Question: What's with these big ships anchored in sf bay?

(Posted by: Fiona S on 2010-08-08 12:07:48)

When I sail the Bay, there are these big ships (I think their called tankers) anchored all the time. They come in and then leave by the end of the weekend. I never see any movement or activity on them. There are six of them today. Why? Can't they park them outside the Bay?

Posted by: Derrick S on 2010-08-08, 12:18:35

That is the USCG designated "Explosion Zone " for Hazardous Materials in the SF Bay Area. The USCG has set aside that area as a safe anchorage for ships with hazardous materials to wait for "Off Loading ". They cannot anchor outside due to the fact that the shipping lanes for the West Coast are close by and the Feds do not allow these ships to anchor in the protected Marine Sanctuaries nearby. This area is away from the North Bay which has all for the refineries and fast moving waters coming out of the Delta region. The placement of these ships keeps them in close proximity of the "Skimmers " located in the former Military Sealift Command Center in the Port of Oakland. The ships are closely monitored by the USCG Center on Treasure Island to prevent attacks from that tower. Homeland Security is a high priority in the SF Bay.