East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
November 15, 2007

USACE Survey Shows 3-foot Controlling Depth, ICW Channel, Mile 237:
The USACE Wilmington District survey conducted on September 25 and 26, 2007 in this area of the ICW shows 3 feet to be the controlling depth in the channel near green can “61A.” This is at the intersection of the ICW and Browns Inlet, north of the Onslow Beach Bridge. Cruisers passing through this area on the way south report groundings and confusion concerning the floating markers, two red nuns, “60A” and then “60,” followed by green can “61A,” which appears to be off-station, but is reported to be in the correct place. It is reported by the local TowBoatUS operator to have been moved following the sinking of a power vessel previous to the above mentioned survey. Compounding the confusion is a strong sideways push from the current as you are passing the inlet, and tugs with tows often move the sand around making new holes and lumps. There has been no notice recently concerning this area in the Fifth District USCG Local Notices to Mariners online. However, we have been told that the Coast Guard Ft. Macon issues Broacast Notices to Mariners regarding this area at least twice daily. 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, and proceed accordingly, following the markers and being mindful of the set of the current and shoal shifting. It has been suggested by the local TowBoatUS operator that if you draw more than five feet, go through at high tide.

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

Another Amendment to the Bahamas Fishing Regulations:
Bahamian officials have listened to foreign boaters’ concerns and have modified the rules so we can at least take a few conch and a larger grouper or two. We are not including the entire amendment below, but just a few of the important items for cruisers in the Bahamas. Bold text is ours, indicating changes or important issues.

b) A person, unless otherwise authorized by the respective permit, shall not use a spear, a fish trap, or a net other than a landing net.

h) Any migratory fishery resource that is caught shall not in total exceed more than eighteen (18) Kingfish, Dolphin, Tuna or Wahoo per vessel. Any resource not intended to be used shall not be injured unnecessarily but be returned to the sea alive.

i) Each vessel must adhere to the following catch limits: no turtle, a maximum of six (6) conch, ten (10) crawfish and a maximum of twenty (20) or sixty (60) pounds of any demersal fishery resources (groupers, snappers, etc.) per vessel at any time.

For more information, contact:

Department of Marine Resources
Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources
P.O. Box N-3028
Nassau, The Bahamas
Email: fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs

I have emailed an inquiry concerning the seemingly contradictory statement “ maximum of twenty (20) or sixty (60) pounds of any demersal fishery resources” but have received no response.  

You can view the entire amendment at

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

USACE Surveys of South Carolina ICW Shoal Areas:
The Charleston USACE District website gives surveys of the ICW at

http://www.sac.usace.army.mil/?action=navigation.surveymaps . These surveys show precise detail and are very helpful for areas such as Fenwick Cut and the Asheepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, but they are not as up to date as the Wilmington and Savannah Districts’ surveys.

Ambrose Light Safety Zone for Reconstruction:
From the 1 st District LNM 54: The Captain of the Port New York has established a temporary safety zone within a 250 yard radius of Ambrose Light (LLNR 720) at 40-27-00N, 073-48-00W, and approximately 8.35 nm east of Sandy Hook, NJ. This rule is effective until 11:59 pm on May 5, 2008 unless terminated sooner due to completion of survey and reconstruction operations. 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.

St. Julian Creek, Chesapeake, VA, Overhead Power Cable Warning:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 46:

1. The following Private Aids to navigation have been established:

A. St. Julian Creek Warning Daybeacon A at 36-46-57.720N, 076-18-57.780W, NW on pile worded "DANGER OVERHEAD POWERLINES".

This to warn northbound vessels not to mistake St. Julian Creek for a continuation of the ICW after passing through the Gilmerton Bridge. Four vessels (that we know of) in the past seven years have made this mistake and hit the power cable and burned.

Dismal Swamp Canal Remains Closed:
The Dismal Swamp Canal is closed. The Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, Route 1, through the Great Bridge Locks at Chesapeake, Virginia, will be open 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Operators will monitor Channel 13 VHF-FM. For further information, about the operational status of the locks on the Dismal Swamp Canal call the Corps of Engineers in Norfolk at (757) 201-7500 and press option 3.

A Reminder: Figure Eight Island Bridge, ICW Mile 278.1, Closure:
From USCG 7 th District LNM 44: Mariners are advised that the Figure Eight Swing Bridge, at AIWW mile 278.1, at Scotts Hill, NC, will be closed to vessels each day beginning November 1, 2007, until January 31, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to facilitate sandblasting and painting operations. In addition, commercial vessel openings will be provided at night if at least three hours notice is given by calling (910) 686-0635 or via marine radio on Channel 13. The available vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position is approximately 20 feet, above MHW. Also, the vertical clearance in this location is limited to 85 feet, above MHW, by the overhead power line. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and should adjust their transits accordingly.

Wrightsville Beach , NC Mile 283, Christmas Parade Restrictions:
While we don’t usually give information for parades and associated bridge closures or safety zones, we feel that this is worth a warning. We have been caught in the middle of it several times, having to wait for the bridge, then getting into the middle of the parade in the anchorage. It is a celebration worth seeing, but make sure you arrive and get settled early, and be prepared for a crowd. From the 5 th District LNM 45: Mariners are advised that the SR 74 Bridge, at AICW mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach, NC, will be closed-to-navigation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2007. The drawbridge will be closed to vessels to accommodate the annual Holiday Flotilla. Additional the Coast Guard is establishing a 1000 foot safety zone around a fireworks display occurring on Motts Channel, Wrightsville Beach, NC. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic on Motts Channel. This safety zone is necessary to protect mariners from the hazards associated with fireworks displays. This safety zone will be enforced from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is necessary to control vessel traffic for safety of life and property on navigable waters during the event. Vessel traffic will be restricted on this portion of the Motts Channel. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zone during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port or the designated on-scene-patrol personnel, and upon being hailed by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. For any comments or questions, contact Chief Warrant Officer Humphrey at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, (252) 247-4525, or at christopher.d.humphrey@uscg.mil Chart: 11541.

More ICW Range Markers to be Discontinued:
We like ranges. They keep us on track as the current tries to sweep us sideways out of the ICW channel. But the 5 th District LNM 46 announces that t he Coast Guard proposes to make the following aids to navigation changes in the AIWW/New River to Cape Rear River:

1. Discontinue Snows Cut Range Front Light A (LLNR 39830).

2. Discontinue Snows Cut Range Rear Light A (LLNR 39835).

3. Discontinue Snows Cut Range Front Light B (LLNR 39840).

4. Discontinue Snows Cut Range Rear Light B (LLNR 39845)

5. Establish New River-Cape Fear River Light 166 (LLNR 39830) a34-02-58.272N, 077-55-33.060W, Q R.

6. Establish New River- Cape Fear River Daybeacon 168 (LLNR 39840) at 34-02-58.272N, 077-55-33.060W,

Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the address on the LNM cover sheet: attention D5 (dpw) Mr. Tom Flynn or by calling 757-398-6229 no later than January 01, 2008.

These two ranges help keep us on a straight line as we enter or exit Snows Cut crossing the swiftly flowing current in the Cape Fear River.

Dawho River , SC , More Shoaling:
From the 7 th District LNM 46: Shoaling has been reported in the Dawho River between Dawho River Buoy 113 and Dawho River LT 115. A depth of 6FT at Mean Low Water was found.

DGPS Macon, GA Signal Integrity Unverified:
From 7 th District USCG LNM 46: DGPS site Macon, Georgia Broadcast site is unmonitored. Navcen is unable to verify signal integrity as of November 3, 2007 until further notice.

Construction on St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL:
From the 7 th District LNM 45: The Captain of Port Jacksonville requests all mariners transiting the areas of Brills Cut Range and the Upper Range in the vicinity of the Dames Point Bridge proceed at speeds necessary to maintain safe steerageway. This is necessary due to marine construction. Reduction of wakes will reduce risk to workers and minimize lost productivity during forming of the bulkhead and the concrete application in the dock construction area from Martin Marietta to the cruise terminal. For further information please contact Mr. Gary McDonald - W.G. Yates construction, Project Manager, Jaxport Dames Point Container Terminal Project (904) 696-8579

Dredging Pipeline and Buoys in Canaveral Harbor Approach Channel:
The USCG 7 th District LNM 46 states that the Captain of the Port advises all mariners that two (2) Temporary Yellow Lighted Buoys have been established with Quick Flashing Yellow Lights in the Canaveral Harbor Approach Channel marking the Northerly and Southerly limits of a temporary submerged pipeline. The dredge " ILLINOIS" will be onsite during the operation beginning November 7, 2007. The pipeline is centered across the channel and buried forty-nine feet below mean-low water. The buoy positions are 28-24-30.610N 080-34-41.850W and 28-24-31.420N 080-34-58.280W located between Port Canaveral Entrance Lighted Buoy 11 and Port Canaveral Entrance Lighted Buoy 13. The buoys will remain in place until January 15, 2008. Mariners are requested not to anchor in the vicinity and to use caution when transiting the area. For further information please contact Mr. Keith Pearse at (321) 784-2005 or cell (904) 616-7290 at Great Lakes Dredging Company.

Beach Restoration Between St. Lucie and Ft. Pierce Inlets:
From the 7 th District LNM 46: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, LLC, has commenced a beach restoration/renourishment and dredging project for Ambersand Beach, Indian River County, Florida. This project consists of dredging approximately 160,000 cubic yards of sand from borrow areas offshore of southern Vero Breach, Florida and then pumping the sand onto Ambersand Beach through two (2) separate pipelines. Dredging operations will take place twenty-four (24) hours per day and seven (7) days per weeks, until completion on or about January 31, 2008. The pump out location consists of 240 feet of 30- diameter floating hose and two white ball buoys just offshore of the four leg jack-up booster. The buoys and hose are illuminated by white lights mounted on stanchions. The staging area for the auxiliary equipment and submerged dredge pipelines will be located inside of St Lucie Inlet and Fort Pierce Inlet. The auxiliary equipment and submerged pipelines will be anchored. The hopper dredges PADRE ISLAND and DODGE ISLAND will be on scene with jack-up booster REGGIE, survey vessel EAST RIVER and tug Little Debbie. The dredges and tug will monitor VHF Channels 13 and 16. All mariners are requested to transit at their slowest safe speed in and around this project. For further information please contact Mr. David Johanson at (561) 758-2872.

Florida Bridge Update:

Ortega River Drawbridge Repair: Due to Emergency Repairs the Ortega River Bridge Mile .03, Ortega River, Jacksonville, FL, will be on single leaf operation on the hour and half hour from 8:00 a.m. to midnight daily. From midnight to 8:00 a.m. it will be closed to navigation. Three hours notice is required for double leaf operation. Estimated end of repair time is now November 30, 2007.

Bridge of Lions, Mile 797.9: The Intracoastal Waterway at Mile 797.9 wil be closed to navigation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. December 9 through December 10. 2007. December 15 through December 17, 2007 have been designated as backup dates if necessary.

George C. Musson Bridge, Mile 845: Beginning on September 24 at 7:35 a.m. and ending at 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. NOTE: We have received a report that the Georg C. Musson Bridge (aka Coronado Beach Bridge) bridge was opening on its normal schedule (on the hour and 20 and 40 minutes past the hour) recently, rather than the above restricted schedule. We contacted the USCG 7 th District Bridge Branch Chief, Barry Dragon, about this. He confirmed that the bridge is continuing to open on the above restricted schedule, but that if work is not in process during the scheduled time, the bridge tender has the option to open whenever he can, or according to his normal schedule.

Lake Okeechobee Still Shallow:
The 7 th District LNMs continue to carry the same warning. We updated with the most current information: 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 November 14, 2007: Lake level is 10.35 feet.

Route 1: Navigational depths: 4.29 feet.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigation depths of 1.69 feet.

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.