SHAW ISLAND FRANCISC

• Latitude: 48.5833
• Longitude: -122.928
• West Coast Canada
• Marina in US

Location: Shaw Island Washington US

Shaw Island is part of the San Juan Islands archipelago located in the state of Washington, USA. It is one of the smaller, less-developed islands in the group, known for its quiet, rural atmosphere. However, it doesn't have a major marine port like some other islands (such as Orcas Island or San Juan Island). I'll provide a general description and some key points related to the maritime aspects of Shaw Island.

General Description of Shaw Island

• Location: Northern Washington State, within San Juan County
• Size: Approximately 7.7 square miles
• Population: Less than 300 permanent residents
• Primary Activities: Residential living, tourism, and small-scale agriculture
• Access: Mainly by ferry, private boat, and seaplanes

Maritime Facilities

Although Shaw Island does not have a large commercial port, it has some smaller maritime facilities and features that serve residents and visitors.

1. Shaw Island Public Dock

• Location: Near the ferry terminal on the east side of the island
• Usage: Primarily serves private boats and small vessels
• Facilities: Limited docking space, moorage for small boats
• Conditions: Basic services, no major refueling facilities

2. Ferry Terminal

• Service Provider: Washington State Ferries
• Routes: Connects to other major islands such as Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and San Juan Island, and to the mainland at Anacortes
• Dock Facilities: Primarily for ferry loading and unloading, not equipped for large commercial or cargo operations

Specifications and Features

Given its small and rural nature, Shaw Island's maritime facilities are designed to support a low volume of traffic and are geared towards local needs rather than large-scale industrial or commercial activities.

• Water Depth: Adequate for small to medium-sized boats, but not deep enough for large vessels or cargo ships
• Mooring: Limited mooring options; primarily geared towards private boats and local residents
• Safety Features: Basic navigational aids, low-traffic area with minimal commercial boat activity
• Maintenance & Repairs: Very limited on-island repair facilities; major repairs would need to be conducted on larger nearby islands or on the mainland

Environmental and Operational Considerations

• Conservation: Shaw Island is known for its efforts to maintain a low-impact, sustainable environment. This extends to its maritime operations, where care is taken to minimize ecological disruption.
• Weather Conditions: Typical of the Pacific Northwest, with mild, often foggy conditions that can affect visibility and navigation.

Tourism and Recreation

• Activities: Popular for kayaking, sailing, and small boating
• Visitor Facilities: Limited tourism infrastructure, mainly private docks, and some small community-run facilities

Conclusion

Shaw Island's maritime facilities are modest and tailored to the needs of its small population and visiting tourists. There are no large-scale port operations; instead, the focus is on maintaining the island's serene and undeveloped character while providing essential services for residents and visitors.