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East
Coast Alerts
By
Mel Neale
March 22, 2007
Italicized text indicates our comment. Plain text is copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.
New
Georgia ICW Surveys Show More Shallow Water:
As
would be expected with no maintenance dredging, the Georgia ICW continues
to shoal. Particularly severe shoaling continues in the following areas (depths
given are for mean low water in the center half of the channel; deeper water
may be available in the east or west quarter; check the quarterly survey
results at http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/AIWWPROF-feb07.pdf for
details):
Fields Cut, Mile
573.3-576, 5.5 ft.
Hells
Gate, Mile 601.4-602.4, 3.0 ft. (the survey reports 6.0 ft. depth in the
western quarter of the channel)
Florida
Passage, Mile 605.9-608.5, 6.0 ft.
Little
Mud River, Mile 653-656.4, 6.0 ft.
Altamaha
Sound, Mile 656.4-660.1, 6.0 ft.
Buttermilk
Sound, Mile 661.9-662.1, 7.0 ft.
Buttermilk
Sound, Mile 662.1-664.5, 4.0 ft. (the survey reports 7.0 ft depth in the
eastern quarter of the channel)
Jekyll
Creek, Mile 680.9-685.9, 5.0 ft
Protected
Route around St. Andrews Sound: 5.0 ft is minimum reported in the survey
New Shoaling
in NC ICW, Shallotte Inlet Crossing Area:
USCG
LNM 11 reports that A U.S. Army Corp of Engineers survey of 01
March, 2007 indicates shoaling to a depth of 2.3 feet MLW between Cape Fear/Little
River Daybeacon 75 and Cape Fear/Little River Light 77. Mariners should avoid
transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution during
other tidal states. Mariners can view this survey at www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/AIWW/CFLR/T17.pdf
The web address given above is correct. It was not correct in the LNM. On the survey, waypoints are given to avoid the shoal area. The survey reports that 6 ft. is the controlling depth, following the given waypoints.
Bridge of Lions
March and April Channel Closures:
Notice
from the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project:
The channel will be closed at the Bridge of Lions temporary bridge in St. Augustine as follows:
NIGHT Closures:
Sunday
through Thursday every week, March 19 - April 27, 2007, 7:00 p.m. to 7:00
a.m. Channel Closed.
DAY
Closures:
Monday & Tuesday,
April 2-3, 2007, Channel Closed. Openings provided only during: 7:00
a.m. – 8:00
a.m.
1:00
p.m. – 2:00
p.m.
6:00
p.m. – 7:00
p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday,
April 10-11, 2007, Channel Closed. Openings provided only during:
7:00
a.m. – 8:00
a.m.
1:00
p.m. – 2:00
p.m.
6:00
p.m. – 7:00
p.m.
*Requests for a bridge opening must be made via marine radio to the Bridge Tender on Channel 9.
These closures have been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Questions? Call (904) 669-1165 or (904) 825-3686.
USCG
Waterway Analysis for Boston Area, MA:
From
USCG 1 st District LNM 11: The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterways
Analysis and Management Study (WAMS) of Boston North Channel, Boston South
Channel, Presidents Roads, Boston Main Ship Channel, Mystic River and Chelsea
River. The study focuses on the area-s aids to navigation system, waterborne
commerce, marine casualty information, port/harbor resources, emergency response
plans, routine and emergency communication capabilities, and future development
projects. Any comments or recommended changes to the Aids to Navigation (ATON)
in these waterways should be received no later than 15 May, 2007 to be considered.
Send comments to: Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston, 427 Commercial
Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109. ATTN: ATON Officer or fax to 617-223-3032.
Connecticut
Train Schedule Changes May Affect Boaters:
If
you are a boater in southeastern Connecticut, check the article at
http://www.nhregister.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18070875&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=517515&rfi=8 . More trains will alleviate vehicular traffic, but will also clog the waterways with boaters waiting to get through the several railroad bridges crossing rivers in the area.
Dredging to
Resume in Ambrose Channel, NY:
USCG
District 1 LNM 10 announces that Great
Lakes Dredge & Dock
will commence dredging on or about April 7, 2006 south of the Verrazano Narrows
Bridge. The Hopper Dredges Liberty Island and Padre Island, and Survey Vessel
St. Johns River will be on scene. Dredging will continue in this area until
approximately November 30, 2007 on a 24-hour / 7-days per week basis. The area
will not be closed to navigation and dredges will MOVE ON DEMAND. Dredges & support
equipment are required to report their movements and positions to VTC-NY on
Channel 14. Dredges are monitoring Channels 13 and 16. Mariners are requested
to contact dredges on Channel 13 to make any necessary navigational arrangements.
Cable
Laying off NJ Coast:
From
USCG 5 th District LNM 11: The cable ship I.T. INTREPID (call
sign 8PSH) will be conducting communication cable repair/replacement operations
off the New Jersey coast between positions 39-06.4N, 073-31.1W and 39-27.7N,
073051.8W from 28 February until 31 March, 2007. The vessel will monitor VHF-FM
CH 16 and display the lights and dayshapes for a vessel restricted in its ability
to maneuver. It is requested that all vessel remain clear of the operations.
Upper
Chesapeake Bay Dredging:
From
USCG 5 th District LNM 12:
Baltimore Harbor
The
WEEKS CLAMSHELL DREDGEs WEEKS 550 and 551will be conducting dredging operations
in the Seagirt West Access Channel, Seagirt-Dundalk Connecting Channel, and
the Dundalk West Access Channel from 01 April until 01 August, 2007. Spoil
material will be transported via barge to the Hart Miller Island Disposal Area.
Pipeline to
Hart Miller Island Buoys:
Constellation
Generation and Langenfelder Marine has temporarily established the following
aids to navigation to mark a buried pipeline to Hart Miller Island. Markers
will be discontinued on or about 01 July, 2007. All buoys are white and orange
and worded "HAZARD PIPELINE".
A. Middle River
Temporary Lighted Warning Buoy A (NO LLNR) at 39-16-59.70N, 076-21-09.90W,
Fl W 5s.
B.
Middle River Temporary Warning Buoy B (NO LLNR) at 39-16-41.94N, 076-21-13.62W.
C.
Middle River Temporary Lighted Warning Buoy C (NO LLNR) at 39-16-21.96N,
076-21-18.60W, Fl W 5s.
D.
Middle River Temporary Warning Buoy D (NO LLNR) at 39-16-04.38N, 076-21-23.64W.
E.
Middle River Temporary Lighted Warning Buoy E (NO LLNR) at 39-15-51.42N,
076-21-27.12W, Fl W 5s
New Bridge
in Chincoteague, VA:
From
USCG 5th District LNM 12: Mariners are advised that work will
commence on or about March 26, 2007, to replace the existing Route 175 Bridge
over Black Narrows and Chincoteague Channel, at Chincoteague Island, VA. The
new movable bridge will now cross the Lewis Creek Channel. To facilitate the
new construction, barges and the erection of a temporary trestle will be present
in the coming weeks and may encounter possible obstruction to navigation in
the adjacent waterways of Black Narrows. As the construction progresses, check
these resources frequently to obtain the schedule for drawbridge closures,
establishment of a temporary channel and restrictions due to barge placements.
The entire project is expected to be completed by March 2009. Mariners should
use extreme caution when transiting the area.
Changes in
Hampton Roads, VA Channels:
The
USCG 5 th District LNM 11 reports that on or about May 15, 2007
the Coast Guard will establish the following aids to navigation to mark the
new APM Terminal Channel (channel buoys will be located 125 feet outside channel
limit):
A. Craney Island
Creek Lighted Junction Buoy CA (LLNR 9697) at 36 52 47.557N, 076 20 17.534W,
Fl (2+1) G 6s, Green and red bands.
B.
APM Terminal Channel Lighted Buoy 3 (LLNR9699) 36 52 39.879N, 076 20 13.464W,
Q G.
C. APM
Terminal Channel Lighted Buoy 4 (LLNR 9700) 36 52 41.348N, 076 20 37.719W,
Q R.
D. APM
Terminal Channel Lighted Buoy 5 (LLNR 9701) 36 52 33.409N, 076 20 33.827W,
Q G.
E. APM
Terminal Channel Lighted Buoy 6 (LLNR 9702) 36 52 41.979N, 076 20 48.218W,
Fl R 2.5s.
F.
APM Terminal Channel Lighted Buoy 7 (LLNR 9703) 36 52 21.501N, 076 20 46.869W,
Fl G 2.5s.
G.
APM Terminal Channel Lighted Buoy 8 (LLNR 9704) 36 52 45.766N, 076 20 53.427W,
Fl R 2.5s.
H.
APM Terminal Channel. Lighted Buoy 9 (LLNR 9705) 36 52 12.737N, 076 20 45.323W,
Fl G 4s.
I.
APM Terminal Channel Lighted Junction Buoy A (LLNR 9706) 36 52 47.557N, 076
20 17.534W, FL (2+1) R 6s,Red
and green bands.
The following changes will be made to existing aids to navigation:
A. Craney Island
Anchorage Daybeacon C (LLNR 9705) will be renamed Lambert Bend Turning Basin
Daybeacon A (LLNR
9707), NB dayboards.
B.
Craney Island Anchorage Daybeacon B (LLNR 9700) will be renamed Lambert Bend
Turning Basin Daybeacon B (LLNR
9708), NB dayboards.
Send comments
to: Commander (dpw)
5th
Coast Guard District
431
Crawford Street, Rm.100
Portsmouth,
VA. 23704-5004
New NOAA Buoys
in Chesapeake Bay:
From
USCG 5 th District LNM 11: On or about April 2, 2007, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Chesapeake Bay Office, will establish
three (3) lighted data buoys in association with NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Interpretive
Buoy System (http://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/CbayBuoySystem.aspx ).
All buoys will be yellow.
A. NOAA Lighted
Data Buoy SN (Six Foot Knoll) (LLNR 8117) at 39 09 06.86N, 076 23 28.12w,
Fl Y4s
B.
NOAA Lighted Data Buoy J ( Jamestown Island) (LLNR 12113) at37 12 15.00N,
076 46 39.00W, Fl Y 4s
C.
NOAA Lighted Data Buoy PL (Point Lookout)(LLNR 16537) at 38 02 00.00N, 076
18 00.00W, Fl Y 4s
POC is Doug Wilson, 410-267-5648 or Doug.Wilson@noaa.gov .
Dredging in
Morehead City Channel, NC:
From
USCG 5 th District LNM 12: The DREDGE LEXINGTON will be conducting
dredging operations in Morehead City Channel in the vicinity of Bulkhead Channel
and the State Port Authority from 16 March until 06 May, 2007. The dredge may
be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 15 and 16.
Shoaling
in North Carolina Inlets, NOT on the ICW:
USCG
5 th District LNM 11 reports the following shoaling:
A U.S. Army Corp of Engineers survey of 05 March, 2007 indicates shoaling to a depth of 3.1 feet MLW between New River Inlet Buoy 4 and New River Inlet Lighted Buoy 5. And shoaling to a depth of 2.6 feet MLW between New River Inlet Buoy 1 and New River Inlet Buoy 3. Mariners should avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution during other tidal states. Mariners can view this survey at www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/inlets/newriverinlet.pdf .
A U.S. Army Corp of Engineers survey of 26 February, 2007 indicates shoaling to a depth of 4.8 feet MLW between Bigfoot Slough Channel Daybeacon 10B and Bigfoot Slough Channel Daybeacon 11. Mariners should avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution during other tidal states.
NOAA Data Buoy
Adrift:
From
USCG 7 th District LNM 11: The U.S. Coast Guard has advised that
NOAA Data Buoy 42003 (LLNR 1395), FL (4) Y 20s, is adrift in approximate position
26-01-19-N 085-51-37-W. Request has been made for assistance in recovery and
towage to nearest safe harbor. Updated position can be obtained twenty-four
(24) hours per day by calling the CWO Tim Martin at NDBC Data Assembly Center
(OPCEN) at (228) 688-2835. For further information please contact CWO Dave
Bear at (228) 363-4074.
Florida Dredging:
From
USCG 7 th District LNM 12:
Ponce Inlet
Area:
Southwind
Construction Corp. will commence hydraulic dredging operations on or about
March 19, 2007, south of the Coast Guard Station adjacent to the floating
docks, Ponce de Leon Inlet, New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Florida.
Floating and submerged polyethylene pipelines will traverse immediately
west from the Coast Guard Station across the Intracoastal Waterway then
south/southeast parallel with the west shoreline of the Intracoastal Waterway,
then westerly along the south shoreline of the existing Florida Inland
Navigational District Disposal Area to the point of termination at said
Disposal Area. This project will continue on a twenty-four (24) hours per
day, seven (7) days per week basis until completion on or about April 30,
2007. All pipelines and equipment will be visibly lighted and marked according
to Coast Guard Regulations. All mariners are urged to use extreme caution
while transiting the area and use their slowest safe speed to minimize
wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made.
The dredge KRISTI JOE and tug 570 Ellicott can be contacted on marine radio
VHF Channels 13 and 16. For further information please contact Mr. David
Lynn (Superintendent) at (812) 455-1770 (Cell) or Mr. Darrell Stewart (Operations
Manager) at (812) 867-7220 or (812) 455-7199 (Cell).
Sebastian
Inlet:
Subaqueous
Services, Inc., has commenced a dredging and beach restoration project
at the Sebastian Inlet in the vicinity of 27-51.38N 080-26.50W. The dredge
spoils will be pumped onto the beach extending 4,000 feet to 17,000 feet
south of the Inlet. One (1) hydraulic dredge, two (2) tug boats (ER ADAMS
and RAZORBACK), one support boat (LANCER), one (1) crane barge, one (1) auxiliary
support barge (D-6 Dozer) and one (1) wheel loader will be performing operations
at the Sailfish Point Marina and associated job sites. Dredging operations
will continue twenty-four (24) hours, seven (7) days per week until completion
on or about April 15, 2007. All Subaqueous Services, Inc., vessels can be contacted
on VHF Channel 1 for safety and maneuvering information.
Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting this area. For further information or questions please Mr. Chris Faught at (321) 228-0235.
Key
West Harbor:
B&B
Dredging Company intends to commence dredging operations of Key West Harbor
as per US Army Corps of Engineers contract on or about March 28, 2007.
B&B Dredging Company will perform the work using the Hopper Dredge " ATCHAFALAYA".
Dredging will encompass the entrance channel south of Key West (Main Ship Channel
and Cut-A) and is scheduled to take approximately twenty-one (21) days. No
pipelines, anchors, or other supporting equipment will be utilized for neither
dredging operations nor hinder navigation within the ship channel. All concerned
traffic is advised to utilize VHF Marine Channels 13 and/or 16 to communicate
with vessel.
Florida
Anchoring Seminars:
Check http://www.boatus.com/gov/alert.htm
The State of Florida has hosted public seminars on anchoring issues in several locations already. There are two more scheduled:
Wednesday, April 11, in St. Augustine:
5:30-7:30 pm, St. Johns County Judicial Complex, Auditorium,
4020 Lewis Speedway
Tuesday, May 1, in Stuart:
5:30-7:30 pm, Blake Library,
2351 SE Monterey Road
If you do attend, and want to share your impressions of the meeting, please
send an email to BoatUS at: GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com
For more information about the workshops, contact Tara Alford at the Florida FWCC, at 850-410-0656 x17169.
This information is not to be used for navigation. Consult the latest charts and Local Notices to Mariners and use prudent seamanship. Conditions may change. Any person or entity that uses this information in any way, as a condition of that use, agrees to waive and does waive and also hold authors harmless from any and all claims which may arise from or be related to that use.
Copyright 2004-2008 Tom Neale
