East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
May 1, 2008

B.B. McCormick Bridge Channel Closed to Vessel Traffic:
The old  B.B. McCormick Bridge in Jacksonville Beach, Florida is being demolished as the new high level span has opened for both east and west-bound traffic. The ICW Channel under the bridge is closed to vessel traffic starting Wednesday, April 23 until May 14. Hours for closure are 7:00 a.m. till noon, and from 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.*

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

New USACE Surveys of Georgia ICW:
The Savannah District USACE has posted its updated surveys of the ICW waters in Georgia’s trouble spots. Posting date is April 16, 2008, surveys were conducted in March, 2008. There are three figures given for most of the areas: channel centerline, west quarter (red side) and east quarter (green side). The complete results are available at http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/AIWWPROF-mar08.pdf .

The depths given are the controlling depths for the whole reach. While most of the reach may have adequate depths, if just one or two spots are shallow, these minimum depths are what is given as the surveyed depth. For example, Little Mud River is uniformly shallow (most of it is about 6 ft. deep), while Fields Cut is mostly deep, except for two shallow spots, one near each end of the entire 2.7 mile cut. Depths are in feet at MLW.

Here is a brief summary of the worst areas. Check the above site to verify:

Fields Cut: 4.0 ft. west quarter and centerline, 6.0 ft east quarter

Hell Gate: 2.0 ft centerline, 4.5 ft. west quarter, 1.0 ft. east quarter

Florida Passage: 6.0 ft. west quarter and centerline, 8.0 ft. east quarter

Little Mud River: 6.0 ft. centerline, 3.0 ft. west quarter, 4.0 ft. east quarter

Altamaha Sound: 6.0 centerline and west quarter, 7 ft. east quarter

Buttermilk Sound (at red daybeacon “216A”): 6.0 ft. centerline, 5.0 ft. west quarter, 8.0 ft. east quarter

Buttermilk Sound (from “216A’ to “223”): 4.0 ft. centerline, 2.5 ft. west quarter, 6.0 ft. east quarter

Jekyll Creek: 5.0 ft. centerline and east quarter, 2.0 ft west quarter

Not on the ICW: Alternate Route around St. Andrew Sound: Controlling depth is 5.0 ft. in Umbrella Creek (only centerline surveyed). All other areas have minimum depths of 6.0 or greater.

Update on Ponce de Leon Inlet and ICW at Ponce Cut, FL:
The following information is from a very knowledgeable source (local TowBoatUS operator):

As of April 24, 2008 the Ponce Inlet Channel (the inlet from the ocean, not the ICW) is reported to be shoaling in the vicinity of "7A" and "7B", with frequent changes in the depth and location of the shoal area.

Dredging continues in the ICW in the area of Markers "4"-"10". NOTE: It's important to call the dredge (VHF Channels 13, 16, working channel 79A) for instructions and to follow those instructions. Some vessels not calling or not following directions have been going aground passing the dredge.

The area of floating markers (nuns and cans) in the ICW just north of the area being dredged (north of “4”) is reported to be remaining fairly stable. It is recommended by locals that in following these floating markers, to stay in mid-channel. It is generally not very deep. This could change at any time.

Sheephead Cut is reported to be have deeper water than the ICW Channel in the area between ICW markers "34" to "38". It is the recommended route until dredging takes place in the ICW channel up to the Harris Saxon Bridge (marker "38") later this summer. This comes from local sources, remember that change can occur at any time and to check when you are there.

Ponce Area (New Smyrna Beach, FL) Dredging:
The USCG dredging announcement below was posted in the previous East Coast Alerts.

The USCG 7 th District LNMs 13-18 report that Southwind Construction Corp., will began hydraulic dredging in the Intracoastal Waterway in the vicinity of New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Florida, on or about April 2, 2008. The area of operation for this project is between Ponce de Leon Cut LT 4 and New Smyrna Beach LT 38. Dredge operations will continue twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven days per week until project completion on or about August 1, 2008. Two (2) booster barges, Tenders Miss Leanne, Proud Mary, Tugs Danny Joe, Betty Lou with floating rubber and submerged polyethylene pipelines associated with this dredging operation will be on scene. Pipelines and vessels will be visibly lighted and marked according to Coast Guard regulations. For safety and maneuvering information dredge WILKO, can be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 13, 16 and working channel 79. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area, transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. For further information please contact Mr. Darrell Stewart at (812) 867-7220 or Cellular Phone (812) 455-7199.

Block Island RI Southeast Light:
This light is reported in the USCG 1 st District LNM 17 to be operating at reduced intensity and its Sound Signal is reported to be inoperative.

Upper Chesapeake Test Area:
USCG 5 th District LNM 18 reports that the Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) will conduct operational testing of their armored, amphibious Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), scheduled to begin on April 22, 2008. Each EFV test consists of one hour of actual high-speed on-water operation, during the period of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, through September 2008, with plans to conduct additional missions with an additional EFV. The operation area includes: entering the water at the ATC Super Pond slip, proceeding out the Bush River into the Chesapeake Bay, then northward toward Turkey Point, then southward to an area just north of Pooles Island (transiting to the inside edge of the navigation channel), then returning to the launch area. The EFV will be accompanied by safety patrols and maintenance support boats to provide escort and towing service, if necessary. Testing activity would be curtailed and the area cleared to accommodate any shipping traffic. Interested mariners may contact the on-site test personnel at 410-320-8683, or the ATC's B Tower Operator at (410) 278-2250/3971 or on marine band radio Channel 68 VHF (call sign "800"), or the DNR boat on marine band radio Channel 68 VHF.

Maryland Bridge VHF Channel Change:
This is a clarification of a previously reported request. From the USCG 5 th District LNM 18: In order to better ensure the safety of navigation and to reduce the amount of communication traffic between recreational vessels and drawbridge operators on Channel 13 VHF-FM, the Coast Guard in cooperation with the Maryland State Highway Administration is requesting that following initial contact with bridges over Maryland waterways on Channel 13 or 16 VHF-FM bridge operators shift communications to the designated secondary frequency, Channel 68 VHF-FM, to arrange bridge openings and navigational or boating traffic information. Vessel owners are reminded that Channel 13 VHF-FM is designated for intership navigation safety (bridge to bridge) communications. Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 117, Appendix A designates the calling and working frequencies for drawbridges equipped with radiotelephones. This appendix is available through the Coast Guard Bridge Administration web site, http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opt/Regulations.htm.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Nighttime Repair Operations:
From the 5 th District LNM 18: Mariners are advised that nighttime welding and burning operations are in progress at the William Preston Lane , Jr. Memorial/Chesapeake Bay Bridge (West Suspension), at mile 138.0, between Sandy Point and Kent Island MD. To cease operation during vessel passage, mariners are requested to provide at least a half-hour advance notice by calling the contact numbers in the following order: (410) 320-0349 or (443) 463-6677 or (443) 463-6937 or (443) 790-8977 or via marine radio on Channel 13 VHF-FM. This operation is expected to be completed by December 2008. Mariners should use caution when transiting the area.

GPS May be Unreliable in Large Area of Chesapeake Bay, April-Oct:
The following announcement is from the USCG 5 th District LNM 15-18. The GPS Coordinates given below are for the Patuxent Naval Air Station, located on the southern bank of the Patuxent River on the Chesapeake Bay in southern Maryland:

THE GPS NAVIGATION SIGNAL MAY BE UNRELIABLE FROM 01 APR 08 - 31 OCT 08 DUE TO INTERFERENCE TESTING ON GPS FREQUENCIES USED IN SHIPBOARD NAVIGATION AND HANDHELD SYSTEMS. SYSTEMS THAT RELY ON GPS, SUCH AS E-911, AIS AND DSC, MAY BE AFFECTED WITHIN A 35 NM RADIUS OF POSITION 38-15-41N, 076-26-01W DURING THIS PERIOD. GPS USERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT ANY GPS SERVICE OUTAGES THAT THEY MAY EXPERIENCE DURING THIS TESTING VIA THE NAVIGATION INFORMATION SERVICE ( NIS) BY CALLING (703)313-5900 OR BY USING THE NAVCEN'S WEB SITE'S 'GPS REPORT A PROBLEM WORKSHEET' AT WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV"

Navy Warfare Testing, Potomac River:
Also from the USCG 5 th District LNM 17: The Naval Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) will be conducting equipment testing operations on the Potomac River Test Range (PRTR) during 5-8 May 2008, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day. NSWCDD will conduct non-firing day/nighttime tracking operations using a target water craft (one 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) with a speed that will fluctuate, depending upon the requirements of the system being tested, at or below 30 knots. The target boat will be operating in accordance with the USCG Navigation Rules, between the NSWCDD shoreline and Potomac River Lighted Bell Buoy 29 (LLN 17635). NSWCDD Range Control will have two patrol boats located on the sides of the operating area for clearance (to notify other surface craft of test operations) and as safety boats. The Standard Operations Procedures for Operating Surface Craft on the PRTR will be followed. Range Control will monitor all radio communications and provide a Safety Officer (Target Controller) to closely observe vessel traffic. Tracking radars and visual observation will also be used to monitor the operations. Vessels transiting this area may contact Dahlgren Range Control on marine band radio Channel 16 VHF-FM or by telephone at (540) 653-8791, if necessary.  

(Another) Woodrow Wilson Bridge Update:
Also from the USCG 5 th District LNM 17: Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard proposes to temporarily change the regulations governing the operation of the new Woodrow Wilson (I-95) Bridge, at mile 103.8, across the Potomac River between Alexandria, VA, and Oxon Hill, MD. This action is necessary to finalize construction of the drawbridge. While construction continues, this proposal would allow the drawbridge to remain closed-to-navigation each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning on May 31, 2008 until and including March 1, 2009. Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the above address attention (dpb) no later than June 2, 2008. A copy of Public Notice 5-1111, which describes the proposal in detail, can be obtained by writing to the address above or by calling (757) 398-6222.

Channel Markers Changed, Oregon Inlet/Old House Channel, NC (Not on the ICW): From the USCG 5 th District LNM 18: On or about 30 June, 2008 the Coast Guard will make the following changes to the Oregon Inlet Channel/Old House Channel to assist the mariner in safely transiting the waterway:

A. Establish Oregon Inlet Channel Lighted Buoy 34A, OR, at 35-45-40.337N, 075-35-22.233W.

B. Establish Oregon Inlet Channel Lighted Buoy 34B, Fl R 2.5s at 35-45-41.324N, 075-35-23.240W.

C. Relocate Oregon Inlet Channel Lighted Buoy 35 to 35-45-37.075N, 075-35-25.349W.

D. Establish Old House Channel Lighted Buoy 1H, Fl G 2.5s at 35-35-41.723N, 075-35-27.621W.

E. Establish Old House Channel Lighted Buoy 2H, Fl R 4s at 35-45-37.111N, 075-35-29.437W.

F. Renumber Old House Channel Buoy 9 to Buoy 3.

G. Renumber Old House Channel Light 10 to Light 4.

H. Renumber Old House Channel Daybeacon 11 to Daybeacon 5.

I. Renumber Old House Channel Daybeacon 12 to Daybeacon 6.

J. Renumber Old House Channel Daybeacon 13 to Daybeacon 7.

K. Renumber Old House Channel Light 14 to Light 8.

L. Renumber Old House Channel Daybeacon 15 to Daybeacon 9.

M. Renumber Old House Channel Daybeacon 16 to Daybeacon 10.

N. Renumber Old House Channel Buoy 17 to Buoy 11.

O. Renumber Old House Channel Light 18 to Light 12.

P. Renumber Old House Channel Daybeacon 19 to Daybeacon 13.

Q. Renumber Old House Channel Daybeacon 20 to Daybeacon 14.

R. Renumber Old House Channel Light 21 to Light 15.  

 Onslow Beach Bridge , NC ICW Schedule Change:
From the USCG 5 th District Bridge Branch:

MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT THE ONSLOW BEACH SWING BRIDGE ACROSS THE NORTH CAROLINA CUT AT AIWW MILE 240.7 AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NC WILL PROVIDE VESSEL OPENINGS ON THE HOUR AT ALL TIMES FROM MON 28 APR UNTIL SAT 3 MAY 2008 TO COMPLETE STRUCTURAL REPAIRS.  MARINERS SHOULD ADJUST THEIR TRANSITS ACCORDINGLY.

This bridge normally opens on the hour and half hour. Remember that it is a very slow opening bridge.

Hatteras (NC) Harbor Shoaling (NOT on the ICW):
The USCG 5 th District LNM 17 reports that shoaling to a depth of less than 01.1 foot MLLW has been reported at the entrance to Hatteras Harbor. Shoaling appears to extend from the northern seawall to the center of the harbor entrance. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area.

Dredging in North Carolina Inlet Crossings:
We observed this in early April, 2008 also, with delight! The following areas are now being dredged, according to the USCG 5 th District LNM 15-18:

The DREDGE RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in the Carolina Beach Inlet Crossing from 01 April until 01 June, 2008. The dredge will monitor Ch. 13 and 16 VHF-FM. The dredge is now reported to be working in the vicinity of the eastern entrance to Snows Cut and it is also reported that depths in the Carolina Beach Inlet Crossing are in the 12 ft. MLW range.

The DREDGE MARION will be conducting dredging operations in the New River Inlet Crossing from 01 April until 01 June, 2008. The dredge will monitor Ch. 13 and 16 VHF-FM.

New River Inlet Crossing Survey Good:
A new USACE survey of the area is available at http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/AIWW/BFTCFR/Tis2.pdf

11.9 ft. MLW is the least depth shown on the survey.

Charleston Harbor SC Safety Zone:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 18: During the month of May 2008 the South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation will sponsor the Charleston Harbor Fest 2008. The Charleston Harbor Fest will highlight this event with an acrobatic Air Show. On May 17th and 18th 2008, the aerial performances will take place both days from 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. To promote the safety of participants and spectators during this event, The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the waters of the Cooper River, Charleston, South Carolina. The safety zone includes all waters located within an imaginary box using the following coordinates: (all coordinates referenced use Chart 11524, 49th ED, April 2006.)

32° 47.45- N, 079° 54.32 W 32° 47.06- N, 079° 54.31W

32° 47.07- N, 079° 54.55 W 32° 47.46- N, 079° 54.57W

No vessels or persons may enter, anchor, moor, or transit the regulated area without permission of the Captain of the Port Charleston, or designated representative.

Beach Nourishment, Isle of Palms, SC, Offshore:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 18: The cutterhead dredge R.S.WEEKS, will dredge fill material offshore of Isle of Palm, South Carolina to repair the beach area. Equipment will start arriving approximately April 29, 2008. The staging area for floating equipment will be in Schooner Creek, south of the Charleston Harbor Entrance. All equipment will be moored at the Commercial Anchorage Area B. A submerged dredge pipeline will be built between the borrow area in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 2.35 miles offshore to the beach at Isle of Palms, South Carolina. The dredge R.S. WEEKS, will commence excavation in the borrow area on or about May 16, 2008. The dredge and attendant plant will have all required Coast Guard lighting for night time operations. The dredge will work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week and will monitor VFH Channels 13 and 16. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to create minimum wake and proceed with extreme caution after passing arrangements have been made. For further information or questions please contact Mr. Charles Balentine at (985) 875-2525 or crbalentine@weeksmarine.com.

Florida Bridge Update:

B.B. McCormick Bridge : See above.

Addison Point Bridge , Mile 885, is undergoing repairs till June 30, 2008. This activity will not encroach upon the navigable channel. Slow speed and minimum wake are requested.

Broad Causeway Bridge, Mile 1081.4, will be closed to navigation from 10:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m. daily May 13-15, 2008.

Lake Okeechobee Report:
We checked http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/conops/structures/navbulln.htm for the latest depth figures on the Okeechobee Waterway:

As of April 29, 2008: Lake level is reported at 10.28 feet.

Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 4.22 feet.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigation depths reported at 1.62 feet.

This is down 1.6 inches from the last alert two weeks ago.

Hillsboro Area ICW Aid to be Discontinued:
The 7 th District LNM 18 states that the following changes will be made to the aids to navigation system in the ICW at the Hillsboro Drainage Canal. Hillsboro Drainage Canal Daybeacon 2 (LLNR 47170): will be permanently discontinued. The work is schedule to be completed the weeks of 05 May 2008.

Miami Area FP&L Transmission Line Installation:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 18: Florida Power and Light Company will be installing a Transmission Line in two locations north of the Venetian Causeway from April 28, 2008 until May 28, 2008, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The work will be done from a work barge in the following locations: Southeast of the Pace Picnic Islands in approximate position 25-47"48"N 080-10"32"W. North of Di Lido Island in approximate position 25-47'48"N 080-09'35"W. All mariners are advised to use caution while transiting the area. For further information please contact Mr. Ken Huntington at (305) 383-3404.  

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.