One-way traffic lanes are RECOMMENDED for use by all vessels traveling between the points involved. They have been designated to aid in the prevention of collisions in the Strait of Juan de Fuca waters, but are not intended in any way to supersede or alter the applicable Rules of the Road. Separation zones are intended to separate inbound and outbound traffic and to be free of ship traffic. Separation zones should not be used except for crossing purposes. When crossing traffic lanes and separation zones, use extreme caution.

Precautionary Areas have been established where major lanes merge and cross the traffic separation scheme. It is recommended that vessels proceed with caution in these areas. Wherever practical, vessels entering or leaving the system should do so at these precautionary areas. For more information regarding Traffic Separation Scheme procedures and regulations, see 33 CFR 167 and / or Chapter 2 of the U.S. Coast Pilot.

For information governing the VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION SYSTEM for the coastal waters of southern British Columbia, see National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Publication 154, Sailing Directions (enroute) for British Columbia, and the Sailing Directions British Columbia Coast (South Portion) Volume 1, published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service.