TerminalPort of Sacramento

Restrictions and Limitations

Deep drafts for specific transits may be decreased depending on navigation factors such as date, time, tidal conditions, soundings, weather conditions, vessel size and type, etc. During the period from December to April, rapid shoaling may occur on the river. The pilots may be notified by the Army Corps of Engineers or receive other information of depth changes/shoaling requiring maximum drafts to change on very short notice. All transit drafts refer to fresh water drafts. All vessels are recommended to have a minimum of 1 foot (30 cm) of trim by the stern, not exceeding maximum fresh water deep draft. If the minimum of 1 foot (30 cm) of trim is not met, the vessel shall be limited to daylight only transit (DLO). Vessels with any trim by the bow (down by the head) shall not transit to and from the Ports of Sacramento and Stockton. In general, the narrow channel limits the size of vessels above New York Point to the PANAMAX class (750 feet LOA x 106 feet beam). The air draft limit for an unrestricted transit during an average tidal cycle is 132 feet. Vessels with an air draft of greater than 132 feet should contact the Operations Pilot for allowable transit time. All transits to/from Sacramento must consult with the Operations Pilot due to overhead clearance issues near SAC DWSC LT 12. This is in effect until further notice when this office has received proper verification of available clearance The following vessels will be allowed daylight transits only: i. 650 feet and above LOA; ii. 100 feet and above beam; iii. vessels with severely limited visibility due to design or other factors; iv. vessels with a deep draft exceeding 31.0’ (9.45 m.) During the period from December to April, rapid shoaling may occur on the river. The pilot maybe notified by the Army Corps of Engineers or receive other information of depth changes requiring drafts to be changed with very short notice.