While it was here the ship resurveyed the waters off the downtown pier and the location of two sunken boats. James cook mapped during his explorations in the 1770's. NOAA's survey efforts have been cut drastically since the 1980s. The newest one was built in 1968. The research is more than warranted.
Alaskan waterways are highways to ship in goods and ship out commodities.
Alaskans rely on barge lines for their every day necessities. Seafood, timber and oil all are transported by water. Fishing vessels and the state ferries ply area waters year-round. Cruise ships carry thousands of passengers annually thorough the Inside Passage. More ships are coming every year.