The Cape
Cod Canal is toll free for passage by adequately powered, properly equipped,
seaworthy vessels. Before going through the Cape Cod Canal consult a tide
table. There is nearly a 6-ft. tidal range between the east and west ends
of the Canal, and the current usually runs about 6 knots. Auxiliary sailing
vessels, small or underpowered boats should wait for a fair tide.
Chart
13229: Cape
Cod Canal MA
Chart 13236: Cape
Cod Canal & Approaches MA
Chart 13236: Cape
Cod Canal Approaches & Extenstion MA
Visit the Cape Cod Canal current tables or contact the US Army Corps of Engineers, Cape Cod Canal Field Office Acadamy Drive Buzzards Bay, Ma. 02532 (508) 759-4431 ((508) 759-5991 for prerecorded tide and weather information.)
RULES and REGULATIONS - Speed limit: 10 mph - No excessve wake - You MUST power through the Canal - no sailing - All vessels going withthe current have the right-of-way Obtaining clearance: - Vessels UNDER 65' may proceed through the Canal without regard to traffic symbols. - Vessels OVER 65' shall not enter the Canal until radio clearance is given by the marine traffic controller. - Vessels of any kind that are unable to transit against a head current of 6 kts. within a 2 1/2 hr. time limit are required to obtain helper tug assistance or wait for a fair current prior to recieving clearance from the marine traffic controller. - Two-way traffic through the Canal, for vessels 65 feet and over, is allowed when the Dispacher on duty considers conditions suitable. Communications: - Direct communications are available at all hours by radio or radiotelephone at (508) 759-4431. - On VHF: Call channel 13 to establish contact. Switch to channels 12 and/or 14 as working channels. - Channel 16 is for emergency situations only. - Vessels shall maintain a radio guard on channel 13 during the entire passage through the canal. Traffic Lights: - Traffic Lights are located at the eastern (Sandwich) and Western (Buzzards Bay Entrance) ends - Vessels OVER 65 feet should contact the US Army Corps of Engineers for more information: Cape Cod Canal Field Office, Acadamy Drive, Buzzards Bay, Ma. 02532 Tel: (508) 759-4431
Emergency Shoreside and Marine Services:
