East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
October 2, 2008

New USACE Survey of Lockwoods Folly Inlet Crossing, ICW Mile 321:
This shoaling area was surveyed again on September 29, 2008. The deeper channel was reported as having shifted more to the mainland side and floating markers were in place. GPS waypoints are given on the survey to navigate through the deepest water, with 6.9 feet MLW controlling depth. Check http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/AIWW/CFLR/T11.pdf , but keep in mind that this is a changeable area, and it may be different when you pass through.*

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

Raster Chart Updates Resumed:
The most recent Coast Guard LNMs state that NOAA has resumed its full service of providing free weekly updates and new editions of Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs) via the Internet at http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov. A list of certified RNC distributors is also available at the above Internet site. Address questions to NOAA at http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/idrs/inquiry.aspx

Big Changes at NY Harbor Entrance:
            This general project was put on hold for a while, but apparently it is back on track. The following announcements are from the USCG 1st District LNM 39:
The Coast Guard will be making the following changes to this waterway on or about 20-24 Oct 2008;
RELOCATE Nantucket Traffic Lane LWB NB to position: 40-26-30.232N 073-39-39.068W.
RELOCATE Barnegat Traffic Lane LWB BA to position: 40-20-02.293N 073-47-37.254W.
RELOCATE Fishing Grounds Obstruction LBB FG to position: 40-25-41.494N 073-50-53.151W and RENUMBER to Fishing Grounds Obstruction LBB 5 Fl G 4s, (LED).
ESTABLISH Fishing Grounds Obstruction Shoal BY 6 in position: 40-25-25.490N 073-52-19.921W.
RELOCATE New York Bight Dumping Ground LB NY to position: 40-22-56.783N 073-49-49.396W and RENUMBER to New York Bight Dumping Ground LB 3 Fl G 4s, 5nm.

The Captain of the Port New York has established a temporary safety zone within a 250 yard radius of Ambrose Light at 40-27-00N, 073-48-00W, and approximately 8.35 nm east of Sandy Hook, NJ. This rule is effective until further notice. In accordance with the general regulations in 33 CFR 165.23, entry into, transiting, or anchoring within this safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port New York, or his on-scene representative. On-scene representative means any commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the Coast Guard on board Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and local state, and federal law enforcement vessels who have been authorized to act on behalf of the Captain of the Port, New York.

The Coast Guard will be making the following changes to this waterway on or about 20-24 Oct 2008;
RELOCATE Ambrose Channel LWB A to position: 40-27-41.789N 073-50-48.031W, Mo(A) W, 7nm (LED).
ESTABLISH Ambrose Channel LGB 1 in position: 40-28-07.492N 073-52-20.004W, Fl G 2.5s, 4nm range (LED).
ESTABLISH Ambrose Channel LBB 2 in position: 40-28-22.513N 073-52-03.169W, Fl R 2.5s, 4nm range (LED).
ESTABLISH Ambrose Channel LB 3 in position: 40-29-04.009N 073-54-45.783W, Fl G 4s, 4nm range (LED).
ESTABLISH Ambrose Channel LB 4 in position: 40-29-08.224N 073-53-59.090W, Fl R 4s, 4nm range (LED).
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LGB 1 to Ambrose Channel LGB 5 and RELOCATE to position: 40-29-23.743N 073-55-38.063W.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LBB 2 to Ambrose Channel LBB 6 and RELOCATE to position: 40-29-41.141N 073-55-25.889W. INCREASE nominal Range to 4nm, (LED).
ESTABLISH Ambrose Channel LB 1A in position: 40-28-08.292N 073-53-57.882W, Fl Q G, 4nm (LED).
DISCONTINUE Ambrose Channel BY 2A.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LB 3 to Ambrose Channel LB 7.
DISCONTINUE Ambrose Channel BY 3A.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LB 4 to Ambrose Channel LB 8.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LGB 5 to Ambrose Channel LGB 9.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LBB 6 to Ambrose Channel LBB 10.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LB 7 to Ambrose Channel LB 11.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel BY 7A to Ambrose Channel LB 11A.
CHANGE Ambrose Channel LB 11A FL G 2.5s, 3nm (LED).
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LB 8 to Ambrose Channel LB 12.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel BY 8A Ambrose Channel LB 12A and CHANGE to FL R 2.5s, 3nm (LED).
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LGB 9 to Ambrose Channel LGB 13.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LBB 10 to Ambrose Channel LBB 14.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LB 11 to Ambrose Channel LB 15.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LB 12 to Ambrose Channel LB 16.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LGB 13 to Ambrose Channel LGB 17.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LBB 14 to Ambrose Channel LBB 18.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LB 18 to Ambrose Channel LB 20.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LGB 19 to Ambrose Channel LGB 21.
RENUMBER Ambrose Channel LBB 20 to Ambrose Channel LBB 22.
RENUMBER Craven Shoal LGB 21 to Craven Shoal LGB 23.
RENUMBER Gowanus Flats LBB 22 to Gowanus Flats LBB 26.
RENUMBER Gowanus Flats LBB 24 to Gowanus Flats LBB 28.
RENUMBER Robbins Reef LGB 25 to Robbins Reef LGB 29.
RENUMBER Gowanus Flats LBB 26 to Gowanus Flats LBB 30.
RENUMBER Gowanus Flats LGB 27 to Gowanus Flats LGB 31.
RENUMBER Gowanus Flats LBB 28 to Gowanus Flats LBB 32.
RENUMBER Liberty Island LGB 29 to Liberty Island LGB 33.
RENUMBER Ellis Island LGB 31 to Ellis Island LGB 35.

MODIFICATIONS TO THE APPROACHES OF NEW YORK HARBOR
1. The Coast Guard on or about Oct 20, 2008, intends to establish a Recommended Track entering and departing New York Harbor via Ambrose Channel; an Area to Be Avoided (ATBA) a new and reorientation of the NY Pilot Station. This Recommended Track and ATBA are needed to improve vessel traffic safety by clearly indicating to the multiple waterway users the expected route of Tug and Barge traffic and the location of obstructions. The Recommended Track is not a formal rulemaking and does not mandate that vessels use the route. The Recommended Track, ATBA and revised Pilot Station will be diagrammed on all NOAA charts of the area and noted in the US Coast Pilot.

Submerged Pipe New Bedford, MA:
From USCG 1st District LNM 39: A submerged dredge pipeline is installed on the river bottom along the northwestern portion of the upper New Bedford Harbor until 30 November 2012. The pipeline originates at position 70o55-17.03- 41o38-45.01- and extends through positions 70o55-13.9- 41o38-45.66-, 70o55-11.03-41o38-55.0-, 70o55-10.06- 41o39-00.03-, and 70o55-08.03- 41o39-06.29- to the western abutment of the I-195 Bridge. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area. The location of the submerged pipeline is indicated with lighted obstruction buoys marked -Danger Submerged Pipeline-. The submerged pipeline is an 18- diameter HDPE pipe anchored to the river bottom at regular intervals.

More Waterway Analyses, Mass:
First District LNM 39: United States Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England is conducting a Waterways Analysis & Management Systems Survey (WAMS) for Nantucket Sound Northwest which includes the following waterways: Nantucket Sound - North Channel, Centerville Harbor Approaches, Waquoit Bay, Green Pond, and Falmouth Harbor. WAMS is a tool the Coast Guard uses to determine the suitability and effectiveness of the aids to navigation in a waterway. WAMS are conducted every five years for each federally designated "Navigable Waterway". The input provided by the users of the waterway is extremely valuable in determining whether changes are needed. If you are a user of any of these waterways and would like to complete the survey, please contact LTJG John Suckow at HTUJohn.P.Suckow@uscg.milUTH or (401) 641-6833. The deadline to complete the survey is October 21st 2008. There will be a public meeting held to discuss this WAMS on October 21st 2008 from 6-8 pm at the Gus Canty Community Center, 790 Main Street, Falmouth, MA 02543.

Revised in LNM 39:
The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis and Management System (WAMS) review of the Salem Sound to include the Salem Channel, Derby Channel, Salem South Channel, Manchester Channel, Beverly Channel, Rams Horn Channel, Danvers River, Bass River, Eagle Island Channel, Marblehead Channel and Marblehead Harbor.

The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis and Management System (WAMS) review of the Lynn and Saugus Harbors to include the Saugus River and Approaches and Lynn Harbor. Mariners and other concerned parties are invited to comment on the aids to navigation in these waterways.

Any comments or recommended changes to aids to navigation in these waterways should be received no later than 15 October 2008 to be considered. Send comments to: Commander, US Coast Guard Sector Boston, 427 Commercial St, Boston, MA 02109, ATTN: CWO McDaniel (603)557-9083, email; HTUSectorBostonWAMS@uscg.milUTH .

Dredging in NJ:
From the USCG 1st District LNM 39: The Dredge CURRITUCK will be conducting dredging operations in Manasquan Inlet from 21 September until 05 October, 2008. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16.

The Dredge FULLERTON will be conducting dredging operations in the NJICW commencing 18 September, 2008 between NJICW Daybeacon 152 and NJICW Light 160. (No date given for completion.)

New Jersey Port Analysis Comment Requests:
The Coast Guard 1st District is requesting comments regarding the following two analyses:
The Coast Guard will be conducting an analysis of Raritan Bay, Raritan River, Raritan River cutoff, Ward Point Secondary Channel, Great Kills Harbor, Old Orchard Shoal, Keyport Harbor, with the intent of optimizing the waterway and the aids to navigation therein. Mariners and other concerned parties are encouraged to comment. Coast Guard Sector New York, Waterways management Branch, will be accepting comments until 15 Oct 2008, Contact BM1 Tom Casey 1-718-354-4354, fax 718-345-4190, or thomas.r.casey@uscg.mil.

Margate, NJ Bridge Repairs:
This has been previously announced and is just a reminder. From the 5th District LNM 38: Mariners are advised that structural steel repairs along with sandblasting and painting will be performed at the Margate Bridge, at ICW mile 74.0, across Beach Thorofare in Margate, NJ. These repairs require immobilizing half of the draw span to single-leaf operation each day beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1 until and including 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2008, with a work barge occupying one-half of the 58-foot wide channel under the bridge, so passage through the bridge will be limited to a 29-foot width for the duration of the project. The opposite connecting span while not under repair will continue to open for vessels with at least a half-hour advance notice given to the bridge tender at (609) 822-9175 or via marine radio on channel 13 VHF. Also, mariners requiring the full opening of the lift spans or the full width of the channel under the bridge will be directed to use the Atlantic Ocean as the alternate route between Absecon and Great Egg Harbor Inlets. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.

DC Area--Tests with Dummy Weapons:
From the USCG 5th District LNM 40: Mariners are advised that the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) will be conducting demonstrations of their Joint Multi-mission Expeditionary Craft with mounted dummy weapons (incapable of firing ammunition) on the Upper Potomac River during October 2-20, 2008, daylight hours only. Operations will be staged out of the James Creek Marina, at 600 Water Street, SW, Washington, DC, and away from the natural flow of vessel traffic. Interested mariners transiting the area may contact NGC Maritime Systems Integration on marine band radio channel 16 VHF or via telephone at (516) 587-0670.

Shoaling, Little Wicomico River, VA:
While this is primarily a locally used small river with a local marina, it is just off the Chesapeake Bay, and transients might be tempted to enter. The 5th District LNM 40 reports that shoaling has been reported in the Little Wicomico River to a depth of 2 feet MLW in the vicinity of Little Wicomico River Light 4 and in the vicinity of Little Wicomico Light 5 extending approximately half the width of the channel. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution as they transit this area.

Bottom Boring, Hampton Roads:
From the USCG 5th District LNM 40 : The M/V ELIZABETH will be conducting bottom boring operation in the Elizabeth River east of Craney Island from 29 September until 27 October, 2008 in support of the Craney Island expansion project in the following positions:
A. 36-55-21N/076-20-35W
B. 36-55-01N/076-20-44W
C. 36-54-45N/076-20-36W
D. 36-54-30N/076-20-39W
E. 36-54-11N/076-20-27W
F. 36-54-24N/076-20-37W
G. 36-54-16N/076-35-36W
Mariners are advised to use extreme caution as they transit this area. The M/V ELIZABETH will monitor VHF-FM Channel 13.

Gilmerton Bridge, ICW Mile 5.8, Restricted for Repairs:
From the 5th District Bridge Officer: Mariners are advised structural repairs will be performed at the Gilmerton (US 13/460) Lift Bridge across the Elizabeth River (Southern Branch), at AIWW mile 5.8, in Chesapeake, VA The repairs will restrict the operation of the draw span on the following dates and times:

1. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on October 3 through 5 a.m. on October 6, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on October 4 and October 5.

At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(d).  Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.
NOTE: This bridge is also closed to vehicle traffic during the closure period.

Oregon Inlet, NC, (Not on the ICW) Dredging:
From the USCG 5th District LNM 38:  The Dredge RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in Oregon Inlet in the vicinity of Old House Channel and Walter Slough Channel from 01 September to 31 October, 2008. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16.

New Bern, NC--Trent River Temporary Channel:
The USCG 5th District LNM 40 advises mariners that bridge work is being conducted on the Alfred A. Cunningham Bridge, U.S. Route 70 Highway Swing Bridge until August 2009. To facilitate the work, the Trent River Main Channel will be closed to all vessel traffic. An alternate temporary navigational channel has been established and is open to vessel traffic. Mariners should exercise extreme caution when transiting the area.

Wilmington, NC Dredging:
Also from the 5th District LNM 40: The Dredge EAGLE ISLAND will be conducting dredging operations in the Wilmington Harbor Anchorage Basin from 22 September, 2008 until 31 January, 2009. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. A NO WAKE transit is requested from all vessels.

More Delays, North Myrtle Beach, SC:
From the 5th District LNM 40: There will be further delays for construction and girder placement across the ICW channel at the new North Myrtle Beach Connector Bridge at Mile 348.3. Times will be announced on VHF 22 prior to restrictions. Tug Chicksawwill will monitor VHF Channels 13 and 16. This phase of the construction will be complete on Nov. 30, 2008. Dates for delays and partial obstructions in the channel are Oct. 10 and 23, Nov. 5 and 18, 2008. Call 843 724 7616 for further information.

Dredging in Charleston:
From the USCG 7th District LNM 40: Marinex Construction, Inc., has begun maintenance dredging with the dredge HAMPTON ROADS in the vicinity the Naval Weapon Station, Cooper River, Charleston, South Carolina. The area of operation for this project is between Cooper River LB 67 (LLNR 2795) and Cooper River LB 73 (3050). Dredge operations will continue on a twenty-four (24) hour per day, and seven (7) days per week basis until project completion on or about November 15, 2008.

Proposed Bridge Widening, Beaufort, SC:           
The USCG 7th District LNM 40 contains an application for construction of a new high rise bridge adjacent to the McTeer Bridge at ICW Mile 539. Comments are sought for 30 days from its publication (Sept. 23, 2008) and should be sent to Commander (dpb), USCG Seventh District, 909 Southeast First Avenue (Room 432), Miami, FL 33131, or to Mr. Randall Overton 305 415 6749, randall.d.overton@uscg.mil.

Boating Restriction Eased, St. Johns River, FL  
The USCG 7th District LNM 39 reports that as flood waters on the St. Johns River slowly recede, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has eased boating restrictions from the Highlands Park Canal south to the Interstate 4 bridge at Lake Monroe. The area, previously closed to boat traffic since Aug. 29, will be an idle-speed, no-wake zone for boaters. In addition, a no-vessel zone is in effect in Lake Monroe east and south of that area, continuing east and south all the way to State Road 50.

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

As of October 1, 2008: The lake level is reported to be 15.03 feet.
Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 8.97 feet.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigational depths of 6.37 feet. Route 2 has been closed since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Debris has not been removed.

This is down 1.56 inches from the last report we gave two weeks ago.

Drilling in New River, Ft. Lauderdale:
The 7th District LNM 40 states that Independent Drilling, Inc., had advised that on October 6, 2008, they will commence drilling ten (10) borings for river bottom samples at various locations on the New River (see enclosure number 8). One amphibious barge with a mounted drill and one crew boat will be on scene. This project is scheduled for completion on or about October 10, 2008. For further information please contact Mr. David Boggs at (352) 435-6170.

AIS Testing in Tampa Area:
The USCG 7th District LNM 40 announces that commencing 01 October 2008, the Tampa Bay Cooperative Vessel Traffic Service will be broadcasting Automatic Identification System (AIS) test messages to select test participants in the area via standard AIS channels. These broadcasts-originating from MMSI 0003660471-are less than ½ second in duration, and, should not impact other AIS users in the area. However, should the broadcasts impact AIS users beyond the select test participants please notify the U. S. Coast Guard via AIS Problem Report at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/ADO/ais_form.asp or by calling our Navigation Information Service (NIS) Watchstander at (703) 313-5900.

This is the first phase of a Coast Guard Research & Development Center project to develop, design and evaluate the most efficient means by which mariners can receive critical real-time navigation safety information through the use of AIS and its binary messaging capability. The first phase of the project will directly access Physical Oceanographic Real Time System (PORTS) quality checked data from National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) servers, and, repackage it for AIS transmission. These broadcasts will commence at 1100 on 01 October 2008 and every 6th minute thereafter, i.e. 11:06:00 a.m., 11:12:00 a.m., etc. In mid-2009 testing will expand to include the broadcasts of other critical navigation safety information, such as waterway closures, wreck markings, high wind and/or low visibility warnings, etc. We are highly optimistic that-in the future-AIS binary messaging will extend beyond CVTS Tampa Bay to all other USCG VTS and ultimately to most waterways within our Nation-wide AIS (NAIS) network. For further information visit: AIS: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/enav/ais/default.htm
AIS Binary Test Project: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/enav/ais/test-project.htm
NIS: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/Default.htm
NAIS: http://www.uscg.mil/nais/default.asp
NOAA PORTS: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ports.html

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 40:

NASA Railroad Bridge (Mile 876.6): This automated bridge which usually remains in the open position will be closed to navigation from 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federal holidays until October 19, 2008, due to repairs.

Spanish Boulevard Bridge (Mile 1044.9, Boca Raton, FL): The Coast Guard is changing the regulations of this bridge due to repairs. This work will require single-leaf operations on the hour and half-hour with a three hour advance notice to the bridge tender (561 395 5417) for a double-leaf opening. The vertical clearance will be reduced by five feet due to the placement of containment equipment. Dates: 8:00 a.m. on June 15 through 6:00 p.m. on December 8, 2008. In case of emergencies the bridge will open as soon as practicable.

East Sunrise Bridge (Mile 1062.6): Due to repairs, this bridge will open on the hour, at the top of the hour daily from 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., from October 13 through Oct. 20, 2008.  

Bear Cut, Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami: The fender systems and dolphins are being replaced on the Bay Bridge (Old William Powell Bridge) and the Bear Cut Bridge, between August 18 and October 20, 2008, 7:30 am-4:30 p.m. each day.

Florida Keys, Old Bahia Honda Bridge: (MM 35-37) It has been reported to the Coast Guard that this bridge is rapidly deteriorating and many parts are hanging dangerously below the bridge. The channel at the east end of the bridge is the only clear safe passage. Caution is required. There is also reported in the area wood platforms and wooden debris which has broken free from their moorings. 

Florida Keys, Seven Mile Bridge: (Between Hog Key and Bahia Honda Key): Due to repairs, there is a 30-foot platform which hangs down 8 feet below the bridge. It is marked with flags and lights. The platform will be moved to different areas of the bridge during repairs until December 30, 2008.   

Okeechobee Waterway, Mile 126.3:The Wilson Piggott Bridge will be under single leaf operation from August 18-Feb 28, 2008. A double leaf opening will require a 3 hour notice. The vertical clearance of the down span will be reduced by 5 feet. There will be one 8-hour closure to be announced.

GIWW, Mile 126, Park Boulevard Bridge: Single leaf operation till December 2, 2008. A double leaf opening requires a 4-hour notice. The vertical clearance of the down span will be reduced by 5 feet.

GIWW: CORTEZ/ANNA MARIA BRIDGES: Bridge Regulation Change.
The Coast Guard is changing the operating regulations governing the Cortez bridge mile 87.4 and the Anna Maria bridge mile 89.2 across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to allow for the rehabilitation of the Anna Maria Bridge. This rule will allow each bridge to open on a twice an hour schedule, except that each bridge will open once every hour during the 45 day vehicle closure period on the Anna Maria Bridge. This action is necessary for workers safety and will assist in expediting the rehabilitation of the Anna Maria Bridge. This temporary rule is effective through 7 p.m. March 30, 2009.
Sec. 117.287 Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
(d)(5) Cortez (SR 684) Bridge. mile 87.4. The draw shall open on signal; except that from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., the draw shall open on the hour and half-hour.
From September 29, 2008 to November 13, 2008, the Cortez Bridge will remain closed to navigation from 5:35 a.m. to 9:25 a.m., 1:35 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. and 8 p.m, to 4:25 a.m. At all other times, this bridge will open once an hour on the bottom of the hour.
(6) The Anna Maria (SR 64) (Manatee Avenue West) Bridge, mile 89.2. The draw shall open a single-leaf on signal; except that from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., the draw shall open on the hour and half-hour. A double-leaf opening will be available with a one-hour notice to the bridge tender.
From September 29, 2008 to November 13, 2008, the Anna Maria Bridge will remain closed to navigation from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., at all other times, this bridge will open once an hour on the top of the hour.

Naval Exercises in Gulf:
USCG 7th District LNM 40 reports that  the US Navy, NAVAIR Detachment Key West will be conducting at-sea exercises and testing in the Gulf of Mexico during 5 Oct, 2008 thru 15 Oct, 2008. The test/exercise area will be within a box defined by the following lines of Lat. and Long.
Northern boundary: 26 deg, 38 min North Lat
Eastern boundary: 83 deg, 25 min West Long
Southern Boundary: 25 deg, 28 min North Lat
Western Boundary: 84 deg, 15 min West Long
During the above time frame there will be numerous surface and sub-surface obstructions in the operations area posing a severe threat to dragging and trawl gear as well as transiting surface craft. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area and to avoid the area if possible.

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.