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13th Coast Guard District
915 Second Ave
Seattle, WA 98174

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Waterways Management Branch

WAMS

This analysis, officially known as a Waterways Analysis and Management System (WAMS) study, is a tool the CG uses to plan and implement our Aids to Navigation Program (ATON). WAMS are conducted every five years on each Federally designated "Navigable Waterway". Studies are normally announced in the USCG's, "Weekly Notice to Mariners," and occasionally by other additional means such as the media or via direct mailings. The USCG looks for two primary results from the WAMS; first and foremost, we look to see what may be done to enhance the safe navigation upon a waterway during the next five years. And secondly, we use the data we collect to anticipate and plan our budgeting process, at both the regional and national levels, over the same timeframe.

In conducting a WAMS the report writer solicits user input, rides at least one USCG and commercial vessel (and if available, other DOD, Federal, State, Local govt. vessels) to view the waterway firsthand. They also review existing navigational literature (Charts, Coast Pilots, Light Lists, Sailing Directions, ...) used by the mariner on a waterway with an eye to accuracy. In general anything that "may" affect safe navigation on the waterway including, but not limited to, geological and other physical changes in the characteristics of the waterway (either manmade or natural), changing political or economic trends, accident (pollution/vessel) reoccurrence rates in the vicinity of any navigational aids or specific portion of a waterway, and sensitive military or environmental issues. The studies mandated by congress are a very important tool both for the Coast Guard and the Users. Your input is valuable and appreciated.

Questionnaires and Completed WAMS Surveys

WAMS questionnaires and completed WAMS surveys are available below in an Adobe (pdf) format (click one). Click here for free a copy of the "Adobe Reader."

Questionnaires	Completed WAMS Surveys

Puget Sound / South / Central / North
Straits of Juan De Fuca
San Juan Islands / Rosario Strait
Lake Washington

Washington Coast / North / South
Willapa Bay
Grays Harbor

Columbia River / Lower / Middle / Upper
Willamette River
Snake River

Lake Roosevelt
Lake Coeur De Alene
Lake Pend Oreille
Lake Fort Peck

Oregon Coast / North / Central / South
Chetco River
Coos Bay
Coquille River
Rogue River
Siuslaw River
Tillamook Bay
Umpqua River	Umpqua WAMS Final 24SEP10
Yaquina Bay

Once you have completed your questionnaire please submit it by e-mail, fax or paper mail to the WAMS Manager.

For information about the WAMS program for waterways within the 13th Coast Guard District (Washington and Oregon) contact the WAMS Manager.

Commander (dpw)

13th Coast Guard District

915 2nd Avenue, Room 3510

Seattle, WA. 98174-1067

Attn: WAMS Manager

Phone 206-220-7283

Fax 206-220-7265

d13-pf-d13dpw@uscg.mil

Report all discrepancies with marine aids to navigation to the nearest Coast Guard unit!
Astoria (503) 861-6212	North Bend (541) 756-9212
Portland (503) 240-9311	Seattle (206) 217-6002

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Last Modified 5/20/2011