East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
November 1, 2007

New Moorings in Ft. Lauderdale:
The Dockmaster of the Las Olas Marina, a Ft. Lauderdale City Marina, reports that the Las Olas Mooring Field is back in service with a complete new system.

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

Drought Closes the Dismal Swamp Canal:
The Dismal Swamp Canal is closed as a result of the severe drought in Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. The last lock opening until further notice was at 3:00 p.m. on October 30, 2007. 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. Signs regarding the status of the Dismal Swamp Canal will also be placed at the north and south entrances. 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. Check http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ .

Marco Island, Florida West Coast, Anchoring Ordinance Struck Down: |
A recently passed Florida law prohibits localities from restricting anchoring of non-liveaboard boats outside of mooring fields. The city of Marco Island passed a local ordinance that did just that, but it was challenged in an act of civil disobedience by a local boaterwho contended that the local law was in violation of the state law, therefore unconstitutional. He exceeded the length of time anchored in his boat allowable by Marco Island’s ordinance, and was arrested. The trial on October 12, 2007 resulted in the judge striking down the local law, saying that the town had no jurisdiction.Judge Rob Crown wrote in his decision that any “local regulation regarding the anchoring of non-live-aboard vessels outside mooring fields is expressly prohibited by state law…If (the city) believes there are circumstances that justify exceptions to this general prohibition, then those circumstances should be conveyed to the Legislature. In the meantime, municipalities are not free to carve out those exceptions on their own.” Check the article at http://www.marconews.com/news/2007/oct/26/marco_law_limiting_boat_anchoring_struck_down_coll/?latest

New Warning from the USCG 1 st District LNM 43:
Each year recreational boaters are killed trying to pass between tugboats and the barges they are towing. When you see a tugboat, especially at night or in fog, always assume the vessel is towing a barge connected by a hawser or wire. Eventually, the tug will let the barge go and maneuver to the stern of the barge to push the unit into its berth. Obviously, this maneuver is the time when there is the least amount of control over the barge. STAY CLEAR. Do not hesitate to contact theses vessels on VHF-FM channel 13 if you need more information.

Bridge Inspections:
In the wake of the Minneapolis Bridge Collapse, there have been numerous bridge inspections conducted along East Coast waters. There are too many more planned in the near future to list individual ones. Just keep in mind when you approach a bridge, that if there are vessels with crews working in the vicinity, use prudent seamanship in and common sense in passing. Call on VHF 13 or 16 if in doubt.

Buzzards Bay , MA , Analysis:
From the 1 st USCG District LNM 43: The Coast Guard will be conducting an analysis of Buzzards Bay with the intent of optimizing the waterway and the aids to navigation therein. The study focuses on the areas aids to navigation system, waterborne commerce, marine casualty information, port/harbor resources, emergency response plans, routine and emergency communication capabilities, and future development projects. Mariners and other concerned parties are encouraged to comment by 30 November 2007. Any interested company or individual wishing to provide comments or participate in a user survey should contact ENS Nora Basile via email at Nora.E.Basile@uscg.mil or by mail at: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Willow, Pier 2 Naval Station, Newport, RI 02841 Attn: Ens Nora Basile.

Ambrose Channel Dredging Update:
The 1 st District LNM 43 carries the following update to this long-term dredging project: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock continues dredging in S-AM -1, the green side of Ambrose Channel, south of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge on a 24- hour / 7-days per week basis. The Hopper Dredges Dodge Island and Liberty Island, Survey Vessel Wolf River, Launch St. Johns River, Tug Sea Bear, and Derrick Barge Weeks 508 or 534 will be on scene. Ambrose Channel will not be closed to navigation and dredges will MOVE ON DEMAND. Dredges & support equipment are required to report their movements and positions to VTS New York on Channel 14. The Dredge Dodge Island and Liberty Island are monitoring Channels 13 and 16. Mariners are requested to contact the dredge on Channel 13 to make any necessary navigational arrangements. As part of this project, the Hughes Spud Barge 990 will be set up at the west end of the Turning Basin in Port Jersey Channel, south of Bayonne Terminal North Basin Buoy B. Supplementary lighted anchor buoys may be used. Dredge spoils will be pumped to a rehandling area ashore, southwest of the barge, via floating hose and submerged pipeline. The barge, anchor buoys, and hose are illuminated by white lights mounted on stanchions. The Hughes Spud Barge 990 will not interfere with the Port Jersey Channel Range Lights.

East River , NYC, Construction Continues:
The 1 st District LNM 43 also reports that Spearin Preston & Burrows Inc. will be installing riverbed marine fill at the Montague Street MTA tunnel located in the East River, southwest of Pier 3 Brooklyn, on the East River Deepwater Lighted Range. Work hours are 6 am to 3:30 pm, Monday thru Saturday. The crane barge will be anchored with a four-point anchoring system attached to four buoys. All four mooring buoys will be illuminated at night with a Quick flashing all-around white light visible for at least three nautical miles. The approximate positions of the mooring buoys are: 40- 41- 55.29-N 074- 00- 12.09- W; 40- 41- 50.35-N 074- 00- 17.99-W; 40- 41- 47.82-N 074- 00- 13.07-W; 40- 41- 53.93-N 074- 00- 08.08-W. .During non working hours, the unmanned construction platform will remain on site and be illuminated with an all around white light visible for at least one mile on its outboard corners. . Mariners are advised to transit the area with caution and proceed at No Wake / Minimum Speed when passing.

Manasquan Inlet, Brielle, NJ, Winter Bridge Closure:
For the second winter in a row, the USCG 5 th District LNM 44 states that Mariners are advised that repairs start again at the Route 35 Bridge, at NJICW mile 1.1, across Manasquan River, at Brielle, NJ. The bridge will be closed-to-navigation at 8 a.m. on November 1, 2007 until 5 p.m. on March 1, 2008. Extensive structural, mechanical, and electrical repairs and improvements necessitate this bridge closure. The available vertical clearance in the closed position to vessels is approximately 29 feet, above MHW. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and should exercise caution when transiting the area.

Shoaling, Barnegat Inlet, NJ:
The 5 th District LNM 44 reports that there has been a report of shoaling to a depth of 4 feet MLLW in Barnegat Inlet Channel between Barnegat Inlet LB 12 and Barnegat Inlet LB 14. All mariners are advised to use caution when transiting this area and that Barnegat Inlet Channel is subject to continual change due to severe shoaling.

Obstructions in Southern Chesapeake Bay:
From USCG 5 th District LNM 44:

Stingray Point
An uncharted obstruction has been detected at position 37-33-39.950N, 076-16-00.200W at the edge of the 18 feet contour line east of Stingray Point Light (LLNR 7325). Least depth over the obstruction is 8 feet MLLW.

Windmill Point
Uncharted obstructions part of an uncharted fish haven containing concrete reef balls and concrete pipe has been detected at position 37-37- 17.000N, 076-13-56.750W. Least depth over obstruction is 22 feet MLLW.

Also from the 5 th District LNM 44: Windmill Point Light, Dayboard Damaged

Diving Ops, Lower Chesapeake:
From the 5 th District LNM 44: The U.S. Navy will be conducting diving operations north of Thimble Shoals Channel IVO 36-57-25N, 076-01-21W from 08 November through 17 November, 2007. All mariners are requested to use caution while transiting this area.

Dredging: James River, VA:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 44:

Jamestown Island:
The Dredge TANGIER ISLAND will be conducting dredging operations in the James River in the vicinity of Jamestown Island from 22 Oct to 15 Dec, 2007. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 & 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations.

Newport News Shipyard:
The Norfolk Dredging Co. DREDGE 428 will be conducting dredging operations at the Newport News Shipyard from 25 October through 05 November, 2007. Tugs will transport spoil to the Craney Island Disposal Area. The dredge operator will standby on Channels 16 and 16 VHF-FM.

Hampton Roads, VA Restricted Area:
This is indicated on your chart. The 5 th District LNM 44 reminds mariners that the area in the vicinity of the U.S. Naval Station Norfolk, from the Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Gong Buoy 5 to the Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 11 and along the south side of Willoughby Bay, is a RESTRICTED AREA. This OFF LIMITS AREA is depicted in the color magenta on the below listed charts. Unauthorized vessels entering this RESTRICTED AREA may encounter USE OF FORCE procedures by patrolling security vessels. Boaters are requested to remain in the marked channel clear of shipping while transiting the Norfolk Harbor Reach. Naval Station Norfolk Security can be contacted via VHF-FM channel 14.

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.

Cape Fear River , NC , Aids to Navigation Change:
The 5 th District LNM 44 reports that t he Coast Guard proposes to make the following aids to navigation changes in the Cape Fear River:

1. Discontinue Cape Fear River Lighted Buoy 57A.

2. Change the characteristic of Cape Fear River Lighted Buoy 30 from a QR to a FL R 4s.

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 December 18, 2007.

Dredging: Little River Inlet, Beach Restoration Project:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 44: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, LLC has commenced mobilization operations within the staging area inside of Little River Inlet in preparation of a beach restoration project of approximately twenty-five (25) miles of shoreline from North Myrtle Beach to Garden City Beach, Horry and Georgetown Counties, South Carolina. Equipment on-scene and in Little River Inlet will be hopper dredges PADRE ISLAND (630) 258-4336 and DODGE ISLAND (305) 798-8540 with tugs Pops and Jerome. Derrick barge #65, Anchor Barge #103, Survey Vessel Miami River, Crew/Supply Vessel St Johns River, Jack-up Booster Pumps #4 Reggie and #1 Jack. Marine radio VHF Channels 13 and 16 will be monitored during this entire project This project will consist of dredging approximately three (3) million cubic yards of sand from three (3) separate offshore borrow sites approximately 3.5 miles offshore, and then pumping the sand onto the beaches. Dredging operations will take place twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days a week until completion on or about October 22, 2008. Ancillary equipment and dredge pipeline will be placed in the staging area between Little River-Winyah Bay Light 14 and Little River-Winyah Bay Daybeacon 20 on the red side Little River Inlet. On the green side of the Inlet rafts and barges will be placed near a private dock. All submerged dredge pipes will be marked by lighted steel anchor buoys located approximately every 500 feet and the floating pipe will be lighted in accordance to USCG regulations. All mariners are advised to transit the areas with their slowest safe speed and minimum wake. For further information please contact Mr. David Johanson at (561) 758-2872.

DGPS Unusable Times:
From the 7 th District LNM 44:

DGPS Site Macon, GA is granted unusable time to perform scheduled preventive maintenance . Unusable time is authorized for the following date/time:

Primary: 1300Z - 1500Z November 2, 2007 (0900 -1100 EDT)

Alternate: 1300Z - 1500Z November 3, 2007 (0900 - 1100 EDT)

For further information please contact: USCG NAVCEN DGPS EAST OPS POC at (703) 313-5902.

DGPS Site Miami, FL is granted unusable time to perform scheduled preventive maintenance . Unusable time is authorized for the following date/time:

Primary: 1400Z - 1600Z November 7, 2007

Alternate: 1400Z - 1600Z November 8, 2007

USCG NAVCEN East Operations Center POC: DGPS Watch (703) 313-5902.

Dredging, Port Canaveral:
From the 7 th District LNM 44: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, LLC has commenced dredging operations of various berthing facilities within Port Canaveral, Florida. Equipment on-scene will be the Spud Clamshell Dredge #54 with tug Shannon Dann, tug Lowry with material scows GL 401 and GL 33. Marine radio VHF Channels 13 and 16 will be monitored during this entire project. This project will consist of dredging approximately 110,000 cubic yards of dredge spoils. Material scows will be towed from Port Canaveral out the Entrance Channel to deep water and then turn south to the offshore disposal area which is a circle with a radius of approximately 2500 feet with a center located at 28 degrees 19.251N 080 degrees 31.950W. Dredging operations will take place twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days a week until completion on or about November 20, 2007. All mariners are advised to transit the areas with their slowest safe speed and minimum wake. For further information please contact Mr. Samuel R. Morrison at (630) 574-3027.

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 17, 2007.

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.

Notice Concerning Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach and Broward County Bridges: The Florida DOT District 4 is changing the horn operations on all 38 drawbridges in the above counties on November 1, 2007. The Department asks that radio communication be used as the primary means for communication between vessels and bridges. They will continue to follow CFR Title 33, Section 117.15 (3): “Any of the means of signaling described in this subpart sufficient to alert the party being signaled may be used.” (The means of signaling given are radio communication, sound signals and visual signals.)

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 October 30, 2007: Lake level is 10.33 feet.

Route 1: Navigational depths: 4.27 feet.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigation depths of 1.67 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.