East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
November 2, 2006

Italicized text indicates our comment. Plain text is copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

North Carolina ICW USACE Surveys: Mostly Good News:
The following surveys from the USACE Wilmington District show recent information about these shoal-prone areas of the North Carolina ICW. This is much better than last year for Snowbirds.

AIWW - Tangent I Section 2 - New River Crossing
AIWW - Tangent J Section 2 - New River Crossing
AIWW Tangent 1 Section 4 (Station 0+00 - 110+00) - Carolina Beach Inlet Crossing
Cape Fear to Little River Tangent 11 (Lockwood's Folly Inlet Crossing)

While the depths given were current as of the survey dates, storms (such as the prolonged nor’easter during the first weekend in October), can quickly change depths in shifting areas such as these. Use prudent seamanship.

The New River Crossing was the most severely shoaled, but it is now reported to be deep throughout the marked channel from dredging preceding these surveys.

The last two are “condition of inlet” reports as well. The Carolina Beach Inlet ICW Crossing was not dredged this past summer, and waypoints are given to find the best water. Generally, the red side is shown to be deeper.

In Lockwoods Folly Inlet Crossing, the persistent shoal at “47A” is still there, albeit it is reported much deeper (8-9 feet at MLW) than before dredging. Generally the surveys indicate to stay in the middle or favor the red side of the channel crossing the inlet, but conditions may change.

http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/bftcfr-s2.htm is the link to a new survey at Brown’s Inlet Crossing in the Camp Lejeune Bombing Range area of the ICW, north of Onslow Beach Bridge. There is shoaling between “60” and “61A”, with waypoints given to dogleg between the two to stay in six (6) feet of water, least depth. There is (and has been for a long time) a shoal area here where the inlet crosses the ICW, with no dredging recently. Expect a tidal range of around 3.5 feet.  

Many Lit Markers in Northeast to be Equipped with LED’s:
We’ve observed that over the past few months, the USCG 1 st District has been announcing that characteristics of Aids to Navigation in many areas will be changed. Many are having their light characteristics changed from 4NM to 3NM Nominal Range. In other words, they will be visible from 3 Nautical Miles rather than 4 Nautical Miles (with 10 mile visibility). Some are even being changed to 2NM. In more recent announcements, it has been stated that LED (Light Emitting Diode—as in all those new fancy flashlights) lanterns would be used. In many cases it has been stated that the changes would improve navigation. How can being able to see lights less well improve navigation? That’s what we’ve been wondering. LED’s do last longer and use much less electricity than conventional lanterns, so mariners theoretically will not be plagued with as many of the “lights extinguished” as we are familiar with now. Is this the tradeoff for seeing less well?

 Here are some of the most recent announcements (from the USCG First District LNM 43) regarding changes in Aids to Navigation:

 CT-LONGISLAND SOUND-BODKIN ROCK TO HARTFORD-CONNECTICUT RIVER
The Coast Guard is considering making the following changes to Aids to Navigation to facilitate navigation in this waterway:

Change Connecticut River Lighted Buoy 46 (LLNR 22930), Replaced by nun from Nov. 1 to June 1.

Change Connecticut River Lighted Buoy 72 (LLNR 23065), Replaced by nun from Nov. 1 to June 1 and CHANGE the nominal range from a nominal range of 4 NM to 3 NM using a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lantern.

RI-NARRAGANSETT BAY-EAST PASSAGE
The Coast Guard is considering making the following changes to this waterway:

Change the range of the following aids from a nominal range of 4 NM to 3 NM using a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lantern;

East Passage Lighted Gong Buoy 9 (LNR 17805)

East Passage Lighted Bell Buoy 11 (LNR 17810)

East Passage Lighted Bell Buoy 12 (LNR 17855)

East Passage Lighted Bell Buoy 14 (LNR 17940)

East Passage Lighted Buoy 17 (LNR 17965)

East Passage Lighted Buoy WR21 (LNR 18084)

East Passage Lighted Bell Buoy 24 (LNR 18095)

East Passage Lighted Buoy 25 (LNR 18100)

East Passage Lighted Bell Buoy 26 (LNR 18105)

Interested Mariners are strongly encouraged to comment on this proposal in writing, either personally or through their organization. All comments will be carefully considered and are requested prior to 18 November 2006 to facilitate the process. Refer to Docket No. 01-10-045. In addition to the address listed on the front cover ( COMMANDER, FIRST COAST GUARD DISTRICT (dpw) 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-3350), e-mail can be sent to: jack.mclaughlin@uscg.mil and faxes to (617) 223-8073.

The Coast Guard is making the following changes to Aids to Navigation to facilitate navigation in Portsmouth Harbor on or about 1 November 2006: Change Goat Island ledge Lighted Buoy 9 (LLNR 8370), Green, Fl G 4s, 5NM Nominal Range 3NM.

ED. Note: Coast Guard officials have told us in the past that often, when comments are requested, there are very few. I’m sure there are many reasons why. But you can comment, and you should, regarding changes in your boating area. Many boaters say they are unaware of proposed changes, but they are announced far in advance in every Notice to Mariners. We try to highlight ones that might affect transient boaters, but local and weekend boaters should be aware of these and send comments, as they will be most affected by changes.

Rudee Inlet , Virginia Beach, VA, (an Atlantic Ocean Inlet), Closed Nov. 29:
According to a news report from local News Channel 3, Rudee Inlet will be closed Wednesday, November 29, 2006, to all boat traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Work crews will be replacing the 200-foot steel underwater dredge pipe which is crucial to maintenance dredging. Look for future announcements in USCG 5 th District LNMs as well as in the local media.

The most recent City of Virginia Beach Survey of Rudee Inlet, dated October 12, 2006, indicates a least depth of 7.5 feet, MLLW across the outbound entrance channel, approximately 300 feet East of the South Jetty; and a least depth of 8 feet, MLLW across the inbound entrance channel, approximately 200 feet East of the North Jetty. The survey also indicates a least depth of 8 feet, MLLW, across the channel just West of the inside South Jetty.

Bad News for the Virginia Inside Passage (VIP):
This is the passage that runs inside along the eastern side of the Delmarva Peninsula. It is not part of the ICW. The USCG 5 th District LNM 43 states that the VIP in the vicinity of Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 71 is reported shoaled over across the channel. All mariners are advised to avoid transiting this waterway and channel.

Shoaling in Oregon Inlet, NC, (Not on the ICW):
5 th District LNM also reports that a U.S .Army Corp of Engineers survey of 12 October, 2006 reveals shoaling to a depth of 5 feet MLW between Oregon Inlet Lighted Buoy 13 and the southern fendering system of the Bonner Bridge. Mariners should avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution when transiting during other tidal periods. Mariners can view this survey at www.saw.usace.army/mil/nav/ and select Oregon Inlet.

Aids to Navigation Changes in Cape Fear River, NC (Again):
From USCG 5 th District LNM 44:

On or about 24 December, 2006 the following aids to navigation changes will occur in the Cape Fear River:

a. Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 25 (LLNR 30530) will be relocated to position 33-57-14.805N, 077-57-35.797W.

b. Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 29 (LLNR 30650) will be relocated to position 33-57-24.766N, 077-56-50.999W.

c. Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 31 (LLNR 30670) will be relocated to position 34-00-38.329N, 077-56-28.140W.

d. Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 33 (LLNR 30685) will be relocated to position 34-01-23.696N, 077-56-28.319W.

e. Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 35 (LLNR 30695) will be relocated to position 34-02-03.218N, 077-56-28.766W.

f. Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 41 (LLNR 30730) will be relocated to position 34-04-42.827N, 077-56-02.065W.

g. Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 54 (LLNR 30810) will be relocated to position 34-08-22.840N, 077-56-42.754W.

h. Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 25A (LLNR 30531) will be established position 33-57-31.363N077-57-21.930W showing a Flashing Quick Green characteristic.

i. Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 57A (LLNR 30836) will be established in position 34-09-40.695N, 077-57-43.080W showing a Flashing Quick Green characteristic.

New High-Rise Bridge Proposed Across the ICW, Brunswick County, NC (to Oak Island) Mile 316.6:
From USCG 5 th district LNM 44: The U.S. Coast Guard has received an application for a bridge permit from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for approval of the location and plans for construction of a new high-rise fixed bridge or a second crossing to Oak Island over the AICW mile 316.6 in Brunswick County, NC. The proposed project consists of constructing a four-lane medium divided facility on 150 feet of right-of-way with controlled access. The proposed vertical clearances of the new bridge at mean high and mean low waters are 65 feet and 69.2 feet, respectively. The proposed horizontal clearance is 90 feet on a skew between the margins of channel lights. A fender system will not be constructed as part of the project.

Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the above address (COMMANDER, FIFTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT (dpw) 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704), attention (dpb), no later than November 30, 2006. Copies of Public Notice 5-1076, which describe the proposal in detail, can be obtained by writing to the above address or by calling (757) 398-6587.

 Charleston Harbor Range Upgrade:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 43: The following change to the Aids to Navigation System will be made in Charleston Harbor.

Wando River Range A Front Light (LLNR 3290): will be changed to a 24 hour range displaying Flashing 2.5-s (1) Green characteristics. The aid is lighted throughout 24 hours and visible 0.5 degree each side of the range line. The range boards will be removed.

Wando River Range A Rear Light (LLNR 3295): will be changed to a 24 hour range displaying ISO 6s Green characteristics. The aid is lighted throughout 24 hours and visible 0.5 degree each side of the range line. The range boards will be removed. The work is schedule to be completed the weeks of 30 October 2006.

Be Careful Along the Southeast Coast! It’s That Time of Year Again: Right Whale Warning:
USCG 7 th District LNM 44 reminds us that from December to March the coastal waters between Altamaha Sound, GA, and Sebastian Inlet, FL, are used as calving grounds by the severely endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. This is the world’s only known calving ground for this species. Right Whales are the rarest whales in the world and are protected under law from disturbance or injury by the endangered species act of 1973, and the Marine Mammal Protection act of 1972. Right Whales, especially females and their calves, are slow swimmers and frequently lie at the surface. This behavior makes them vulnerable to collisions with ships, which are a significant source of mortality. Vessels operating within 25 miles of shore between 31-27N and 29-50N and within five miles of shore from 29-50N and 28-00N should take precautions to avoid collisions with Right Whales.

Dredging in Brunswick, GA (Not on the ICW):
Also from the 7 th District LNM 44: The dredge ARLINGTON has commenced maintenance dredging operations in the vicinity of the East River, Brunswick, Georgia until approximately 27 November, 2006. Dredging will continue on a twenty-four (24) hour per day, seven (7) days per week basis. The dredge can be contacted on marine radio VFH Channels 13 and 16. All mariners are urged to use extreme caution and transit the area at their slowest speed to create minimum wake.

Jupiter Inlet Jetty Renovation (Not on the ICW):
7 th district LNM 44: Shoreline Foundation, Inc. will commence a renovation project on the Jupiter Inlet North Jetty and Jupiter Inlet South Jetty from 1 November 2006 through 28 February, 2007, six (6) days per week from 7:a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily. While on-site one (1) tug, one (1) equipment barge and one (1) work barge will be moored along side the Jetty being renovated, at no time will Jupiter Inlet or any navigable water be obstructed. The tug will monitor VHF Channel 16 for all communications. All mariners are requested to use extreme caution and reduce to slow speed, minimum wake while transiting through the Inlet. For further information please contact Mr. Mathew M. Sturm at (954) 984-0460.

Jupiter Island Beach Nourishment Dredging:
USCG 7 th District LNM 43: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, LLC., has advised that a beach renourishment project for Jupiter Island, Florida, has commenced with the mobilization of the staging area for auxiliary equipment and dredge pipeline inside St Lucie Inlet, Florida. A combination of floating and submerged pipe will be used to transport 1.4 million cubic yards of dredge sand from two separate borrow areas offshore of Jupiter Island and pumping the sand onto the Jupiter Island Beach. The dredge and attendant plant will have all required Coast Guard lighting at night and the floating pipeline will have yellow flashing lights mounted on the line. The pump out location consist of 120 feet of 30-(inch) diameter floating hose and two tin ball buoys. The buoys and hose are illuminated by white lights mounted on stanchions.

Dredging Location:

North Borrow Area A: 27 degrees 04.57N 080 degrees 33.53W

South Borrow Area B: 27 degrees 00.74N 080 degrees 32.10W

Offshore Pump Out Locations:

North: 27 degrees 05.23N 080 degrees 06.02W

Middle:27 degrees 02.20N 080 degrees 04.81W

South: 27 degrees 01.49N 080 degrees 04.61W

Dredging will continue on a twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week basis and is expected to be completed/demobilized on or about February 28, 2007.

All mariners are urged to use extreme caution and transit the area at their slowest speed to create minimum wake. The hopper dredges LIBERTY ISLAND and DODGE ISLAND can be contacted on marine radio VFH Channels 13 and 16. Any further questions or additional information please contact Mr. David Johanson at (561) 758-2872 (Cellular).

St. Lucie Inlet (to the Atlantic Ocean) Shoaling:
A reminder from the 7 th District LNM 43: Extensive shoaling has been reported in the St Lucie Inlet, with the depth of water across the entire inlet decreased to approximately five (5) feet. All mariners are advised to stay alert and transit the area with extreme caution.

Snowbirds and others without local knowledge should avoid using this ocean inlet unless it is dredged. Even with local knowledge, five feet of depth in an ocean inlet could produce dangerous breakers, even in clam conditions

Copyright 2004-2008 Tom Neale