Walton Lighthouse | VHF 83A | Key Mic 6x

ATTENTION BOATERS: The foghorn atop Walton Lighthouse has officially been upgraded by the U.S. Coast Guard and is now equipped with a Mariner Radio Activated Sound Signal (MRASS) device.

To activate the foghorn, tune your VHF radio to channel 83A and key the microphone six times consecutively. Once activated, the fog signal will sound every 3 seconds for approximately 15 minutes. If the sound fails to activate, contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco on VHF 16 or call (415) 399-7300.

This change is part of a broader Coast Guard initiative to modernize aids to navigation by replacing older, weather-sensor-activated fog signals with on-demand, radio-controlled technology—providing sound signals precisely when mariners need them. Alongside Santa Cruz, similar mariner-activated systems are also being installed at Pillar Point, Point Reyes, and several other locations throughout the region.

Harbormaster
Santa Cruz Port District
(831) 475-6161
May 1, 2025