East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
September 18, 2008

Another Sailboat Hits Power Line--St. Juliens Creek, off ICW, Chesapeake VA:
We saw the report on TV. On September 9, 2008, a 38 ft. Prout Catamaran from Canada heading north on the ICW just north of the Gilmerton Bridge (Mile 5.8), entered St. Juliens Creek in early morning fog and hit that power line. There are now bright orange balls on the line and warning signs at the mouth of the creek, but it happened again. The mast was broken but the people were uninjured. The previous mistake burned the boat and in another accident before that, one life was lost and another person suffered serious injury. The story can be read at http://www.wvec.com/news/chesapeake/stories/wvec_local_090908_sailboat_hits_power_line.5c14b33a.html  *

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

Hurricane Reminder:
In preparation for tropical events, keep in mind that moving your boat may not be easy just before a named storm approaches.

Note that the South Carolina DOT has Hurricane Evacuation Rule signs posted on most drawbridges in its state: Draw and swing bridges will not open when wind reaches a sustained 25 knots, or if mandatory evacuation is ordered.

Following is the text copied from an email we received on September 4, 2008 from the 5th District Bridge Branch:

Mariners are reminded that during strong storms, drawbridges along the coast may deviate from the normal operating procedures.  Gale forced winds are generally measured anywhere from 35 mph or greater depending where there located.

The suggested script used for the broadcast notice to mariners for hurricane procedures would be the following:

MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT DURING STRONG STORMS DRAWBRIDGES ALONG THE COAST MAY DEVIATE FROM THE NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES.  DRAWBRIDGES ARE AUTHORIZED TO REMAIN CLOSED UPON THE APPROACH OF GALE FORCED WINDS OR HIGHER.  MARINERS SHOULD ANTICIPATE BRIDGE CLOSURES BY LISTENING TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND COAST GUARD BROADCASTS ON THE STORM CONDITIONS.

PLAN AND PREPARE EARLY.

OFFSHORE NAVAL EXERCISE:
The USCG 1st District warns that U.S. NAVY SHIPS WILL CONDUCT SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE EXERCISES INCLUDING LAUNCHING AND RECOVERY OF INERT EXERCISE TORPEDOES FROM 19 SEPT TO 3 OCT 2008 IN AN AREA BOUNDED BY 42-00N/069-45W; 42-00N/068-45W; 40-55N/068-45W; AND 40-55N/069-02W. MARINERS TRANSITING THIS AREA ARE ADVISED TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION AND ARE REQUESTED TO COOPERATE WITH PATROLLING NAVY VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT. M/V PREVAIL WILL BE STAIONED IN THE AREA WHILE OPERATIONS ARE IN PROGRESS AND WILL MONITOR VHF-FM CHANNELS 13 AND 16.

NOAA Survey, Long Island Sound, NY:
The 1st District LNM 37 reports that NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson will be conducting hydrographic survey operations throughout the area between the north Shore of Plum Island to Duck Pond point from approximately September 12th through the end of October 2008. Thomas Jefferson is a 208 foot, white research vessel and can be reached on VHF channels 13 or 16. Mariners are urged to exercise caution when transiting near this vessel to minimize wake. Questions or concerns can be addressed to the ship’s Officer-of-the-Deck via the ship’s cell phone: (757) 647-0187. A graphic of the survey area is shown below (in LNM 37 enclosure). Areas H, N, J, K and P will be surveyed.

Long Island Sound, Norwalk-Northport, Power Line Energizing and Burial:
From the 1st District LNM 35: Authorization has been granted to energize the newly installed transmission cables that run along the seabed of Long Island Sound between the Manresa Island Power Station in Norwalk CT and the Northport Power Station in Northport NY. This order has been granted by the Public Service Commission to allow LIPA to operate the cables during the Summer Capability Period. A requirement of this grant is that LIPA maintain the presence of a 24 hour guard vessel which will patrol the cable corridor to help protect the not-fully-buried section of the cable route. The cables will be energized periodically until September 5, 2008 when the cables will be temporarily taken out of service to allow the remaining cable burial work to be completed along the section of the cable within NY waters.  At that time the Norwegian vessel the Siem Danis (240- LOA) will enter Long Island Sound to begin burial on the remaining sections of not-fully-buried cable. It is expected that this work will be completed by October 1, 2008. Care should be taken to avoid anchoring or spudding down in the NY section of the cable corridor. Care should be taken to keep clear of working vessels that will be on scene beginning September 5, 2008. The guard vessel the Alicia Mary (53-Red Hull Tug) will be on scene to monitor commercial traffic and marine activity to ensure safe passage through the cable corridor while monitoring channels 13 & 16.

East River, New York, Closures for UN Sessions:
From the USCG 1st District LNM 37: The United Nations General Assembly Plenary Sessions will be held from September 15 to October 3, 2008. Mariners can expect varying degrees of closure on the East River during this timeframe. Specific information detailing the areas of the East River closed to vessel traffic, including the dates and times, will be provided during the week of September 8, 2008 or sooner. Updates will be published via the Local Notice to Mariners, marine information broadcasts, and/or at http://homeport.uscg.mil/newyork > Waterways Management > 02. Advisory Notices.

New Jersey Port Analyses 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 .

The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis and Management System (WAMS) review of the Terminal Channel to include the Leonardo Security Zone. 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 26 September 2008 to be considered. Send comments to: Commanding Officer, USCGC JUNIPER (WLB-201) NAVSTA PIER 2 Newport, RI 02841, ATTN: ENS Faulkenberry (401)841-6953, email; Thomas.a.faulkenberry@uscg.mil.

Barnegat Bay Bridge Change Proposed:
The USCG 5th District LNM 38 seeks comments:  Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard proposes to change the drawbridge operation regulations of the S37 Bridge, at ICW mile 14.1, across Barnegat Bay at Seaside Heights, NJ. This proposal would allow the drawbridge to operate on an advance notice basis during specific times of the year. The proposed change would result in more efficient use of the bridge during months of infrequent transit. Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the above address (Commander, USCG Fifth District, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704), attention (dpb) no later than October 6, 2008. A copy of Public Notice 5-1122, which describes the proposal in detail, can be obtained by writing to the address above or by calling (757) 398-6587.

Margate NJ Bridge Repairs:
This has been previously announced and it 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.

Research Buoys, Delaware Coast:
From the USCG 5th District LNM 38: The University of Delaware has established two temporary research buoys in the following positions. McCrie Shoal Research Lighted Buoy A at 38-45-4.728N 075-03-32.000W and Cape Henlopen Research Buoy B at 38-51-13.320N 074-51-19.076W. Both buoys are yellow spheres and show a Fl Y 6s characteristic and will remain on station until 30 October 2008.

Comment Period for New Gilmerton Bridge, ICW Mile 5.8, Reopened:
From 5th District LNM 38: The Coast Guard is reopening the period for public comment concerning an application from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the proposed replacement of the existing Henry G. Gilmerton Bridge, at AIWW mile 5.8, across the Southern Branch Elizabeth River, on Route 13 (Military Highway), in the City of Chesapeake, VA. The purpose of this supplemental public notice will provide an opportunity for adjacent property owners, area residents and businesses to make additional comments. VDOT proposes to replace the existing 4-lane double-leaf bascule bridge, and its approaches with a new 4-lane vertical-lift bridge and new approaches on essentially the same alignment. The existing approach piers will be demolished to approximately two feet below the mud line. The existing bascule piers including the timber piles will be removed in their entirety, with a new fender system being constructed. The proposed vertical clearances in the closed and open positions of the new lift bridge are 36.75 feet and 136.9 feet both above mean high water, respectively. The proposed minimum and maximum horizontal clearances between the faces of the fender system are 125 feet and 222 feet, respectively. Comments on the proposed construction of the new bridge should be forwarded to the above address (Commander, USCG Fifth District, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704), attention (dpb) no later than September 23, 2008. Copies of Supplemental Public Notice 5-1117 (a), which describe the proposal in detail, can be obtained by writing to the above address or by calling (757) 398-6422.

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 September 19 through 5 a.m. on September 22, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on September 20 and September 21.
2. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on September 26 through 5 a.m. on September 29, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on September 27 and September 28.
3. 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.

Proposed Change in Adams Creek, ICW, NC:
While this change will not affect the popular anchorage area outside of Adams Creek Marker 9 in the mouth of Cedar Creek, this is a reminder that the wreck noted on the latest chart did exist at our last passing in spring, 2008, with a mast visible above the surface of the water. We suspect that this mast will soon be toppled and the wreck will be very difficult to locate. Choose your spot in this anchorage with great care, or avoid it. From the 5th District LNM 38:

 The Coast Guard proposes to discontinue the following aids to navigation:
A. Adams Creek Range A Front Light 7 (LLNR 38310) and Adams Creek Range A Rear Light (LL NR 38315) and to relocate Light 7 to better mark the turn in the Federal Project.

Comments to this proposal should be submitted prior to 15 November, 2008 to Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District (dpw), 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth Virginia (23704), Attn: Mr. Tom Flynn.

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.

Shoaling in New River Inlet, NC (Not on the ICW):
While shoaling is common in the smaller inlets of the NC coast, and we usually don’t mention them as these inlets are used mostly by boaters with local knowledge, this depth warrants attention. From the 5th District LNM 38: There has been a report of shoaling in the vicinity of Cedar Bush to a depth of 1.9 feet MLLW between New River Inlet Buoy 10B and New River Inlet Buoy 11. Mariners should exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart: 11542

More Dredging in Ponce Inlet Area, FL, ICW:
There was no specific mention of the dredging here in the latest 7th District LNM, but I did notice in the chart update section that markers have been moved in the area, which is a sign that dredging has been done or will be in the near future. This is the area of the ICW just north of Mile 840 that usually has four floating aids and marks the turn in the ICW just south of its intersection with the entrance to the North Channel into Ponce de Leon Inlet. The chart updates stated that Ponce de Leon Cut Buoy 2 is discontinued for dredging and that 2A is relocated for dredging. This, we hope, is a good sign.

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

As of September 16, 2008: The lake level is reported to be 15.16 feet.
Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 9.10 feet.
Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigational depths of 6.50 feet. Route 2 has been closed since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Debris has not been removed.

This is up 5.76 inches from the last report we gave two weeks ago. All locks are now open.
A Notice to Navigational Interests from the USACE Jacksonville advises that normal navigation through the OWW could change on short notice due to direct and indirect effects from hurricanes and storm systems.

AIS Testing in Tampa Area:
The USCG 7th District LNM 38 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

Johns Pass Bridge Damage:
In the 7th District LNM the Coast Guard has advised of a waterway restriction in Johns Pass, Tampa Bay, Florida. An approximate fifty (50) foot section of the southeast side of the Johns Pass bridge fender system is missing due to a vessel collision. Additionally, the channel width underneath the Johns Pass bridge has been reduced from sixty (60) feet to fifty-five (55) feet due to a buckle in the north fender. Mariners should exercise extreme caution while transiting this area.

Tampa Bay Pipe Laying:
The 7th District LNM 38 also advises that Sunland Construction Company has commenced pipe laying operation in Tampa Bay. This operation commenced offshore of Port Manatee SW Channel and continues through Cut C to Weedon Island Channel. The approximate position is 27-41-11-N 082-34-27-W and 27-43-42-N 082- 33-13-W. There will be no impact to federal aids to navigation and no channel restrictions. This operation will be continuous twenty-four (24) hours per day and seven (7) days per week, until completion on or about October 30, 2008. The tugs, dredges (3) and drilling barge will be lighted at night and manned. Shoaling may be present in this area due to spoil created during excavation. Private markers may be present to mark the location of spoil areas. For additional information please contact the dredge on VHF Channel 13 or Mr. Ed Watkins at (813) 546-1043.

More Hazardous Navy Ops off Ft. Lauderdale:
From the USCG 7th District LNM 38: The United States Navy, South Florida Testing Facility (SFTF) Requests that a Notice To Mariners be issued for offshore Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hazardous surface and underwater operations. The testing will be performed during the time period from Sept 14 2008 to Sept 26 2008. The testing will be conducted in the field bounded by the coordinates listed below.
RMV OP AREA - OVERALL
26 04.140N 080 05.560W
26 04.140N 080 04.370W
25 56.000N 080 05.560W
25 56.000N 080 04.370W
OPEVAL PREP AREA
25 55.700N 080 05.445W
25 55.700N 080 05.045W
25 53.700N 080 05.445W
25 53.700N 080 05.045W

Navy assets will be working on the range in the area listed above. These assets include a Navy Destroyer and a high speed (20 Knot) semi submersible Remote Mine Hunting System (RMS) that will operate autonomously. The RMS will operate 24/7 and will be difficult to see as only a snorkel penetrates the surface. In addition the RMS streams an underwater tow system that could potentially be a hazard to divers. SFTF will provide up to four chase boats marked Tow Boat US to resolve conflicts with small boat traffic. All vessels are asked to stay well clear of the Navy assets.

Power Cable Removal, Miami River:
The USCG 7th District LNM 38 : The Vance Construction Company has commence removal of the Florida Power and Light Companys' (FPL) power cables located on the east side of the Miami River adjacent to SW 1st Avenue and the FPL Distribution Center. The barge VCC180 with tug Mark will be spudded down and anchored on the east side of the Miami River during this operation which will be completed on or about October 15, 2008. All work will be done during daylight hours only. The tug Mark will monitor VHF Channel 16 for all marine related traffic. For further information please contact Mr. Jim Vance at (561) 650-0016. All mariners are urged to transit this area with extreme caution and use their slowest safe speed.
           
Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 38:           
           
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.
           
Hobe Sound Bridge (Mile 996): Repairs necessitate a single leaf opening between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on September 23, 24 and 25, 2008.   
           
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.
           
NW 12th Avenue Bridge, Miami River: Construction continues. Between now and September 15 workers will begin erecting steel in the south pier. It will protrude slightly into the river. On December 3, 2008 the second and final 72 hour closure will take place to conduct the toe lift.
           
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:  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 reported as the only clear safe passage. Caution is required.  

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.

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.