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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — September 8, 2025
Maritime Youth and Leaders Fight to Save San Francisco’s Only Fuel Dock Located at Gashouse Cove Marina, SF Marina
Gashouse Cove Fuel Dock is a gas and diesel facility, a pump-out station, an oil spill response center, a boat lift, and an emergency extraction dock.
San Francisco’s Gashouse Cove Marina is a vital resource for emergency responders, local youth, boaters, and ocean enthusiasts. It is home to the only fuel dock in San Francisco, protecting lives and ensuring access to the Bay. During the 1989 earthquake recovery, this facility proved essential for saving lives—and it must continue to serve its critical role.
Critical Consequences: SFRP’s Plan Endangers San Francisco’s Last Maritime Fuel Dock
• Deprive emergency responders of a critical refueling site in San Francisco, forcing Maritime Police and Fire Department vessels to cross to Sausalito or Emeryville for fuel.
• Eliminate at a key extraction site in San Francisco forces Maritime Police and Fire Department vessels to connect with emergency vehicles in less-than-ideal ways.
• Eliminate the last fuel dock in San Francisco, which includes underground gasoline and diesel tanks set in bedrock and upgraded by the State of California.
• Remove the only boat lift available to launch and recover boats in the Bay.
• Eliminate more than 200 small-boat berths and storage spaces on the deck near the boat lift.
• Take away the fuel dock, depriving boaters of a critical refueling site when heading out under the Golden Gate Bridge or visiting San Francisco.
• Shrink boating access by filling navigation channels leading to the Gashouse Cove Marina site.
• Encourage unsafe recreation by promoting swimming and paddling in waters polluted by the Laguna Street sewer outfall.
• Burden taxpayers with an unfunded $3 million annual cost beginning in 2028.
“Gashouse Cove is more than just a harbor—it’s a living classroom for youth, a launch point for adventure, and a vital piece of San Francisco’s maritime culture. Contrary to SFRP claims, we have also discovered that the California Water Board states the fuel dock can stay with no change needed during the PG&E remediation. Furthermore, the Original Public Trust Charter laid out by California in Chapter 437 (1935) is not being followed under SFRP’s new plan,” said Steve Welch, Golden Gate Area Council Sea Scout Committee Chair. The Sea Scouts have been at SF Marina and Aquatic Park Cove for more than 11 decades.
“As we all know, San Francisco Bay is a unique treasure for the boating community. It provides unparalleled opportunities for aquatic enjoyment: fishing, sailboat racing, leisurely cruising, etc. The majority of boats on the Bay routinely need access to fuel, and the ability to get that on the San Francisco waterfront is not only a necessity, but also a major attraction. Available fuel means that boaters can visit the marinas and patronize local establishments. Our clubs are comprised of recreational boaters, but in addition to our requirements, we are keenly aware of the need for marine emergency services and marine rescue units to have ready access to fuel. Police and fire departments should not have to go across the Bay to fill up, nor should support services like BoatUS Vessel Assist. Emergency response times on our sometimes dangerous San Francisco Bay should never be impeded by the need to detour for fuel,” said David Jackson, Commodore, Pacific Inter Club Yacht Association (PICYA), representing over 100 yacht clubs across Northern California.
Why Gashouse Cove Matters
For 175 years, Gashouse Cove has been San Francisco’s safe harbor for small boats, youth training, and maritime access. Substantially upgraded with state funding in the 1960s, it remains a vital full-service marina—not a swimming hole or kayaking cove. The Laguna Street sewer outfall makes the water unsafe for paddling or swimming; local youth already call it what it is: “the cesspool.”
Despite SFRP’s proposals for a recreational kayaking area, the sewer outfall will remain exactly where it is. Meanwhile, for fueling, launching, and loading boats, the existing setup has served the public effectively for more than 60 years—and no agency requires it to change.
A Threat to Public Access and Safety
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (SFRP) is advancing a plan by falsely claiming the fuel dock must be removed for the PG&E cleanup. In fact, the California Water Board has confirmed that PG&E’s cleanup does not require removing the dock. It can remain in place, saving taxpayers money.
Our Youth Maritime Community, Swimming and Boating Community, and ocean advocates call on the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission to:
• Preserve the fuel dock and boat lift for youth programs, emergency services, and small-craft boaters.
• Tell the truth about the Laguna Street sewer outfall on SFRP's plan drawings.
• Adopt a balanced plan that supports PG&E's cleanup while maintaining maritime use.
• Ensure accountability through an independent review of SFRP’s flawed April 2025 SF Planning permit application.
Call to Action
Public Hearing: 1-Minute Public Comment (Hybrid Meeting)
Thursday, September 18, 2025 — 10:00 AM PT
City Hall, Room 416
San Francisco Recreation & Park Commission
If SFRP’s plan proceeds, San Francisco will lose 30% of its water access while taxpayers face $4 million a year in debt for the next 30 years. By the end of 2025, the SFRP governing commission could approve the request to begin remediation of Gashouse Cove at SF Marina and decommission the only San Francisco fuel dock. These Maritime Youth Advocates, Swimming, Canoeing, and Boating communities, including boating clubs, water-safety organizations, maritime educators, and water groups committed to safe, equitable, and resilient aquatic sports access, call on you to give public comment at the upcoming meeting.
Community members are urged to provide public comments and testimony to meetings on the calendar at https://mhpv.net/sfmarina
Photos of Gashouse Cove Marina and Maritime Youth Advocates are available upon request or downloadable at https://mhpv.net/sfmarina
5 Gashouse Cove Fuel Dock
A United States Coast Guard cutter makes a vital stop at the Gashouse Cove Fuel Dock in San Francisco to take on much-needed diesel fuel. This operation highlights the importance of local maritime facilities in supporting national security efforts, ensuring that the Coast Guard remains ready to guard one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks and busiest waterways.
A Threat to Public Access and Safety
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (SFRP) is advancing a plan that threatens Gashouse Cove by falsely claiming the fuel dock must be removed for the PG&E cleanup. In fact, the California Water Board has confirmed that PG&E’s cleanup does not require removing the dock. It can remain in place saving taxpayers money.
If SFRP’s plan proceeds, San Francisco will lose 30% of its water access while taxpayers face $4 million a year in debt for the next 30 years. By the end of 2025, the SFRP governing commission could approve the request to begin remediation of Gashouse Cove at SF Marina and decommission the only San Francisco fuel dock.
Why Gashouse Cove Matters
27 Jurisdiction of the Port of San Francisco
The SF Bay Youth Maritime Advocates met with Luiz Barata, Senior Planner and Urban Designer for the Port of San Francisco. They learned a great deal about the Port’s plans for the future of the San Francisco waterfront. However, he was not able to answer the youths’ question about the Port’s responsibilities for the waterfront area northwest of Hyde Street Pier, nor were they able to learn what plans the Port of San Francisco has for maintaining access to the gasoline and diesel fuel dock.
15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Potentially Partners with Sea Scouts on San Francisco’s Longstanding Maritime Legacy
Tommy Williams, Deputy District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District, and Juliette Hayes, Regional CAP Production Center Manager & SPN CAP and TOPPs Branch Chief, acknowledged receipt of a Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) request from Steve Welch, Golden Gate Area Council Sea Scout Committee Chair. This step opens the door for a potential partnership with the Sea Scouts, who have been an enduring presence at the SF Marina and Aquatic Park Cove for more than eleven decades.
16 Maritime Youth Advocates Highlight Need for Fuel Dock Access Before SF Bay Harbor Safety Committee
The Maritime Youth Advocates addressed the San Francisco Bay Harbor Safety Committee, emphasizing the need to maintain access to gasoline and diesel fuel docks in San Francisco. Speaking before port leaders and federal agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, they highlighted how reliable fuel dock infrastructure supports maritime safety, small craft operations, and the vitality of the Bay’s maritime community.
21 Maritime Youth Advocates Interview California Boating & Waterways Chair on Submerged Land Rights
At San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, the Maritime Youth Advocates spoke with Tom Pier, San Francisco’s Maritime Attorney and Chair of the California Boating and Waterways Commission. In the interview, Mr. Pier discussed submerged water rights under the California State Lands Commission and the Port of San Francisco’s responsibilities under the Burton Act.
14 Harpreet S. Sandhu Engages San Francisco Bay Youth on the Great Ships Act and Future Maritime Training
Harpreet S. Sandhu, Senior District Representative from the Office of Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), meets with San Francisco Bay Youth Maritime Advocates to discuss the upcoming Great Ships Act and the importance of strengthening youth maritime training in America. The youth shared their perspectives on maritime readiness, raising concerns about the availability of fuel reserves to ensure effective emergency response.
22 Maritime Youth Advocates Propose Marine Pool and Youth Maritime Center at Gashouse Cove
At the Sea Scout Base in San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, the Maritime Youth Advocates outlined their vision for expanding youth access to the waterfront. Their proposal includes creating a marine pool and a dedicated youth maritime center at Gashouse Cove to support training, recreation, and community engagement on the Bay.
24 Youth Learn Water Safety and Seamanship at Black Point
Maritime Youth Advocates engaged in hands-on training around Black Point, focusing on water safety, understanding currents, winds, and tides. The program strengthens seamanship skills while building confidence and awareness on the waters of San Francisco Bay.
11 Critical Fuel Access at Risk for San Francisco Maritime Police Vessels
The San Francisco maritime police boats operate on both gasoline and diesel, as do roughly half of the vessels berthed in the city. If the Gashouse Cove Gas and diesel Fuel Dock is decommissioned, emergency service boats, recreational craft, and bridge maintenance vessels would be forced to travel to Sausalito or Emeryville for refueling. The loss of this local fueling option would cause significant operational delays, undermining public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and access for the broader boating community.
10 Youth Maritime Advocates Call for Proper Fuel Dock at Port of San Francisco
The SF Bay Youth Maritime Advocates are engaging with other young people to raise awareness about the challenges posed by the current diesel fuel delivery system at the Port of San Francisco. Fishing vessels are forced to rely on an over-water fuel delivery method that many describe as unsatisfactory and inadequate. This delivery system—available only two to three times per week—is difficult for working vessels to plan around. Advocates emphasize that the absence of a proper fuel dock not only complicates operations for fishermen but also limits accessibility and opportunities for the broader maritime community.
12 San Francisco Youth Visit Maritime Police Dock and Station A group of San Francisco youth visited the city’s maritime police dock and station to learn about the vital role these vessels and crews play in maintaining safety on the Bay. The visit to the Port of San Francisco fisherman’s wharf provided young people with an inside look at emergency response operations, the importance of fuel access for patrol and rescue boats, and opportunities for youth engagement in maritime careers and public service.
13 San Francisco Youth Visit Maritime Police Dock and Station
During a visit to the San Francisco Maritime Police Station at Fisherman’s Wharf, Sergeant Bushnell introduced local youth to the high-tech processes used to save lives on the Bay. The tour gave participants an inside look at emergency response operations, highlighted the importance of fuel access for patrol and rescue boats, and underscored the vital role of maritime police in maintaining safety. The experience also encouraged youth to consider future engagement in maritime careers and public service.
9 Maxum Port San Francisco Fuel Tanks in Disrepair
At the Port of San Francisco, Maxum maintains two above-ground diesel fuel tanks, each with a 10,000-gallon capacity. These tanks have been out of service for an extended period and are now in visible disrepair due to lack of use and maintenance. Their condition raises concerns about safety, environmental risk, and the long-term future of fuel storage infrastructure at the site.
29 Youth Maritime Advocates Tour Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service
The Youth Maritime Advocates received a tour of the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) San Francisco, a U.S. Coast Guard operation that monitors and manages maritime traffic in the Bay Area. VTS focuses on the area around the Golden Gate Bridge to ensure safe and efficient navigation. Using radar, AIS, and VHF radio, the service tracks vessel movements, alerts mariners to potential hazards, and directs actions when necessary to prevent accidents in the complex waters of San Francisco Bay. During the visit, the youth spoke with Gary Reed, Director of VTS, about the need for a fuel dock in San Francisco. He explained that because fuel dock property decisions fall under state and city jurisdiction, VTS has no influence over regional land use—they are responsible solely for managing vessel traffic on the Bay.
Forward QR to people
8 Maxum Fuel Dock Port of San Francisco Diesel Fuel Leak Contained
On August 1, 2011, about 200 gallons of diesel leaked from a pipe going the Maxum Fuel Dock on Jefferson Street. SF Fire Department contained the spill before it reached the Bay or storm drains by deploying booms to prevent contamination. The site still carries a court case regarding the cleanup responsibility, and the Port of San Francisco maintains it cannot pursue new fuel infrastructure until the lawsuit is resolved.
3 San Francisco’s Only Public Boat Lift
This was the only public boat lift in San Francisco, designed to help launch and retrieve trailer-stored boats. It also supported emergency response operations, such as oil spill cleanup, and provided public access to a touch-and-go dock just below the lift.
A few years ago, the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRP) cut the lift’s cables and announced it would no longer be available.
1 This map highlights Black Point at the center,
Black Point with Aquatic Park to the east and Gashouse Marina to the west. The waterway embodies more than 175 years of shared history between the State of California and the City of San Francisco. Black Point, a bedrock promontory, has long served as a prominent navigational aid.
18 Maritime Youth Advocates Interview SFFD on Fuel Delivery at New Maritime Fire Station
The Maritime Youth Advocates interviewed the San Francisco Fire Department at the new Maritime Fire Station to learn about fuel delivery methods. SFFD explained that they receive diesel via over-water transfer, while gasoline is purchased at standard stations and transported to their dock in 5-gallon containers.
17 Sea Scout Maritime Youth Advocates Address PICYA Delegates on Fuel Dock Closure Concerns
On July 7, 2025, the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association (PICYA), a 129-year-old Bay organization, invited Maritime Youth Advocates—mostly Sea Scouts of Scouting USA—to speak before 75 Northern California yacht club delegates. The youth revealed that San Francisco Recreation and Parks plans to permanently close gas and diesel fuel access at Gashouse Cove Marina, a fact unknown to most attendees.
4 Lana Coomes, Inspires the Next Generation at Gashouse Cove Marina
Lana Coomes, the youngest crew member aboard Maiden and part of the first all-women’s crew to win in the Ocean Globe Race, arrives at Gashouse Cove Dock to meet and inspire San Francisco’s young mariners.
26 Maritime Youth Advocates Present Gashouse Cove Story to SF Infrastructure Leadership
July 3, 2025 — Maritime Youth Advocates shared the story of Gashouse Cove with Alicia John-Baptiste, Chief of Infrastructure, Climate, and Mobility for the City and County of San Francisco, and Amar Bhardwaj, Assistant Chief of Infrastructure, Climate, and Mobility at SF City Hall.
24 Youth Learn Water Safety and Seamanship at Black Point
Maritime Youth Advocates engaged in hands-on training around Black Point, focusing on water safety, understanding currents, winds, and tides. The program strengthens seamanship skills while building confidence and awareness on the waters of San Francisco Bay.
25 Youth Learn Water Safety and Seamanship at Black Point
Maritime Youth Advocates engaged in hands-on training around Black Point, focusing on water safety, understanding currents, winds, and tides. The program strengthens seamanship skills while building confidence and awareness on the waters of San Francisco Bay.
2 Gashouse Cove – PG&E Cleanup Area
The site covers approximately 20 by 40 meters of submerged land. The PG&E plant here was decommissioned in 1962, but no cleanup was conducted at that time. The State in 1967 converted the area into a small boat marina and emergency response facility. For the past 22 years, the California Water Board has been pursuing remediation of this site.
6 Navigational Channel to Gashouse Fuel Dock Remains Stable Without Dredging.
The navigational channel leading to the Gashouse Fuel Dock has not been dredged for 35 years. Despite this, heavy boat traffic maintains a natural depth of 8.5 feet at low tide, making it safely navigable. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRP) permit proposes filling the channel to only 4 feet at low tide, which would significantly reduce access. However, the State Water Board has confirmed that at its current depth, the channel can remain in place and continue to be used without alteration.
23 Youth Learn Water Safety and Seamanship at Black Point
Maritime Youth Advocates engaged in hands-on training around Black Point, focusing on water safety, understanding currents, winds, and tides. The program strengthens seamanship skills while building confidence and awareness on the waters of San Francisco Bay.
7 SF Supervisor at Gashouse Cove Marina with Steve Welch, Golden Gate Area Council Sea Scout Committee Chair
On January 2, 2025, Supervisor Stephen Sherril (left) and his staff member Mick Delrosario (right) joined Steve Welch (center) at the Gashouse Fuel Dock. Despite this visit, they have not been able to make progress with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRP) in reversing its unnecessary plan to decommission the fuel dock. Nor has Supervisor Sherril’s office taken action by engaging the State Water Board, which has already confirmed that at its current depth, the navigational channel can remain in place and continue to be used without alteration.
28 SF Bay Youth Maritime Advocates Learn About Port Governance and Planning
The SF Bay Youth Maritime Advocates recently met with the Secretary of the Port of San Francisco Commission. During the conversation, she explained that the Commission serves as the governing body responsible for setting the overall direction of the Port. She also took time to walk the youth through the rules and procedures for speaking during public comment at future Commission meetings. This introduction not only gave the youth a better understanding of how the Port is governed, but also prepared them to actively participate and