Large ships on the Deep Water Channel

[cdemke]

I like watching large ships go by on the Deep Water Channel. I am going be boating on the Delta 8/8-8/15. What is the best way to find out if/when a large ship is coming in or out of the Port of Stockton? Do large ships take the tide into consideration when entering/exiting the deep water channel?

thanks,

Chris

 

[Flutterby]

I don't know how to get a schedule of ships, etc. It might be classified now to help prevent potential terrorist attacks.

Yes, they try to come up the channel on an incoming tide and return to the bay on an outgoing tide. That conserves fuel and helps to prevent running aground.

Enjoy your time in the Delta!

 

[DeltaDawg]

I saw this on the news once at the time of the Cosco Basaun oil spill it is actually pretty cool.

http://www.boatingsf.com/ais_map.php?region=wide

You can listen to vessel traffic service on VHF channel 13, there is a lot more traffic to hear when you are down around San Francisco Bay. Enjoy.

 

[Meuritt]

I think ch 14 is vessel traffic control, you can get a real time idea of whats coming in and their destination.

One Saturday afternoon I was anchored off China Camp in San Pablo Bay listening in heard a large ship coming through, heard CG remind the racers around Angel Island they had no right of way with said ship, that its destination was past Carquinez. When it came through we were awed, what a monster. Then that ship and another had a chat about the transition from San Pablo to Carquinez, inland boat "whats your depth" San Pablo ship 24' x" what's your?" Response was within 6", San Pablo boat said they would hold position and wait for the inland ship.

It was also an interesting lesson in good VHF use.