Boat Transportation Information for Channel Islands National Park Vessels

The boat ride, transferring between vessel and dock, and working on the islands can be physically and mentally challenging. Prior to committing to a trip on a Channel Islands National Park vessel you are required to view the Boat Transportation Videos below, read the Boat Transportation Guide below, and complete the Self Assessment .

If you would like to submit comments to improve the videos, please click on this link: Boat Safety Video Comments

 

Duration:

1 minute, 52 seconds

Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley welcomes passengers and introduces critical boat transportation information for a safe trip to the park.

 

Boat Transportation Guide

Welcome Aboard

This information is for passengers traveling on National Park Service (NPS) vessels to the Channel Islands.

Sea conditions can vary tremendously and can make a big difference in your ability to move around the boat and disembark the vessel safely.

Passengers generally transfer from vessel to the island via a vertical ladder on to a dock under “live-boating” conditions. The boat does not tie to the dock and will be moving in relation to a stationary ladder, as the captain works to maneuver against wind and surge. On rare occasion passengers are skiffed through the surf.

Passengers will be briefed on forecast weather and landing conditions prior to departure. When landing, passengers must be agile and ready to move when directed by a designated crew member. Passengers must wait until the boat is positioned against the pier or dock for a crew member to give them the OK to transfer between the boat and dock/pier ladder. Passengers must have their hands free to grab the ladder. Passengers will be required to wear a PFD and will not be allowed to wear or carry any personal gear while transferring between the boat and pier/dock.

Passengers must complete a mandatory self-assessment checklist that is designed to help them assess their ability for a safe voyage and landing. Be honest with yourself and the boat crew when assessing your ability.

Passengers must wear snug fitting, close-toed, slip resistant footwear. Flip-flops are not allowed. Water-type shoes or neoprene booties are recommended during skiffing operations

Boat Captain’s Authority

NPS boat captains are licensed mariners who are in ultimate command of the vessel. The captain is responsible for the safety of the vessel, crew, and passengers. All persons on board are under the captain's authority. The captain is responsible for assessing weather and sea conditions and may cancel or modify the trip at any time. Please report all accidents or close calls to the captain or crew.

Trip Arrangements

All passengers and cargo must be listed on the boat manifest through park dispatch. “Cargo” excluding personal gear (food, clothes, sleeping bag, water, etc.) must also be coordinated through the maintenance foreman [phone]. Cargo is usually staged the day prior to departure. All passengers should clean their shoes and check their cargo and personal gear for nonnative species such as mice, ants, seeds, etc. prior to arrival. 

Arrival

All passengers and cargo must be listed on the boat manifest through park dispatch. “Cargo” excluding personal gear (food, clothes, sleeping bag, water, etc.) must also be coordinated through the maintenance foreman [phone]. Cargo is usually staged the day prior to departure. All passengers should clean their shoes and check their cargo and personal gear for nonnative species such as mice, ants, seeds, etc. prior to arrival. 

Biosecurity

It is critical to protect the islands from nonnative species. It is your responsibility to remove any mud, dirt, plant material, seeds, insects or other critters from your gear before packing it or bringing it to the loading area. Thoroughly check shoe or boot laces and tread. Clean shoes using the boot brushes located at the far end of the deck when you sign in. Do not bring any plants or plant material, cut flowers, animals, or used cardboard boxes. If you see anything biosecurity threats please notify an NPS staff person immediately. 

Packing Your Gear

Your gear may get wet and heavy items may be placed on top of it so pack with this in mind. Use hard containers or coolers to protect items from being damaged. Secure food from wildlife. Consolidate into containers that weigh no more than 30 pounds. Label containers with your name and destination. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own gear. Upon arrival at the island verify that you have all your possessions before the boat departs.

Loading Your Gear

Your gear will be inaccessible during the trip so keep any essential items with you. Please use the carts located just inside the maintenance bay entry to transfer your gear from your vehicle to the loading area. Follow the designated walkway indicated by yellow chain and traffic cones to load your gear. Be careful to load your gear into the megabag that is designated by colored tag for your island destination. DO NOT enter the loading area while the crane is in operation. The loading operations can be dangerous. Never walk near or under a crane load. When using gear carts on the gangway wheel them slowly with the handle upslope of the cart.

Parking and Permits

You can use the 30 minute loading area to offload gear. Move your vehicle as soon as possible to allow others to use this temporary parking area. For overnight parking you will need a parking permit which is in the boating office. Place the permit on the driver’s side dash of your vehicle and park in the overnight area indicated on the map. 

Boarding

Do not board the vessel until directed by the boat crew. Use caution on the gangway and dock which may be slippery and contain tripping hazards such as dock lines.

In Transit

You must wear a life jacket any time the boat is underway and you are outside the cabin. Exercise caution while moving about the boat. Use the rails or other stable surfaces to assist you and do not lean on chain railings. Face the stairs or ladders when going up or down on the boat. It is important to report severe seasickness and any other concerns to the crew.

Island Gear/Passenger Transfer

The boat will provide a briefing upon arrival and departure prior to loading operations to ensure safe passenger transfer and cargo handling. Special attention should be paid to first time passengers. A crew member will direct and guide you on when it is safe to transfer between the boat and dock/pier. 

 

Duration:

7 minutes, 39 seconds

An overview of procedures for safe loading and unloading of the park boat at park headquarters.

 

Duration:

1 minute, 16 seconds

Biosecurity measures are in effect to prevent the introduction of harmful nonnative species. Help protect your park by following these biosecurity protocols before departing for your trip.

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 46 seconds

Safety procedures for landing at Anacapa Island via the Ocean Ranger

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 46 seconds

Safety procedures for landing at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island via the Ocean Ranger

 

Duration:

2 minutes, 49 seconds

Safety procedures for landing at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island via the Ocean Ranger

 

Duration:

5 minutes

Safety procedures for landing at Santa Barbara Island via the Ocean Ranger.

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 4 seconds

Safety procedures for landing at Santa Rosa Island via the Ocean Ranger.

 

Duration:

28 minutes, 36 seconds

Volunteers experience the 3 effects of cold water immersion - cold shock, cold incapacitation & hypothermia. Learn how to survive a fall into cold water.