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Frequently Asked Questions: Seaport

Cargo | Marinas

Cargo

Q. Whom do I contact if I want to ship cargo to a foreign destination?

A. Please contact steamship lines for a full range of services available in Seattle.

A printable handout is available here.

Q. How can I contact the U.S. Customs Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.)?

A. U.S. Customs Service at (206) 553-1581. U.S.D.A. at (206) 553-2400.

Q. How do I recover merchandise that has been seized by the U.S. Customs?

A. Please contact the U.S. Customs at (206) 553-1581

Q. How many vessels have called the Port of Seattle during the past few years?

A. Find the yearly breakdown here.

Q. Where can I find the Public Access facilities at the Port of Seattle?

A. Please visit our Public Access page.

Marinas FAQ

General | Guest Moorage | Monthly Moorage | Marine

General

Q. Which marinas does the Port own?

A. The Port of Seattle owns and operates 5 marinas:

Guest Moorage

Q. As a guest boater, what do I do when I arrive at the marina?

A. Fishermen's Terminal and Shilshole Bay Marina have signage upon entering the marina directing guest boaters. If you are unsure, contact the marina office (Fishermen's Terminal or Shilshole Bay Marina) by VHF radio or by phone. For Bell Harbor Marina, contact marina office.

Q. Is rafting allowed for guest moorage?

A. Rafting is allowed in any of the guest moorage areas and is at the discretion of the Marina Office.

Monthly Moorage

Q. How do I find out if monthly recreational moorage is available?

A. Contact the marina office for current availability. Fishermen's Terminal, VHF: Channel 17 or 24 hour phone: (206) 728-3395 or Shilshole Bay Marina by VHF radio Channel 17 or by phone: (206) 728-3006. For Bell Harbor Marina, contact marina office by VHF: Channel 66A or phone: (206) 615-3952.

Q. Is recreational moorage available at Fishermen's Terminal?

A. Summer Recreational Moorage is now available for June-September by calling 206-728-3742 or e-mail. For long term monthly moorage, sign up for our free waitlist by calling 206-728-3742.

Marine

Q. How do I get a job on a fishing boat?

A. Looking for a job on a fishing vessel is similar to looking for any other job. 1) Check the employment section of the classified ads. 2) Inquire with the human resources department of a fishing company. Most people start as processors and move up to fishing vessel crew. For list of fishing companies visit Fishermen's Terminal Office. 3) Walk the docks and ask the captains if they need crew. 4) Network with other fishermen.

Q. How do I contact the Locks?

A. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There are signal lamps on both ends of the locks. If the signal is red, the locks are in operation. You can tie up or tack to the piers while you wait. If the signal is green, you can proceed into the locks. Locks control tower can be reached by phone at (206) 783-7000. If you are a government or commercial vessel, you can also reach the locks on VHF channel 13. The control tower will not respond to recreational vessels on this channel unless they are in distress (i.e. being towed). For more information visit their Web site.

Q. When is the Ballard Bridge closed to Marine traffic?

A. For information on bridge openings and closings visit the City of Seattle's Transportation Web site.