East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
August 10, 2006

Italicized text indicates our comment. Plain text is copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given

Malaria in Great Exuma, Bahamas Update:

Check http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/2006/malaria_bahamas.htm for the latest information about malaria in the Bahamas, updated as of August 1, 2006. A total of 18 cases have been reported, but no new ones since June 19. Suggestions are given for preventative measures for all persons visiting the Bahamas.

ME-PENOBSCOT BAY AND FRENCHMAN BAY:

For those cruising in Maine this summer, be aware that The Coast Guard has established transit lanes and recommended routes for deep-draft vessels traveling upon these waters. Mariners are advised to have an updated chart of the area illustrating these lanes, and to monitor VHF-FM channel 13 and 16 for SECURITE broadcasts from vessels using these routes. All boaters are requested not to impede the safe navigation of commercial deep-draft traffic following these routes. From USCG First District LNMs 27-31.

Portland , ME Harbor--Change in Aids to Navigation:

USCG 1 st District LNM 31: The Coast Guard is making the following changes to Aids to Navigation to facilitate navigation in Portland Harbor on or about 7 August 06:

Add Portland Main Approach Lighted Buoy 11, Green, Q G, 3 NM in PA 43-37-44N, 070-12-38W.

Change Portland Main Approach Lighted Bell Buoy 12, Red, Fl R 4s, 4NM to Portland Main Approach Lighted Bell Buoy 12, Red, Q R, 3 NM.

Add Portland Main Approach Lighted Buoy 13, Green, Fl G 2.5s, 3NM, in PA 43-38-06N, 070-12-59W.

Delete Portland Harbor Mid-Channel Lighted Gong Buoy PH.

MA – BOSTON HARBOR – CHARLES RIVER – Bridge Regulation Change: The Coast Guard is temporarily changing the drawbridge operation regulations that govern the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Craigie Bridge, across the Charles River, mile 1.0, at Boston, Massachusetts. This temporary rule in effect from July 24, 2006 through September 30, 2006, requires the Craigie Bridge to open on signal on the half-hour only between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and it also extends the rush hour closed periods normally in effect weekdays by one-hour to allow the bridge to remain closed from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. This temporary final rule is necessary to enhance public safety by alleviating vehicular traffic delays caused by the Central Artery Connecter tunnel closure. From USCG First District LNM 31.

60 Subsurface Moorings and 2 Surface Moorings off New Jersey Coast:

From USCG Fifth District LNM 32: The Office of Naval Research will be conducting an Oceanographic experiment off of the New Jersey coast starting July 25th - September 15th. Research Vessels Knorr, Oceanus, Endeavor, Sharp and Tioga will be operating in the area. 60 subsurface and 2 surface moorings will be deployed on lines extending from 39º 9.6 N, 073º 22.05-W to 38º 55.56N, 072º 50.76W and out to 39º 15N, 072º 54W. All moorings will be deployed within this triangle. A large concentration of subsurface moorings will be deployed in a 3 mile square area around 39º 1.5N, 073º 4.00 W. An exact location of the two surface moorings are 39 04.433N, 073 09.84W and SW58 @ 39 01.14N, 073 03.21W. The two surface moorings are called ASIS moorings and are characteristically tall yellow buoys that have a mast bolted to the top weldment. All mooring locations will be marked with a pink polyform and high flyer. Please avoid all surface markings to avoid entanglement in the moorings and damage to fishing tackle. Please contact Cindy Sellers if you have questions or need clarification. Info: csellers@whoi.edu, 1-508 289-2425 (office). Exact details on the mooring locations can be found at: http://www.whoi.edu/science/sw06.

Dredging in Upper Chesapeake Bay:

The Fifth District LNM 31 states that the Dredge Tangier Sound will be conducting dredging operations in the Upper Chesapeake Bay northeast of Pooles Island from 01 August until 15 September, 2006. The dredge can be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16.

Annapolis Boat Show Info:

It’s almost that time of year again: late Hurricane season and the Annapolis Boat Shows. The show setup and breaking down is a fascinating spectacle to watch, as long as the weather is good. Be aware that this is not the place to be in severe weather. The Fifth District LNM 31 reports that Annapolis Boat Shows, Inc. will conduct its annual United States Sailboat and Powerboat Shows in Annapolis Harbor from Thursday, October 5 through Sunday, October 15, 2006. In support of these events, temporary pilings, floating docks and submerged electrical cables will be placed in the northwestern quadrant of Annapolis Harbor beginning on Monday, October 2, 2006, and will remain in place through Tuesday, October 17, 2006. In addition, mariners are advised that special anchoring restrictions in the harbor will be in affect in the event of severe weather during this period. For any comments or questions, contact the Annapolis City Harbormaster's office, on marine radio Channel 17 VHF-FM, or at telephone number (410) 263-7973.

Kent Island Narrows North Approach Obstruction:

USCG Fifth District LNM 31 reports that Mariners are advised that there has been a report of an obstruction between Kent Island Narrows Northern Approach Light 6 and Kent Island Narrows Approach light 8. Mariners are advised to navigate this area with extreme caution and report any observations.

Chesapeake Beach , MD Channel Narrow, with Nightly Closures:

From USCG Fifth District LNM 32: Mariners are advised that sandblasting and painting operations will commence on or about August 16, 2006, at the MD 261 Bridge across Fishing Creek at Chesapeake Beach, MD. To facilitate the work, scaffolding will occupy the navigable channel reducing the available horizontal clearance to approx 20 feet. Also, at night, work floats will restrict the entire navigation channel. Mariners requiring passage at night must give at least two hours advance notice to the contractor by calling (443) 250-8791 or (443) 277-3085. This operation is expected to be completed by September 16, 2006.

West Point , VA, Pamunky River Bridge Channel Closures:

From USCG Fifth District LNM 32: Mariners are advised that navigation channel closures will be employed for the new Route 33/Etham Bridge, at mile 1.0, across Pamunkey River, in West Point, VA. To facilitate the replacement of the old swing span with a new lift-type drawbridge, navigation channel closures will be put into operation on the following dates and times:

1: From 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15 through 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2006;

2: From 6:30 a.m. on Friday, August 18 through 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2006;

3: From 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12 through 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2006; and

4. From 6:30 a.m. on Friday, September 15 through 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2006.

Lynnhaven Inlet , VA at Virginia Beach New Entrance Channel:
After recent dredging, it is reported that the entrance channel to Lynnhaven Inlet now follows a straight course, with no dogleg in the channel making it a much safer approach. The former entrance channel had been dredged around a shipwreck, probably 200 years old, which shifted frequently and encroached upon the channel. It is reported that the shipwreck was removed in 2004, making it possible to provide a straight line approach. USCG LNM 30 gives the following information about the new markers:

On or about 01 September, 2006 the following aids to navigation change will occur in Lynnhaven Inlet:

A. Lynnhaven Inlet Light 1 will be changed to Light 1L.

B. Lynnhaven Inlet Light 2 will be relocated to position to 36 55 03.787N, 076 05 25.714W.

C. Lynnhaven Inlet Light 3 will be changed to Lighted Buoy 3.

D. Lynnhaven Inlet Light 4 will be changed to Lighted Buoy 4.

E. Lynnhaven Inlet Light 5, Fl G 2.5s, will be established in position in 36 54 36.448N, 076 06 28.615W.

F. Lynnhaven Inlet Lighted Buoy 6 will be changed to Buoy 6 and relocated to position 36 54 33.347N, 076 05 31.73.1.

New USACE Survey of ICW at Bogue Inlet Crossing, NC (Mile 227.9):

The latest USACE survey of the ICW at Bogue Inlet Crossing on July 26, 2006 shows a controlling depth of 12 feet following dredging. Check http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/bftcfr-s1.htm.

Cape Fear River (NC) Ranges to be Changed:

According to the USCG Fifth District LNM 31, the Coast Guard on or about September 21, 2006 will be changing the navigational ranges in the Cape Fear River. The list is too long to repeat here. You can check it at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/LNM/d5/default.htm

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement for all vessels entering/re-entering the State of South Carolina from Foreign Countries:

USCG Seventh District LNM 31 states that masters must immediately report their arrival from foreign countries to U.S. Customs and Border Protection @ (843) 579-6524 (24 hours). Upon report of arrival, the Duty CBP Officer will provide the master with further instructions regarding inspection and entry. Failure to report can result in civil penalties as defined in Title 19, U.S. Code, Section 1436. These penalties could include $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation. 19USC 1436 also provides for a criminal penalty of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for one year, or both. The Port of Charleston is the only reporting location for private vessels arriving in the state of South Carolina. The designated arrival sites are:

City Marina

Ashley Marina

Charleston Maritime Center

Charleston Harbor Hilton

Little River Inlet, SC Survey:

See the results in the USCG Seventh District LNM 32 before you use this inlet. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/LNM/d7/default.htm (Enclosure #8). Survey dates were June 26, 27 and 28, 2006.

Route #2 Okeechobee Waterway Remains Closed:

The USCG Seventh district LNM 32 carries this reminder in a March 24 “Notice to Navigation Interests” from the USACE Jacksonville: Mariners are hereby notified that the Okeechobee Waterway Route #2 remains closed until further notice, from Clewiston (S-310) to Port Mayaca (S-308) due to debris from Hurricane Wilma. For complete text of this Notice to Navigation Interest concerning this lock closure see LNM 32/06 enclosure number 10 http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/LNM/d7/default.htm.

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 any and all claims which may arise from or be related to that use.

Copyright 2004-2008 Tom Neale