East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
April 19, 2007

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

Lake Okeechobee Level Continues Fall: New Lock Restrictions:
Three “Notice to Navigation Interests” from the Jacksonville District US Army Corps of Engineers give grim news for Okeechobee Waterway boaters.

Highlights from April 6, 2007:

• Water levels in the lake are averaging 10.41 feet and below.
• Restricted depths occur along Lake Okeechobee Route 1 and the Route 2 split just west of the Port Mayaca Lock. At best, maximum draft would be 4.74 feet at a lake water elevation of 10.4 feet, NGVD 1929.
• It is recommended navigation interests navigate strictly to the marked channel-Route 1, thereby avoiding uncharted waters.
• Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigation depths of 1.61 feet and less.

Highlights from April 9, 2007:

St. Lucie Lock: Restricted Lock Operations
Effective April 16, 2007 and until further notice:

East bound vessel lockages every other even hour commencing at 6:00 am and concluding at 6:00 pm.

West bound vessel lockages every other odd hour commencing at 7:00 am and concluding at 7:00 pm.

Highlights from April 13, 2007:

Franklin Lock: Restricted lock Operations:
Effective April 20, 2007 until further notice:

One lockage in each direction:
9:00 am
12:00 pm
4:00 pm

Contacts:
Susan Sanders: 239 229 7295
Clewiston Operations Office: 863 983 8101

Centerville Turnpike Bridge , VA , Mile 15.2 Proposed Schedule Change:
The following is from USCG 5 th District LNM 15: The Coast Guard is proposing to change the regulations governing the operation of the Centerville Turnpike (SR 170) Bridge, at AIWW 15.2, across the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal in Chesapeake, VA. The proposal would allow the bridge to open on signal every hour on the half hour from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., year round. The reason for this change would be to improve the schedule for both roadway and waterway users. Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the above address attention (dpb) (Commander (dpw), 5th Coast Guard District, 431 Crawford Street, Rm.100, Portsmouth, VA. 23704-5004) no later than May 21, 2007. A copy of Public Notice 5-1092, which describes the proposal in detail, can be obtained by writing to the address above or by calling (757) 398-6422.

IMPORTANT Commentary: This schedule would eliminate the two hour closure periods during morning and evening rush hours, but would impose a much stricter schedule all day, and would also now be in effect on weekends. Openings would occur only once per hour (only on the half hour) rather than the current twice per hour (on the hour and the half hour).The reasoning given in Public Notice 5-1092 is that the removal of the two hour rush hour closures will allow vessel traffic to move more smoothly and not cause a bottleneck at Great Bridge (in front of Atlantic Yacht Basin) where vessels wait for the hourly opening of that bridge.

It will also have the effect that all boats will be given either a half hour or 1.5 hours to travel between Centerville and Great Bridge (3.2 miles, doable in 30 minutes for most vessels unless there are unusual delays).

There will obviously be benefit for vehicular traffic at Centerville with fewer openings during the day, especially now that it will be restricted on weekends also.

Problems will occur with the boats (smaller heavier sailboats and a few trawlers) that cannot make the 3.2 miles in 30 minutes (which usually includes around five to ten minutes of slow speed while passing through bridges, especially if there are a lot of boats and if they are last in line, which happens to the slower boats). Most boats go fast to get to timed bridges, then slow down and maneuver around near the bridge waiting for it to open. These slow boats (which are usually the least maneuverable of boats) that can’t make the timed bridge openings will now be idling around together, backing and filling, wasting time for nearly an hour waiting south of Great Bridge if northbound or north of Centerville if southbound. It is possible to tie up at Great Bridge at the marina to get fuel or at the courtesy dock on the south side. The tiny marina at Centerville cannot accommodate many tieups, and there are dangerous stumps on the opposite side of the channel there, making it a difficult, possibly dangerous area to idle around very long waiting for a bridge opening.

But here is the big issue that will affect a much larger number of cruising boats. Under the proposed schedule, northbound vessels passing through the North Landing Bridge at Mile 20.2 (opens on the hour and the half hour) on the hour would have only 30 minutes to get to Centerville for its hourly opening (a distance of 5 miles, so a boat would have to go at least 10 miles per hour to make the opening). Most sailboats and displacement hull trawlers (these make up a large percentage of transient vessels using the ICW) cannot travel that fast, and most vessels lose time at slow speed to pass through a bridge as discussed above. Therefore, they would be forced to wait for a full hour longer south of the Centerville Turnpike Bridge (a total of 1.5 hours to cover 5 miles). This channel is much narrower than in front of Atlantic Yacht Basin, and there are dangerous stumps bordering the channel edges for the full 5 miles. There is no space to anchor, and there are no docks to tie to. There is very limited space to maneuver and these slower boats are usually not very maneuverable. This bottleneck could be potentially much more serious than the ones further north. Collisions, groundings and prop/shaft damage from stumps are all possible in these circumstances.

In times of bad weather or approaching darkness either of these long delays can result in dangerous situations.

The provision that is included in this proposal that the bridge tender “may” delay the opening by ten minutes to accommodate vessels not able to get to the bridge on time is usually a farce. When requested, bridge tenders most always say they can’t do it at all or can’t if other vessels are waiting.

These are not trivial issues. THEY AFFECT YOUR SAFETY AND THAT OF YOUR BOAT. Write in opposition to this schedule change, even if it does not pertain to your particular circumstance. Centerville Turnpike Bridge needs to open at least on the hour as well as the half hour during the day. Or better yet, the very old, frequently in need of repair, Centerville Turnpike Bridge needs to be replaced, rather than trying to limit its openings in hope of delaying its final demise. There are already several bridges for vehicular traffic within these few miles.

Sunken Fishing Vessel, Coast of Maine:
From USCG 1 st District LNM 15: The Coast Guard confirmed a report that the 65' wooden Fishing Vessel LAUREN T sunk at (PA) 44-06.54N 069-05.32W on January 15, 2007. The LAUREN T is partially submerged in approximately 15 feet of water, the mast is visible by day throughout the tide cycle, and is not in a navigational channel. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution while transiting the area.

Manasquan , NJ , Bridge Demolition:
From USCG 5 th District LNM 15: Mariners are advised that demolition work will commence on the old Route 70 Bridge main channel lift span over the Manasquan River on Monday April 16th and will continue through Monday April 30th. Scheduled work hours will be daily during this period from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During this phase of the demolition, the main channel draw span will be removed effectively closing down the main channel to all boating traffic. A construction barge and crane with the Tug Vessel GEORGE HARMS V-3 will be on scene monitoring VHF CH 13 and 16. Vessels will be allowed to pass under the bridge outside the main channel during this period at their own discretion and with considerations to draft limitations. For urgent matters, the George Harms Construction Company can be contacted by cell phone 24hrs a day at (908)618-6317, or (908)618-6323. For any comments or questions, contact CWO Sean McGarigal at Coast Guard Sector Field Office Atlantic City, telephone number (609) 677-2171.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Repairs:
From USCG 5 th District LNM 15: Precon Marine, Inc. will be conducting structural repairs to the north trestle of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Repairs will begin at the Virginia shoreline and end at Fishersman's Island on the Eastern Shore. The project will commence on May 01, 2007 and continue 24 hours a day Monday through Saturday until completion. All mariners are advised to proceed with caution while transiting this area and may contact the assisting work vessels M/V KRISTINA MARIE and M/V CAPTAIN RAY HURST on VHF- FM Channels 16 & 13 for additional information.

 America’s 400 Celebration, Jamestown, VA, Security Zones:
The following two security zones and dates are announced in the USCG 5 th District LNM 16:

The Captain the Port, Hampton Roads will be establishing a 500 yard radius security zone in the vicinity of Jamestown, VA that will reduce the

width of the navigable channel by up to 50 percent. This zone will be effective from 8 a.m. on May 3, 2007 until 8 p.m. on May 4, 2007 and encompass all navigable waters within a 500 yard radius of coordinates 37-12.45N / 076-46.66W located on Church Point, VA.

The Captain the Port, Hampton Roads will be establishing a security zone in the vicinity of Jamestown, VA in support of " America's 400th Celebration". This security zone will encompass all navigable waters within a two nautical mile radius of coordinates 37-12.45N / 076-46.66W which extends from approximately the James River Channel Buoy 53 (LLNR 12105) to the James River Lighted Buoy 57 (LLNR 12200). This zone is intended to enhance public and maritime security during the event and will be enforced from 3 p.m. on May 11, 2007 until 10 p.m. on May 13, 2007.

While these security zones are in effect, no person or vessel may enter or remain within this area without the prior authorization of the Captain of the Port, Hampton Roads or his designated representative. Vessel operators may contact the Captain of the Port representative on VHF marine band radio channel 13 for further information and are encouraged to modify voyage plans as necessary to avoid unnecessary vessel delays.

Dredging in Hatteras, NC, Ferry Channel, NOT on ICW:
From USCG 5 th District LNM 16: The DREDGE MARION will be conducting dredging operations in the Hatteras Ferry Channel from 15 April until 30 May, 2007. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16.

 Shoaling Reported in Stono River, SC, Mile 478, ICW:
From USCG 7 th District LNM 16: Shoaling has been observed in the Stono River between Stono River Light 31 and Stono River Daybeacon 36. Reported depth was observed at 6 feet. All mariners urged to use extreme caution while transiting the area.

Miami Harbor ATON Repairs:
From USCG 7 th District LNM 16:

The following repairs to the Aids to Navigation System will be made in Miami Harbor.

Government Cut Range Front Light 25-45.12N 080-06.30W, will undergo structural repairs. The range will be operating intermittently during the repair period and may be obstructed by the construction equipment.

Government Cut Range Rear Light 785 yards, 114.8 degrees from light, will undergo structural repairs. The range will be operating intermittently during the repair period and may be obstructed by the construction equipment.

The repairs are scheduled to commence on May 1, 2007 with completion on or about June 9, 2007.

Florida Bridge Reminders:

PORT MAYACA RAILROAD BRIDGE, St Lucie Canal:
The Port Mayaca Railroad Bridge, across the St. Lucie Canal, Port Mayaca, Florida will open to navigation with a one-hour notice to the bridge tender from April 8 through April 29, 2007, due to maintenance. Mariners will be advised via Broadcast Notice to Mariners when this bridge will be closed to navigation for short periods.

NEW RIVER, Ft Lauderdale, FEC RAILROAD BRIDGE:
The Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge, New River mile 2.5, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on April 21, 2007 and from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on April 22, 2007, for repairs.

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.