PRECAUTIONARY AREA

   Traffic within the Precautionary Area consists of vessels maneuvering on various
courses. Vessels transiting the Precautionary Area should, when possible, keep the
centerline of the area to port providing for a counterclockwise movement of vessels
within the area. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution when navigating within
this area. 


	                          TRAFFIC LANES

   Traffic lanes are intended for use by vessels 1600 gross tons and over. The provisions
of Inland Navigation Rule 9 apply to all vessels navigating in the traffic lanes.


	                         DEEP WATER ROUTE

   Vessels with a draft of 45 feet or greater should use the "Deep Water Route" east of
the Golden Gate Bridge. Vessels intending to use the Deep Water Route should notify
San Francisco Traffic before passing Mile Rocks. Deep draft vessels will neither meet
nor overtake in the Deep Water Route. Deep draft vessels bound for anchorage 9 should
pass east of Blossom Rock then through the C-D or D-E span of the San Francisco-Oakland
Bay Bridge.


	                      VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE
				
The U.S. Coast Guard operates a mandatory Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system in San 
Francisco Bay and surrounding areas. Vessels operating procedures and designated 
radiotelephone frequencies are published in 33 CFR 161, the U.S. Coast Pilot, and/or the 
VTS Users's Manual. Mariners should consult these sources for applicable rules and reporting requirements. Although mandatory VTS participitation is limited to the navigable waters of 
the United States, certain vessels are encouraged or may be required, as a condition of port 
entry, to report beyond this area to facilitate advance vessel traffic management within the 
VTS area.

The U.S. Coast Guard operates a Vessel Traffic Service Offshore Vessel Movement Reporting 
System covering the seaward approaches to San Francisco Bay.  Vessels are requested to monitor 
VTSSF on Channel 12 at 15 and 45 minutes past each hour for broadcast reports of known shipping 
traffic in the area.

All of San Pabalo Bay is within the VTS area with the exception of the Petaluma River Entrance 
Channel.