SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard has disestablished the safety zone for the entrance of the Santa Cruz Harbor Thursday, but significant shoaling in the area is still present and boaters should continue to use caution.
The shoal sizes and their dynamic movement are difficult to track and have historically created hazardous conditions within the channel, such as breaking surf. Sounding reports will be posted at the Harbor Masters Office.
The Coast Guard urges all vessel traffic to verify soundings with the Harbor Master when transiting the Santa Cruz Harbor Channel during a negative tide. Furthermore, all vessels drafting 7-feet or greater are requested to check in with the Harbor Master prior to transiting the Santa Cruz Harbor Channel.
All mariners are advised to travel in the channel with extreme caution, evaluate the weather conditions, water depths, and their boat handling abilities prior to entering or departing the harbor. Those choosing to travel in the channel, please be advised of water depths that may change erratically and may not correlate to charted depths.
Dredging has been conducted by the Santa Cruz Port District to remove substantial material from the Harbor entrance, reducing the shoal and improving navigability.
The Harbor Master may be reached via VHF-FM Channel 9 or by telephone at (831) 471-6161.
The safety zone was established Friday, March 18.
Chart is not for navigational purposes.
For more information on boating safety and required and recommended safety equipment, please visit www.uscgboating.org.
For more information on weather conditions, please visit www.weather.gov.