VASHON ISLAND

• Latitude: 47.5093
•
• Longitude: -122.464
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• US West Coast
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• Port in US

Address: Vashon Island WA US

Vashon Island is located in Puget Sound, within King County, Washington State, and is positioned approximately midway between the cities of Seattle and Tacoma. Though it has a number of docking facilities for private boats and ferries, it's not a bustling commercial shipping port akin to Seattle or Tacoma. Here are the general features and specifications of maritime facilities related to Vashon Island:

Location:

• Geographical Coordinates: Latitude 47.4485° N, Longitude 122.4597° W
• Proximity: Approximately 10 nautical miles southwest of Seattle and 10 nautical miles northeast of Tacoma.

Key Facilities:

1. Waterways:

   • Puget Sound: The island is situated within the protected waters of Puget Sound, providing calm sea conditions ideal for maritime activities.

2. Ferry Terminals:

   • Vashon Ferry Terminal: Located at the northern part of the island, this terminal services routes primarily to Fauntleroy (West Seattle) and Southworth. It is the main gateway for vehicle and passenger ferries.
   • Tahlequah Ferry Terminal: Located at the southern tip of the island, this terminal provides ferry services to Point Defiance in Tacoma.

3. Marinas and Docks:

   • Quartermaster Marina: Situated on the southeast side of the island in Quartermaster Harbor. It provides mooring for recreational boats and smaller vessels.
   • Dockton Marina: Located at Dockton on the southeastern side of the island, offering dock facilities with limited amenities.

Specifications:

• Maximum Vessel Length: Ferry terminals can handle vessels up to approximately 100 meters in length.
• Depth: The ferry terminals and marinas generally accommodate drafts of up to 4.5 meters (15 feet).
• Tidal Range: Tides in the Puget Sound area can vary significantly, with the mean range around Vashon Island being approximately 3.0 meters (10 feet).

Services:

• Navigational Aids: Standard buoyage and markers are present to assist with safe navigation around the island.
• Fueling Stations: Limited fueling options are available at the marina facilities and nearby ports.
• Repairs and Maintenance: Basic maintenance facilities are available for smaller vessels; for extensive repairs, nearby Seattle or Tacoma can be utilized.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Vashon Island has a network of roads connecting the ferry terminals to various parts of the island.
• Public Transit: King County Metro offers limited bus services on the island, which connect with ferry terminals.
• Emergency Services: Vashon Island has basic emergency response units, including Coast Guard access for maritime incidents.

Additional Notes:

• Environmental Considerations: The region has a rich marine ecosystem, and maritime activities are often subjected to environmental regulations aimed at protecting local wildlife and water quality.
• Commercial Activity: Vashon Island's maritime facilities primarily support local residential, recreational, and small-scale commercial activities rather than large-scale industrial operations.

In summary, Vashon Island’s marine facilities cater primarily to local and recreational maritime traffic. For significant commercial port operations, nearby Seattle or Tacoma would be suitable alternatives.