to take a tour. We’re planning to arrive at about 10am for a guided tour of this amazing place, watch them while they perform magic, and then we will cross over to the MERSEA restaurant on Treasure Island where we have reservations for lunch. You’re invited, and space is limited, so reach out right away to reserve a spot for this adventure.”

The registration fee is $10. Each guest will be responsible for their lunch costs. Call either office to register.

Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024

Event: 2 hour guided tour from 1000 to 1200 of the Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco and then optional lunch at Mersea.

Where: VTS location: 1 Yerba Buena Island, Northgate Rd. San Francisco CA 94130
Or, in your gps nav system, enter: “Sector San Francisco”

Time: Arrive by 0945. Please plan to arrive on time as we will not be able to delay the tour to wait for somebody.

Transportation: Personal vehicle. Ample parking is available.

Registration Fee: $10 paid at sign up (lunch paid by member)

Max Participants: 20

Call to Sign Up Today!