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Port of San Francisco

USSFO🇺🇸USA

Located on the northern California coast, the Port of San Francisco manages waterfront facilities along the city's eastern shore. It handles a variety of cargo and serves as a hub for cruise ships and other vessels. The port operates with compulsory pilotage and tug assistance.

Background
The Port of San Francisco is a semi-independent organization that oversees the port facilities at San Francisco, California, United States. It is run by a five-member commission, appointed by the mayor subject to confirmation by a majority of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The Port is responsible for managing the larger waterfront area that extends from the anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge, along the Marina district, all the way around the north and east shores of the city of San Francisco including Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero, and southward to the city line just beyond Candlestick Point. In 1968, the State of California, via the California State Lands Commission for the state-operated San Francisco Port Authority, transferred its responsibilities for the Harbor of San Francisco waterfront to the City and County of San Francisco/San Francisco Harbor Commission through the Burton Act AB2649. All eligible state port authority employees had the option to become employees of the City and County of San Francisco to maintain consistent operation of the port of San Francisco.
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Channel Depth
9ft
Tidal Range
1ft
Elevation
342m
Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
M
Repair Code
A
Established
1957
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
UN/LOCODE
USSFO
Country
🇺🇸USA
Time Zone
UTC-7
Feature Type
CNL (Canal)
Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Excellent
Subdivision
US-CA
Area
US West Coast
Latitude
37.7739°
Longitude
-122.3963°
WPI No.
16300
GeoNames ID
5312870
Wikidata
Q3398575
Official Site
www.sfport.com
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How do I navigate the approach to the Port of San Francisco?+
The approach to San Francisco is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Roe Island Lighthouse at 2.3 NM to the NNW. Other aids include Yerba Buena Island (2.6 NM NE), Alcatraz Island (3.4 NM NNW), Alcatraz North Fog Signal (3.5 NM NNW), Pillar Point Harbor (4.4 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of San Francisco?+
The Port of San Francisco is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of San Francisco?+
You can track vessels near San Francisco (USSFO) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for USSFO on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of San Francisco?+
The Port of San Francisco operates in the UTC-7 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.