East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
June 26, 2008

Lockwoods Folly Inlet Crossing of the ICW Severe Shoaling:
The June 19, 2008 USACE Wilmington District survey of this area shows continued severe shoaling. Waypoints are given for the deepest water and they are basically on the outside of the marked channel (as marked on the date of the survey) in one place and along the far edge in another. Proceed with extreme caution. Check for latest information and local knowledge. Conditions can change.

Check http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/AIWW/CFLR/T11.pdf . *

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

New Warning for Nicaragua Waters:
From the 1 st USCG District LNM 25:*

SPECIAL WARNING NUMBER 124. NICARAGUA

1. Mariners operating small vessels such as yachts and fishing boats should note that Nicaragua has boundary disputes with its neighbors in both its Caribbean and Pacific waters, and should exercise caution.

2. The Caribbean waters lying generally south of the 15th parallel and east of the 82nd up to the 79th meridians are subject to a current dispute between Nicaragua and Colombia.

3. The international court of justice has delimited a new maritime boundary line awarding maritime areas to the government of Nicaragua previously claimed by Honduras above the 15th parallel and apparently east of the 82nd meridian.

4. The Nicaraguan Navy is patrolling portions of this maritime space, enforcing the requirement that fishing vessels hold a valid Nicaraguan fishing license, and has seized vessels not in compliance.

5. There have been cases where Nicaraguan authorities have seized foreign-flagged fishing and other vessels off the Nicaraguan coast. The government of Nicaragua imposes heavy fines on parties caught fishing illegally within waters of Nicaragua’s jurisdiction.

6. While in all cases passengers and crew have been released within a period of several weeks, in some cases the ships have been searched, personal gear and navigational equipment has disappeared, and Nicaraguan authorities have held seized vessels for excessive periods.

7. Prompt U.S. Embassy consular access to detained U.S. citizens on Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast may not be possible because of delays in notification due to the relative isolation of the region.

8. There have been reported incidents of piracy in Caribbean and Pacific waters off the coast of Nicaragua, but the Nicaraguan Navy has increased its patrols and no recent incidents have been reported.

NOAA Temporarily Interrupts Raster Navigational Chart Updates:
Reminder from the latest USCG LNMs: NOAA provides free, Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs) and free weekly RNC updates via the Internet (http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/Index.htm) and through certified redistributors. For a limited period beginning June 15, 2008, RNCs will not be updated for either Notices to Mariners or for new editions of the nautical charts. This temporary interruption of service is due to a change in RNC production systems. Full RNC service will resume when reliable production is restored. In the interim, continuously updated NOAA Print on Demand charts (www.OceanGrafix.com), traditional printed charts, and free Electronic Navigational Charts and updates (http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/enc/index.htm) will continue to be available.

Dredging in Boston Harbor:
From the USCG 1 st District LNM 25: Dredging is being done in the Mystic River, NW of the Tobin Bridge from 15 May until early August 2008. The hours of operation are 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene is the Dredge GL 54 that is using VHF-FM channel 05 as a working and monitoring 13 and 16. The Tug ME Lemmerhirt is towing dump scows 63 and 65 to the Mass Bay Disposal Area in support of dredging operations, and the Atlantic Dawn is tending the dredge. The survey vessel Thames River will be conducting hydrographic surveys near the dredge on a daily basis. The Atlantic Dawn will be transmitting a daily update of the dredge and towing operations on channels 77 and 13. A mooring buoy has been deployed to the north of the main ship channel, south of Logan airport located at latitude: 42 21 13.8697 N, Longitude 071 01 26.2628 W. The mooring buoy will be used to moor light scows used for the dredging operations in Boston Harbor. The scows will have a swing radius of 400 feet, and will not interfere with any installed aids to navigation or encroach on the main ship channel. Be advised that lobster trap buoys in this location may be damaged or entangled by the mooring chain, scows, or tugboats en-route to and from the mooring. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution.

New York/New Jersey Surveys for Offshore Terminal Project:
From the USCG 1 st district LNM 25: Geophysical and Geological Reconnaissance Activities Seaforth Geosurveys, Inc., on behalf of BlueOcean Energy Terminal LLC (BOE Terminal) and BlueOcean Energy Pipeline LLC (BOE Pipeline) are conducting geophysical and geological surveys in federal and New Jersey state waters from June 2, 2008 until approximately August 28, 2008. On scene is the R/V CONNECTICUT, Call sign WCY 4995, that will be monitoring channel 13, 16 and VTS channel as required. Vessels will participate in the VTS system as required. Vessels are fitted with AIS. Other communications methods: cell phone 860-625-3251 email captain d.nelson@uconn.edu, etc.

The study area for these reconnaissance activities extends from our proposed floating terminal site (roughly 20 miles offshore New Jersey and 30 miles south of Long Island) to the onshore coastal area and north into Raritan Bay. More specifically, the area is contained within the following coordinates:

On charts NOAA Charts 12300, 12332 and 12327:

From a point at 40º 30.926'N, 74º 19.288'W; then east to 40º 30.341'N, 73º 32.925'W; then south to 40º 4.731'N, 73º 33.283'W; then west to 40º 4.899'N, 74º 0.377'W; then north to 40º 27.596'N, 74º 0.212'W; then west to 40º27.697'N, 74º 19.297'W; then back to the beginning point at 40º 30.926'N, 74º 19.288'W.

Mariners are requested to proceed with caution while transiting the area.

NJICW Markers Repaired:
Previously we had reported that a large number of markers on the NJICW were either missing, reported off station or damaged. We noticed that in the most recent 5 th District LNM (26) that a total of 17 markers in the NJICW are now reported to be “WATCHING PROPERLY.”

Margate Bridge, NJICW, Restrictions:
From the USCG 5 th District Bridge Office: Mariners are advised that structural steel repairs along with sandblasting and painting are continuing that require short-term restrictions at the Margate Bridge, at ICW mile 74.0, across Beach Thorofare in Margate, NJ.  These short-term restrictions require immobilizing half of the draw span to single-leaf operation each day with a work barge occupying one-half of the 58-foot wide channels under the bridge, so passage through the bridge will be limited to a 29-foot width for the duration of the project during the following dates and times:

1)  Beginning at 7 a.m. on Thu Jun 26 through mid-day (12 p.m.) on Fri Jun 27;
2)  Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wed Jul 2 through 11:59 p.m. on Thu Jul 3;
3)  Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wed Jul 16 through 11:59 p.m. on Thu Jul 17;
4)  Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wed Jul 30 through 11:59 p.m. on Thu Jul 31; and
5)  Beginning at 7 a.m. on Mon Aug 4 through 11:59 on Thu Aug 7.

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.

Avalon Boulevard Bridge , NJICW, Rehabilitation:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 25: Mariners are advised that rehabilitation work will commence June 23, 2008 through December 15, 2008 at the Avalon Boulevard Bridge, at ICW mile 98.2, across Ingram Thorofare in Avalon, NJ. The work to be performed consists of substructure repairs including spall repairs and pressure injection of cracks on piers; fender repairs including new vertical clearance gauge and walkway repairs; installation of steel sheet piling, and stone riprap at the water piers; and installation and removal of chain-link fence and soil and erosion control measures. To facilitate repairs, equipment in the navigable channel will provide a minimum horizontal clearance of approximately 40 feet at all times during work and revert to the full width of 80 feet when work is outside the main span. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution when transiting the area.

Delaware Bay Entrance, Hazard:
I’d hate to run into this! The 5 th District LNM 26 reports that the Coast Guard has received a report of a partially submerged hazard to navigation consisting of 3 steel piles, appearing connected and measuring 70ft by 2.5ft at approximate position 38-39.055N, 074-49.427W, 15NMs southeast of Cape Henlopen. Object is presently being marked with a white buoy with a white light. Mariners should transit the area with caution. NOTE: This is different from the previously reported position, and the obstruction is now marked and lighted.

Dredging in C&D Canal:
From the 5 th District LNM 26: Mariners are advised that vessels transiting the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal are recommended not to exceed a draft of 32 feet. This advisory is in conjunction with the scheduled dredging operations in the Canal directed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Dredging operations are expected to be completed by 30 September, 2008. Any comments or questions on the status of the C & D Canal may be directed to Coast Guard Sector Baltimore at 410-576-2693.

Reminder to Maryland Boaters:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 26: We’ve printed this before, but want to remind Maryland boaters that 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.

Dredging: Baltimore Harbor— Curtis Bay:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 25: The Langenfelder Marine Bucket Dredge DB-2400 will be conducting dredging operations in Curtis Bay at the Hess Corp. Terminal from 15 June until 30 July, 2008. Dredge operators will monitor VHF-FM channels 10 and 13.

Interstate Bridge Closed to Navigation, Baltimore Area:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 26: Mariners are advised that the I-695 Bridge at Mile 1.0 across Curtis Creek will be closed to navigation from 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 29 until 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 05, 2008 to facilitate primary gearbox repairs. The available vertical clearance in the closed position is approximate 58 feet above Mean High Water. Mariners capable of transiting under the bridge may do so however those that cannot are advised to adjust transit plans as necessary to avoid delays.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Tests, Chesapeake Bay, Near Annapolis:
This is about the busiest area of water imaginable in the summer. At least this will take place during the week. From the 5 th District LNM 25: Mariners are advised that Vehicle Control Technologies, Inc. of Reston, Virginia will be conducting surface and submerged unmanned underwater vehicle tests intermittently between June and October 2008, on weekdays and during daylight hours, in the West River-Thomas Point-Bloody Point area of the Chesapeake Bay. Exact locations will be selected for an approximate 20-70' water depth and for a minimum boating traffic presence. The towed vehicle is described as a small, yellow, 12" diameter, and torpedo-shaped object. During the tests, the vehicle will operate autonomously at speeds of approximately 5 knots for short durations. The vehicle will be closely monitored on the water by test program and support boat personnel at all times and testing activity would be curtailed and the area cleared to accommodate any shipping traffic. If necessary, contact the support boat "C-DATA" via marine band radio channel VHF-FM channel 16 or by cell phone at (443) 875-8174.

Bridge Repairs, Lynnhaven Inlet, VA (NOT on the ICW):
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 25: Fender repairs are being made to the Lesner Bridge across Lynnhaven Inlet from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 12 June until 07 August, 2008. To facilitate repairs, barges and work floats will occupy the channel reducing the horizontal clearance to approximately 42 feet. Mariners should use extreme caution while transiting this area.

Bridge Repairs, Beltline RR Bridge, Norfolk, VA, ICW:
Also from the USCG 5 th District LNM 25: Fender system repairs will be performed at the Norfolk and Portsmouth Beltline Railroad Bridge at AIWW Mile 2.6 across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake, VA each day from 7a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning 17 June, 2008 until 11 September, 2008. To facilitate repairs, a crane barge will occupy the channel reducing the available horizontal clearance to 230 feet. Mariners requiring the full width of the channel are requested to provide at least two-hour advance notice by calling the superintendent at (757) 237-0519. Mariners should use extreme caution while transiting this area.

New Buoys off Virginia Beach:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 26: Misener Marine Construction, Inc. in association with the Virginia Beach 79th Street Ocean Outfall Project has established the following mooring/anchor buoys until December 25, 2008. Aids are approximately 2200 feet from the beach and construction area located at 79th Street, Virginia Beach.

A. MMC Lighted Mooring Buoy M1, 36 54 12.9N, 075 58 40.2W, Fl W 4s, White buoy with blue stripe.

B. MMC Lighted Mooring Buoy M2, 36 54 32.0N, 075 58 47.7W, Fl W 4s, White buoy with blue stripe.

C. MMC Lighted Anchor Buoy A1, 36 54 11.0N, 075 58 53.1W, Fl Y 4s, Yellow buoy.

D. MMC Lighted Anchor Buoy A2, 36 54 17.7N, 075 58 47.2W, Fl Y 4s, Yellow buoy.

E. MMC Lighted Anchor Buoy A3, 36 54 25.5N, 075 58 50.0W, Fl Y 4s, Yellow buoy.

F. MMC Lighted Anchor Buoy A4, 36 54 26.7N, 075 58 54.5W, Fl Y 4s, Yellow buoy.

Rudee Inlet , VA , AGAIN:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 26 reports that a survey of Rudee Inlet on 19 June, 2008 indicates shoaling at a least depth of 8.0 feet MLLW across the channel at the ends of the north and south jetties.

Cape Fear River Bridge Reduced Vertical Clearance:
This is a reminder from previous LNMs. The USCG 5 th District continues to report that mariners are advised that emergency structural repairs will be performed at the US 17/Cape Fear River Memorial Bridge, at mile 26.0, in Wilmington, NC, from June 1 to August 15, 2008. To aid in the repairs, a containment system will be installed under the movable lift span, reducing the vertical clearance by approximately five feet. Vertical clearances in the full open and closed positions above mean high water will be reduced from135 feet to130 feet and from 65 feet to 60 feet, respectively. For additional information, mariners should contact the bridge tender at (910) 251-5773 or via marine radio on channel 13 VHF. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and use exercise caution when transiting the area.

Shoaling in NC ICW:
From the 5 th District LNM 26: The Coast Guard has received a report of shoaling to a depth of 5.0 ft within the North River of the AIWW at approximate position 36-09.51N, 075-53.53W. Mariners should use extreme caution while transiting this area. NOTE: Google Earth shows this position to be to about 2000 ft to the west of the ICW (not in the channel), near the turn where the North River heads straight into Albemarle Sound, southbound. We have observed some shoaling in this straight stretch in the past, just to the north of Albemarle Sound, on the red side of the channel.

Shoaling in Hatteras Inlet Channel:
The District 5 LNM 25 states that the Coast Guard has received a report of shoaling in the vicinity of Hatteras Inlet Buoy 12 and Hatteras Inlet Lighted Buoy 13 to a depth of 3.5 feet MLLW. Mariners should avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution when transiting during other tidal periods.

Shoaling at Bogue Inlet Crossing of the ICW:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 26: An ACOE survey conducted 16 May, 2008 indicates shoaling to a depth of 0.1 feet MLLW in the vicinity of Bogue Sound Buoy 45A. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. See http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/aiww/bftcfr/TGS1.pdf . Waypoints are given for safe passage, favoring the red (dock) side of the channel.

Dredging in Georgetown, SC:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 26: Marinex Construction, Inc., has commenced dredging operations in the Sampit River, Georgetown, South Carolina, in the vicinity of Sampit Point Channel LT 42. This operation will continue on a twenty-four (24) hour per day, seven (7) days per week basis until approximately September 1, 2008. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. All mariners are requested to transit the area with caution in the vicinity of the dredge plant and proceed at your slowest safe speed. For further information please contact Mr. Thomas G. Payne at (843) 722-9083.

South Carolina Bridges to be Repaired:
We have been informed by Coast Guard Sector Charleston thatthe SCDOT contractor will be conducting repairs to the fendering systems on some bridges on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The repairs will start on June 23, 2008 near the location of the Lady’s Island Wood Memorial Drawbridge, across the Beaufort River at Mile marker 536 in Beaufort, South Carolina and continue moving north for approximately six weeks. The waterways will not be restricted due to the repairs. All mariners transiting in the area should proceed with caution. The drawbridges will continue to operate according to 33 CFR 117.911 with the proper signaling. If there are any concerns, mariners should contact Coast Guard Sector Charleston’s 24 hour watch center on VHF-channel 16 or via phone 843-724-7616. For specific questions about the contractor’s schedule, please contact the SCDOT Community Bridge office at (843) 740-1695, or for questions regarding Coast Guard matters please contact Lieutenant Calvin Summers at (843) 720-3273.

Lock Closures, Okeechobee Waterway:
According to a May 16, 2008 Notice to Navigation Interests published by the USACE Jacksonville District the navigation lock at Port Mayaca will be closed to traffic at 0600, 7 July 2008 and reopen to traffic at 0600 on 29 August 2008. The navigation lock at St. Lucie will be closed to traffic at 0600, 14 July 2008 and reopen to traffic at 0600 on 29 August 2008.

The notice states that “ these are necessary in order to install Manatee Protection Systems.”

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 June 24, 2008: The lake level is reported to be 9.37 feet.

Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 3.31 feet.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigational depths of .71 feet. Route 2 has been closed since Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

This is up 0.6 inch from the last report we gave two weeks ago.

Shoaling: Ponce de Leon Cut, ICW Mile 840:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 26: Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity on the north side of Ponce de Leon Cut at Mid Channel, between Ponce de Leon Cut Buoy 2, Buoy 2A and Buoy 3. The reported depth is five feet (two hours past high tide), charted depth is three feet at mean low tide. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution while transiting the area. Buoys “3” and “3A” have been relocated. The current dredging operation started at “4.”

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7 th District LNM 26:

Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine:
The channel closures originally scheduled until June 13, 2008 at the Bridge of Lions temporary bridge in St. Augustine have been extended. The additional closures are detailed below:

Monday - Wednesday, July 7-9, 2008: Channel Closed, 7:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Openings provided at: 1:00 p.m.1:30p.m.

Requests to travel through the bridge during the scheduled openings must be made to the Bridge Tender via marine radio Channel 9.

B.B. McCormick Bridge, Mile 747, JAX Beach, Closed Again:
From MSIB 10-08, USCG Sector Jacksonville: The navigational channel at the B.B. McCormick Bridge at Mile 747 on the Atlantic ICW will be closed from June 9 through June 27, 2008, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. There will be a one hour channel opening between hours of 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 pm. Channel closed to all marine traffic with opening for declared emergencies only. Contact the tug Anna on VHF Channel 13 or 16 for information.

Woolbright Road Bridge (Mile 1036.0): Repairs are underway until September 9, 2008. The bridge will remain operational for marine traffic.

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 15-6:00 p.m. on December 8, 2008. In case of emergencies the bridge will open as soon as practicable.

Davie Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, New River: ( SW Twelfth Street) Bridge, Mile 0.9 across the South Fork of the New River will be closed to navigation for repairs from 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 1-June 30, 2008. Horizontal clearance will be reduced to 25 ft. due to barge placement for containment during repairs. It will also be closed from 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday; the barge will not be in the channel during these times.

The vertical clearance will not be below 21 ft. MHW.

5 th Street Bridge, Miami River: Bridge construction of the 5 th Street Bridge across the Miami River, Mile 1.5, will begin approximately July 7, 2008. Waterway restrictions/closures will be published in future Local Notices to Mariners.

Johns Pass, FL. West Coast: Due to construction this bridge will be closed to navigation from 1:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each day, Monday through Friday until August 31, 2008. The channel under the Johns Pass Bridge will be closed to marine traffic for approximately 30 minutes at 1:a.m. and 10:00 a.m. each day to raise and lower the bridge leafs.

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.