Marine Exchange of the San Francisco Bay Area

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Marine Exchange of the San Francisco Bay Area

The Marine Exchange is a non-profit, membership organization. Established in 1849, it is among the oldest maritime organizations.

Our efforts focus on collection, analysis, and dissemination of ship data and facilitating discussion in the community.

03/13/2025

Today, I revisited my old stomping grounds at the US Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Vessel Traffic Service! 🚢✨ It’s inspiring to see Thomas Boone, VTS Training Director, still leading the best training program in the Coast Guard. He runs the only full-mission VTS simulator in the country! Trainees prove their skills in communications and computer operations before ever going live with professional mariners. This facility boasts the only training room in the United States capable of emulating a full watch team!

I managed training at VTS San Francisco for over 30 years, and during the last 11 years, I had the pleasure of working in the training room, made possible by the late Sean E. Kelley’s commitment.

A huge shoutout to Gary Reed, the current VTS Director, for keeping the training program top-notch! The San Francisco Bay Region Maritime stays safer because of Gary, Tom, and the whole VTS crew, who work tirelessly around the clock. 💪🌊

03/08/2025

One of the things that makes the San Francisco Bay Area so amazing, constant change. It won't be long before Treasure Island has its own skyline.

This photo is looking directly east from roughly Embarcadero and Broadway, San Francisco, CA.

02/23/2025

🚢 Last week marked the final day of an impactful regional maritime orientation program inspired by Captain Ann McIntyre, the esteemed business director for the San Francisco Bar Pilots. Several years ago, Captain McIntyre left the Columbia River pilots to take on her role at the San Francisco Bar Pilots. A year or so ago, she reached out to me to collaborate on implementing a program here in the San Francisco Bay Region that she had previously developed in the Columbia River.

This comprehensive orientation program lasted several months and culminated in a half-day training session at the San Francisco Bar Pilots office at Pier 9. The program aimed to enhance collaboration between the Marine Exchange, the bar pilots, regional ports and terminals, and the Coast Guard.

The final training day, last week, saw impressive turnout from both the Coast Guard and Marine Exchange, with Captain McIntyre and Captain Carlier providing valuable insights into their operations. Their candid responses to our questions showcased the expertise and professionalism of the San Francisco Bar Pilots.

With over 30 years of experience working for the US Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, I've always taken pride in the collaborative relationship with the San Francisco Bar Pilots. Their professionalism and dedication elevate our entire maritime community.

Thank you, Captain McIntyre and Captain Carlier, for an enlightening training day, and thank you, Captain Carlier, for your dedication and service as a member of the Board of Directors for the Marine Exchange of the San Francisco Bay Region!

That's Captain Ann McIntyre in the center pointing to her left.

02/12/2025

🌟 Wrapping up Day One of Washington Week 2025! 🌟

What an incredible start to the week here in snowy Washington, DC! I’m thrilled to be reporting from the forefront of discussions that are pivotal for California's maritime interests.

CMANC, born from the Marine Exchange of the San Francisco Bay region in the 1950s, is doing amazing work advocating for our ports and waterways. With a rich history, CMANC unites public members and industry stakeholders to address crucial issues like navigation projects, beach erosion, and regulatory reforms.

A special thank you to Jim Haussener for making CMANC one of the most important maritime advocacy groups on the West Coast. Under his leadership, CMANC is ensuring that California's maritime benefits are optimized and supported at both the state and federal levels.

As we gear up for Day Two, we'll be meeting with congressional representatives on Capitol Hill to further advocate for our vital maritime interests. Excited for the impactful conversations ahead! Let’s keep pushing for the future of our harbors and marine interests! 🌊⚓️

01/16/2025

Navigation range marker Humboldt Bay

If you missed today’s meeting of the Humboldt Bay Harbor Safety Committee, you missed the committee congratulating Captain Andrew Manning on his qualification as a new Humboldt Bay Bar pilot! Captain Manning is one of the few maritime professionals ever trusted to navigate deep draft ships across the Humboldt Bar channel.

I was honored to highlight the opportunity for exciting collaboration between the Marine Exchange of the San Francisco Bay region and maritime experts in Humboldt Bay. Together, our two Harbor safety committees will develop best practices for maritime safety during future tsunami warnings and events.

Leroy Zerlang, chairman of the Harbor Safety Committee, shared insights from his experience as a tug operator, ship agent, and proud owner of the historical MV Madaket. Originally built in 1910, the Madaket served as a vital transportation link for mill workers until 1972.

A special mention goes to Chris Mikkelsen, the executive director of the Port of Humboldt Bay. Chris has an amazing vision for steering the port into the next decade. As a brilliant leader, he stays informed about every aspect of Humboldt Bay, from seaweed and kelp farming to hopes of becoming a premier supporter of offshore wind maritime.

Today's meeting reaffirmed the commitment to supporting the safety and vitality of Humboldt Bay while celebrating its maritime heritage. The Port of Humboldt Bay is a vital gateway to Northwest California.

⚓️

01/10/2025

If you missed today’s Harbor Safety Committee meeting, you missed Captain S. Bannister of the TS Golden Bear unveiling the exciting plans for the upcoming construction of a new dock facility and training ship that will soon become part of the Vallejo Waterfront on the Carquinez Strait!

With these developments, the future of maritime education—especially the floating part—looks incredibly promising! We’re so lucky to have this institution right in our backyard, and with Captain Bannister steering the ship, the future shines bright! 🚢💙

Stay tuned for more updates on these amazing new projects!

12/06/2024

🎉 Join me at Pier 9 on December 12th for the San Francisco Bar Pilots Holiday Open House from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM! 🎄

It promises to be an incredible gathering filled with fantastic food and the chance to connect with professionals from the San Francisco Bay Region Maritime community.

Plus, don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy to contribute to the San Francisco Firefighters Holiday Toy Drive and help make a difference this holiday season!

If you can attend just one holiday event this year, make it the San Francisco Bar Pilots Holiday Open House.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, connect, and help the San Francisco Bar Pilots give back to our local community.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there! 🌟

12/06/2024

Today in Northern California, we narrowly averted disaster. This morning's earthquake near the Mendocino Triple Junction occurred where the San Andreas fault transitions to the Mendocino transform fault.

As a strike-slip fault, the movement was horizontal, which prevented a tsunami. Tsunamis typically occur from vertical movement that displaces water.

The Mendocino Fault ends at the Gorda Ridge, where the Gorda Plate moves eastward, and meets the Cascadia Megathrust fault offshore from Petrolea, California.

Today's quakes involved the Pacific Plate slipping northwest. If the Gorda Plate had shifted eastward, the impact could have been severe.

Thanks to USGS and NOAA for issuing tsunami warnings. If a tsunami had occurred, it could have reached the Pacific Northwest coast in minutes.

For Eureka and Humboldt Bay, this serves as a reminder to stay vigilant. Let’s be grateful today's earthquake didn’t trigger a tsunami, but remember to be prepared and act quickly when alerts come through.

Hopefully the attached images will help you visualize the scene at the Mendocino Triple Junction.

11/17/2024

ONE OLYMPUS from the pedestrian trail on the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA.

IMIS MariWeb 8.

11/08/2024

Celebrating Lisa Himber: A Remarkable Legacy in Maritime Leadership

Tonight, I had the honor of attending the retirement reception for Lisa Himber, who has dedicated an incredible 36 years of service as the Executive Director of the Marine Exchange of the Delaware River and Bay.

Did you know that in 2023, approximately 27% of the nation’s banana imports came through the Port of Wilmington? This port proudly stands as North America’s largest banana port, with Dole and Chiquita making calls twice a week. Beyond bananas, the Port of Wilmington also handles fresh fruit, juice concentrate, automobiles, steel, forest products, livestock, and petroleum. Lisa and her dedicated team have meticulously tracked and processed data for every one of these ships.

Operating within one of the most complex regions in the nation, Lisa’s work spans three states: Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Her contributions have been invaluable, making her one of the three most brilliant and influential women in the international maritime community, alongside Lynn Korwatch and Liz Wainwright. Remarkably, she is the third of this esteemed trio to retire from the North American network of Marine Exchanges in just two years.

Please join me in congratulating Lisa on her outstanding career and the lasting impact she has made in the maritime industry.

We also extend a warm welcome to George McCarthy as the new Executive Director.

Here’s to new beginnings and cherished memories!

11/05/2024

🌊 Exciting News! 🌊

On Friday, November 1st, 2024, I had the incredible honor of accepting the National Maritime Heritage Award on behalf of the Marine Exchange of the San Francisco Bay Region at the National Maritime Park Association’s annual gala.

A big thank you to Darlene Plumtree, Chief Executive Director of the National Maritime Park Association, for this tremendous recognition.

The event took place at the prestigious St. Francis Yacht Club, known for its commitment to community support.

While many esteemed maritime organizations attended, one truly stood out: the San Francisco Bar Pilots. A special shoutout to Captain Ann McIntyre, Business Manager for the Bar Pilots. Her efforts not only coordinated the event and arranged a stunning fire boat water show but also significantly contributed to the auction’s success.

I was also honored to be joined by the legendary Captain Lynn Korwatch, my predecessor at the Marine Exchange.

Let’s continue to support and inspire the next generation in maritime education! Thank you St Francis Yacht Club, and thank you National Maritime Park. And thank you to all who contributed money and services to support introducing young people to our maritime waterfront. ⚓️

10/19/2024

**Instagram Post:**

🌊✨ Big shoutout to the amazing Bobby Winston and Sal Vaca, the masterminds behind the Bay Area Working Waterfront Coalition! Bobby, a founding figure of the SF Bay Ferry and the "Mayor of the Ferry Building," and Sal, a national leader in workforce development, are making waves with their innovative programs.

These young individuals will embark on a 10-week pre-apprenticeship training, leading to exciting opportunities on our working waterfront. This is a game-changer for our maritime industry! 🙌

Congratulations to Bobby and Sal for their impactful work in filling vital positions that support our economy and national security. Let’s champion these maritime careers! ⚓️💪

Address

10 Commodore Drive
Emeryville, CA
94608

Telephone

+14154416600

Website

https://www.sfmx.org/

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Marine Exchange of the San Francisco Bay Area

03/13/2025

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02/12/2025

01/16/2025

01/10/2025

12/06/2024

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11/17/2024

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