PORT ORCHARD

• USQOC
• Latitude: 47.5405
• Longitude: -122.641
• US West Coast
• Marina in US

Location: Port Orchard WA US

Port Orchard is a city and the county seat of Kitsap County, Washington, United States. It is located on the Sinclair Inlet of the Puget Sound, directly opposite the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton. Here are some details and specifications about Port Orchard as a marine port:

Geographic Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 47.5369° N latitude and 122.6380° W longitude.
• Water Body: Situated on Sinclair Inlet, an extension of the larger Puget Sound.
• Proximity: It is about 13 miles west of Seattle, accessible via ferry or road.

Infrastructure and Facilities

• Marinas: Port Orchard Marina is a notable facility providing a range of services for recreational and some commercial vessels.

  • Berths: Numerous slips available for transient and permanent moorage.
  • Depth: Varies, generally suitable for smaller recreational boats.
  • Utilities: Water, electricity, fuel services available.
  • Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi access.
  • Additional Services: Ship repairs and maintenance services, chandlery, and provisioning options nearby.

• Boat Launches: Public boat launch ramps available for easy access to the water.

• Harbor Patrol and Security: Marina and harbor patrol services ensure safety and compliance with marine regulations.

Port Services

• Commercial Activities: Limited, primarily supports local fishing, tourism, and recreational boating rather than large-scale cargo shipping.
• Customs and Immigration: Limited services, mainly focused on recreational and small commercial vessels.

Navigation and Access

• Channel: The port is accessed via a well-marked channel from the Sinclair Inlet.
• Pilotage: Not typically required for recreational and small commercial vessels, though larger vessels may require local pilot services when navigating Puget Sound waters.
• Tides and Currents: Vessels must consider tidal changes and currents typical of Puget Sound. Port Orchard experiences significant tidal variations.

Environmental and Regulatory Aspects

• Environmental Protections: Subject to state and federal environmental laws, including regulations governing water quality, pollution control, and protected marine areas.
• Regulatory Compliance: Managed under local, state, and federal maritime regulations pertaining to vessel operations, safety, fishing, and recreational use.

Economic and Social Aspects

• Economic Role: While not a major commercial port, it supports local business through marine tourism, recreational boating, and a small fishing industry.
• Community: The port and its facilities are integral to the local community, serving as a hub for social and recreational activities, including events like boat shows and maritime festivals.

Connectivity

• Road Access: Well-connected via local road networks, with bridge access and close proximity to major highways.
• Public Transportation: Served by Kitsap Transit, providing bus services and ferry connections.
• Ferry Services: Regular ferry services to nearby locations such as Bremerton and Seattle, facilitating easy movement between the mainland and the Kitsap Peninsula.

Recent Developments

• Improvements: There may be ongoing or recent upgrades to facilities and infrastructure to cater to increasing recreational boating demands and enhance the visitor experience.
• Community Initiatives: Engagements to improve local waterfront areas, promote environmental sustainability, and support local marine businesses.

Contact Information

• For specific and up-to-date information, visitors and mariners should contact local authorities or the marina office directly.

Port Orchard serves as an important marine hub within the community, with a primary focus on recreational boating, tourism, and limited commercial activities. Its scenic location and comprehensive marina services make it a favored destination for boaters exploring the rich waterways of Puget Sound.