East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
December 14, 2007

Ben Sawyer Bridge, Charleston, SC, Closure:

We received the following notice regarding the closure of the Ben Sawyer Bridge. Two dates are given for the beginning of the project. When we know which date is correct, we’ll let you know.*

South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has advised Coast Guard Sector Charleston that their contractor plans to conduct repairs to the support beams of the operator's house on the Ben Sawyer Memorial Bridge in Sullivan’s Isl and, South Carolina. This work is scheduled to occur continuously for 72 hrs beginning on the 8 th or 15 th of January 2008. The bridge will have a vertical clearance of 32feet at high tide.

The SCDOT is requesting a temporary closure of the ICW for all boat traffic requiring the opening of the bridge due to the loss of power to the bridge during the repairs. The Coast Guard plans to close the bridge to ALL commercial traffic and vessels that exceed the stated vertical clearance for this period.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter please contact my representative, Lieutenant Calvin Summers, at (843) 720-3273.

*Italicized text above and below indicates our comment or paraphrase. Plain text is copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

NJICW Bridge Closed:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 50: Mariners are advised that the Route 88/Veterans Memorial Bridge, at NJICW mile 3.0, across the Point Pleasant Canal, in Point Pleasant NJ, will be closed to vessels beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2008, until and including 6 p.m. on Friday, January 11, 2008, to facilitate repairs to the sub-cable cabinets on the vertical lift span. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating drawbridge regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.5. Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly.

Seawall Construction, North Wildwood, NJ:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 49 states that there will be a new stone seawall construction project on the southern side of the channel in North Wildwood beginning on January 1, 2008 until approximately March 31, 2009. There will be approximately five (5) barges, two (2) push boats, one (1) rescue boat, and one (1) crew boat with divers used for the construction project under the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Local traffic will be restricted to slowest safe maneuvering speed while transiting the area to minimize wake disturbance. Construction and diving operations will take place Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm local time until completion. All mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the barges and construction equipment. The construction contractors will standby on channels #13 and #16 VHF-FM. Traffic should call thirty (30) minutes prior to expected time of passage. For any comments or questions, contact LTJG Steve Florio at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, PA. Telephone number (215) 271-4851.

Channel Markers and New Lights, Northern Chesapeake Area:
The 5 th District LNM 50 gives the following information regarding changes and new lights:

On or about January 21, 2008 the Coast Guard will make the following aids to navigation changes in Baltimore Harbor:

1. Sparrows Point Steel Work Channel Buoy 1 will be changed to Sparrows Point Steel Work Channel Junction Lighted Buoy SP, Fl R (2+1) 6s.

2. Seagirt Marine Terminal West Channel Buoy 3 will be changed to Seagirt Marine Terminal West Channel Lighted Buoy 3SW, Fl G 4s, Light List Remarks: Replaced by can when endangered by ice.

3. Seagirt Marine Terminal West Channel Buoy 8 to Seagirt to Seagirt Marine Terminal West Channel Lighted Buoy 3SW, Fl G 4s, Light List Remarks: Replaced by can when endangered by ice.

3. Seagirt Marine Terminal West Channel Buoy 8 to Seagirt MarineTerminal West Channel Lighted Buoy 8, Fl R 2.5s, Light List Remarks: Replaced by can when endangered by ice.

4. Locust Point East Channel Buoy 3 to Locust Point East Channel Lighted Buoy 3 LE, Fl G 2.5s, Light List Remarks: Replaced by can when endangered by ice.

5. Locust Point West Channel Buoy 6 to Locust Point West Channel Lighted Buoy 6, Fl R 2.5s, Light List Remarks: Replaced by can when endangered by ice.

6. Locust Point West Channel Buoy 8 to Locust Point West Channel Lighted Buoy 8, Q R, Light List Remarks: Replaced by can when endangered by ice.

7. Fort McHenry Channel Lighted Buoy 16 characteristic changed to Q R.

The Maryland Port Administration has established nine (9) yellow lighted buoys to mark the construction area of the Masonville Dredged Material Containment Facility south of the Ferry Bar Channel. The lighted buoys will be maintained to January 2010.

1. Ferry Bar Channel - Masonville Construction Area Lighted Buoy A, 39 15 10.440N, 076 34 49.000W, Fl Y 2s.

2. Ferry Bar Channel - Masonville Construction Area Lighted Buoy B, 39 15 13.320N, 076 34 57.000W, Fl Y 2s.

3. Ferry Bar Channel - Masonville Construction Area Lighted Buoy C, 39 15 16.200N, 076 35 13.200W, Fl Y 2s.

4. Ferry Bar Channel - Masonville Construction Area Lighted Buoy D, 39 15 16.560N, 076 35 21.840W, Fl Y 2s.

5. Ferry Bar Channel - Masonville Construction Area Lighted Buoy E, 39 15 16.560N, 076 36 30.480W, Fl Y 2s.

6. Ferry Bar Channel - Masonville Construction Area Lighted Buoy F, 39 15 16.560N, 076 35 38.050W, Fl Y 2s.

7. Ferry Bar Channel - Masonville Construction Area Lighted Buoy G, 39 15 11.160N, 076 35 38.050W, Fl Y 2s.

8. Ferry Bar Channel - Masonville Construction Area Lighted Buoy H, 39 15 05.040N, 076 35 38.040W, Fl Y 2s.

9. Ferry Bar Channel - Masonville Construction Area Lighted Buoy I, 39 14 59.280N, 0765 35 38.040W, Fl Y 2s.

Woodrow Wilson Bridge, DC and Alexandria, VA Waterfront:
New from the USCG 5 th District LNM 50: Mariners are advised that construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge across the Potomac River, mile 103.8, between Alexandria, Virginia and Oxon Hill, Maryland is ongoing until 2009. The continued aggressive construction of the new Inner Loop (IL) Bridge and ship-collision protection fender system will continue to influence navigation on the Potomac River near the bridge. Demolition for the remainder of the old bridge toward the MD shore will continue into early 2008. Boaters near the Maryland shoreline should use extreme caution when transiting the area near the old bridge. To ensure clear passage, contact the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project with at least 48 hours advance notice. Advancement of the drawbridge and fender ring elements will require continuing intermittent placement of crane barges in the federal navigation channel, which may remain in place overnight. As an alternative, vessels less than 80 feet in height can typically use the marked auxiliary channel, located just east of the federal navigation channel (80-foot vertical clearance, 130-foot horizontal clearance, and 22-foot water depth at MLW). Excessive speed and wake by boaters may cause serious or fatal incidents to the Project. Due to the sensitive and precise nature of the work and for worker safety, it is crucial that mariners obey the speed restrictions and eliminate wakes through the work zone. For any questions, please contact Mr. Mike Baker, Environmental Construction Manager for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project at 202-438-7499. For bridge opening requests, please contact Mr. Mike Baker at the aforementioned number or the bridge tender at 703-836-2396. The "Mariners Alert" page, located on the Project's website at www.wilsonbridge.com , is updated weekly and contains additional information. As the construction progresses, check these resources frequently to obtain the weekly schedule outlining items such as expected channel restrictions due to barge placements, auxiliary channel availability, and federal navigation channel vertical clearance information.

On or about 17 December, 2007 Lake Services, Inc. and McLean Contracting Company will commence dredging activities at the Alexandria waterfront and adjacent Potomac River navigation channel. The dredging will incorporate the City Marina. Dredging operations will run from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. Dredging will be completed on or about 25 February, 2008. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16.

Rudee Inlet , VA (Ocean Inlet) Dredging, Again:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 49 states that the Dredge CHARLESTON will be conducting dredging operations at Rudee Inlet from 07 December until 15 January, 2008. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16 and request a 30 minute notice prior to time of passage.

Oregon Inlet , NC (Ocean Inlet, Not on the ICW) Shoaling:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 50:

A U.S. ACOE survey dated 03 December, 2007 indicates shoaling on the Oregon Inlet bar to a depth of 09 feet MLLW approximately 160 yards southwest of Oregon Inlet Channel Lighted Buoy 4. Mariners should avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution during other tidal states.

A U.S. ACOE survey dated 07 December, 2007 indicates shoaling to a depth of 07 feet MLLW in Oregon Inlet Channel approximately 100 yards east of the center span of the Bonner Bridge. Mariners should avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution during other tidal states.

You can check the survey at: http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/OREGON.htm

New Markers at ICW Trouble Spot, Mile 238:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 50 shows that Chart 11541 has been corrected to reflect the relocation of Buoy “61A” and the addition of Buoy “60B.” This would be in the area where the USACE Wilmington District survey conducted on September 25 and 26, 2007 shows 3 feet to be the controlling depth in the channel near green can “61A,” at the intersection of the ICW and Browns Inlet, north of the Onslow Beach Bridge. You can check the chart online at http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11541.shtml , however this change had not been added as of the most recent update on Dec. 8, 2007.

There has been much confusion and many boats have grounded here this season. Now there should be three red nuns heading south: “60A,” then “60” and the new “60B,”and one relocated green can, “61A” marking the channel. Compounding the confusion is a strong sideways push from the current as you are passing the inlet. If you planning to go through here, check the survey at http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/AIWW/BFTCFR/Tfs2a.pdf to get an idea of the bottom contour, but keep in mind that the channel markers have been moved, and one added. It has been suggested by the local TowBoatUS operator that if you draw more than five feet, go through at high tide.

Slight Change in Figure Eight Island Bridge Schedule:
The following is a revised schedule for the opening of this bridge. Changes are in bold: Mariners are advised that the Figure Eight Swing Bridge, at AICW mile 278.1, at Scotts Hill, NC, will remain in the closed position to vessel traffic from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. from November 1, to January 31, 2007, with openings on the hour and half hour at all other times. Scheduled night opening for commercial vessels are allowed with a 2 hour advance notice by calling the bridge at (910)- 686-7747 or by UHF radio channel 13. Coast Guard and emergency vessels will pass on demand. This schedule change is necessary to sandblast, clean and paint the superstructure. To avoid delays, mariners should adjust their schedule accordingly.

Possible Delays at New Bridge Construction Area, Mile 316.6:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 50: Mariners are advised to take caution and proceed slowly when approaching the construction site of a new highway bridge (Middleton Avenue) to Oak Island, over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Mile 316.6, in Brunswick County, NC. Barges will be operating a boom/concrete pump at the edge of the navigable channel from December 15, 2007 through January 7, 2008, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The waterway shall remain open, but moving the barge and boom may delay navigation approximately 30 minutes.

Shallotte River Area, NC ICW:
The 5 th District LNM 50 states the following: A U.S. ACOE survey indicates shoaling to a depth of 01 foot MLLW approximately 100 yards west of Cape Fear River – Little River Daybeacon 75. Mariners should avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution during other tidal states. We checked the survey at http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/AIWW/CFLR/T17.pdf and observed that “west of Daybeacon 75” is not in the ICW channel, but along its edge, where we would hope that most folks would not be.This is not the intersection of the ICW with Shallotte Inlet where there is frequent shoaling, but where the ICW crosses the Shallotte River, north of the inlet.

Florida Bridge Update:

George C. Musson Bridge, Mile 845:Continuing through 4:50 p.m. on December 21, 2007, the George C. Musson Bridge will open on signal EXCEPT: 7:35 a.m.-4:50 p.m. it will be CLOSED, and will only open at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The vertical clearance will be reduced by 4 feet due to scaffolding. Vessels may pass under the bridge during repairs.

Indiantown Road Bridge (SR 706), Mile 1006.2: This bridge will be closed for repairs from10:00 p.m. on December 19 to 5:00 a.m. on December 20, and from 10:00 p.m. on December 20 to 5:00 a.m. on December 21, 2007.

Lake Okeechobee Still Shallow:
The 7 th District LNMs continue to carry the same warning: Due to extremely restricted channel depths in Lake Okeechobee, mariners are strongly advised that the following should be taken in consideration whether transiting the Lake or stopping for recreational activities such as fishing.

We checked http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/conops/structures/navbulln.htm for the latest figures:

As of December 11, 2007: Lake level is reported at 10.18 feet.

Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 4.12 feet.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigation depths reported at 1.52 feet.

NOTE: These depths are down by .10 feet since our last report two weeks ago.

New Marker at Shoal South of Palm Coast, FL:
The 7 th District LNM 49 and 50 list Matanzas River Temporary Buoy “110” as established due to shoaling, and notes correction to Chart 11485. This location is off the St. Joe Canal, Mile 803.5, south of the 65-foot fixed bridge at Palm Coast. A number of cruisers have reported grounding here.

New Markers in Ponce de Leon Inlet and Cut (ICW):
The 7 th District LNM 49 lists the following corrections to Chart 11485:

Ponce de Leon Inlet: Temporary Buoy “5A” relocated, Temporary Buoy “8A” established due to shoaling, Temporary Buoy “7C” relocated.

Ponce de Leon Cut (on ICW): Buoys “2”, “2A” and “3” relocated

Dredging Difficulties between Ft. Pierce Inlet and St. Lucie Inlet:
We reported this dredging operation previously. Now the USCG 7 th District LNM 49 reports that Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company has advised that during beach renourishment and dredging operations for Ambersand Beach, Indian River County, Florida (See Local Notice to Mariners Number 46/07), a 750 foot section of steel dredge pipe, 30 '' diameter, sank at the below coordinates. Water depth is charted at 30 feet. The site is marked with one yellow steel buoy (Q W) and two (2) 30" rubber floats. Steel Buoy: 27-29-72.5N 080-16-09.1W

(1) Rubber Float: 27-29-72.9N 080-16-20.6W

(2) Rubber Float: 27-29-75.0N 080-16-35.0W

The pipeline will be removed when weather permits. For further information please contact Mr. David Johanson at (561) 758-2872.

Cape Canaveral DGPS Unusable Time:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 50: Cape Canaveral DGPS Broadcast Site will be off air/unusable on December 19, 2007, from 1400Z to 1600Z (0900-1100). Alternate times are on December 20, 2007, from 1400Z to 1600Z (0900-1100). For additional information please contact USCG NAVCEN DGPS OPS POC at (703) 313-5902.

New Bahamas Fishing Regulation Amendment:
We have reported in detail previously about this new amendment. If you are heading to the Bahamas and like to fish or conch, check it out:

http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/experience/templrgstandard.aspx?sectionid=75580&level=2.

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.