You are here: Home » Seaport » Seaport FAQ
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. Here's a yearly breakdown:
| Year | Ships |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1,127 |
| 1997 | 1,101 |
| 1998 | 1,076 |
| 1999 | 1,061 |
| 2000 | 1,095 |
| 2001 | 964 |
| 2002 | 990 |
| 2003 | 1,012 |
| 2004 | 1,094 |
| 2005 | 1,345 |
| 2006 | 1,301 |
Q. How deep is the harbor?
A. It is a natural deepwater harbor with the draft capable of handling today's largest ocean-going vessels. Please visit the cargo section of our Web site to see the water depth at each terminal.
Q. Where can I find the Public Access facilities at the Port of Seattle?
A. Please visit our Public Access page.
Q. Where can I get a stack chart?
A. For the time being, the Port of Seattle does not publish a stack chart.
General | Guest Moorage | Monthly Moorage | Marine
Q. Which marinas does the Port own?
A. The Port of Seattle owns and operates 5 marinas:
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.
Q. How do I find out if monthly recreational moorage is available?
A. The Moorage Availability Hotsheet is updated daily and provides available monthly moorage at all four recreational marinas.
Q. What do I do if I am next on the waitlist but not ready to lease a slip?
A. Once you notify the marina that you are not ready to lease a slip, your name will be removed from the waitlist so that you will not be offered or billed for a slip when it becomes available. You may reapply for moorage at any time (and pay the moorage application fee), and your new status will be based on the new application date.
Q. Can I make my monthly moorage payment with a credit card?
A. Yes, at Bell Harbor Marina and Fishermen's Terminal, monthly moorage payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card.
At Shilshole Bay Marina and Harbor Island Marina monthly moorage payments can be made by cash, check, or automatic withdrawal.
At Harbor Island Marina and Shilshole Bay Marina monthly moorage customers can sign up for ePayments, which allows you to pay your monthly bill by automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings account via our secure online system. For more information regarding ePayments, visit ePayments Frequently Asked Questions.
Q. When will the new docks be open at Shilshole?
A. Slips on new docks will be available beginning Fall 2007. Those interested in monthly moorage at the new Shilshole are encouraged to sign up now for best selection and earliest assignments - call 206-728-3006. The project is planned for completion by Summer 2008. For more information please see our construction update or sign up for Shilshole construction updates via e-mail. Guest moorage availability will be limited during the construction period.
Q. Is recreational moorage available at Fishermen's Terminal?
A. No. We currently do not have monthly recreational moorage available due to the Docks 5 - 10 Redevelopment Project. For details see current policy.
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.