East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
November 30, 2007

ICW Closed in Norfolk for 36 hours:
The following is a notice received from the USCG 5 th District Bridge Branch:*

SUBJ: SAFETY BROADCAST NOTICE TO MARINERS//A//
BROADCAST AT N.
CCGD5 BNM 557-07
HAMPTON ROADS - CHESAPEAKE - SOUTHERN BRANCH ELIZABETH RIVER
1. THE COTP HAMPTON ROADS WILL ESTABLISH A SAFETY ZONE ON THE
SOUTHERN BRANCH OF THE ELIZABETH RIVER IVO MM 2.6, ENCOMPASSING ALL NAVIGABLE WATER FROM THE NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH BELT LINE (NPBL) BRIDGE TO THE JORDAN BRIDGE. THIS CLOSURE, WHICH WILL COMMENCE AT 0600 LOCAL TIME ON 30 NOV AND REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR APPROX 36 HOURS, IS TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH BELT LINE (NPBL) BRIDGE.  NO VESSEL WILL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THIS SAFETY ZONE UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY THE COTP OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE. THE COTP'S REPRESENTATIVE CAN BE REACHED ON VHF CH 13(156.65 MHz) OR 16 (156.8 MHz).

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

MARTHAS VINEYARD TO BLOCK ISLAND-BUZZARDS BAY:
The USCG 1 st District LNM 48 states that 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.

More Vessels Likely to be Re-routed for Right Whales:
The 1 st District LNM 48 carries the following information:

Port Access Route Study of Potential Vessel Routing Measures To Reduce Vessel Strikes of North Atlantic Right Whales

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of study; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is conducting a Port Access Route Study (PARS) on the area east and south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to include the northern right whale critical habitat, mandatory ship reporting system area, and the Great South Channel including Georges Bank out to the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundary. The purpose of the PARS is to analyze potential vessel routing measures that might help reduce ship strikes with the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale while minimizing any adverse effects on vessel operations. The recommendations of the study will inform the Coast Guard and may lead to appropriate international actions.

NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES WARNING: Updated Version.
The USCG 7 th District also is concerned about right whales. This is an updated warning from LNM 48: From December to March the coastal waters between Altamaha Sound, GA, and Sebastian Inlet, FL, are used as calving grounds by the severely endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. This is the world-s only known calving ground for this species. Right Whales are the rarest whales in the world and are protected under law from disturbance or injury by the endangered species act of 1973, and the Marine Mammal Protection act of 1972. Right Whales, especially females and their calves, are slow swimmers and frequently lie at the surface. This behavior makes them vulnerable to collisions with ships, which are a significant source of mortality. Vessels operating within 25 miles of shore between 31- 27N and 29-50N and within five miles of shore from 29-50N and 28-00N should take precautions to avoid collisions with Right Whales.

Ocean City , MD Bridge Closed:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 48 states that the Coast Guard is proposing to temporarily change the drawbridge operating regulations that govern the US 50 Bridge, at mile 0.5, across Isle of Wight Bay (Sinepuxent Bay) at Ocean City, MD. The proposal would close the drawbridge to navigation to facilitate extensive mechanical repairs and to maintain the bridge-s operational integrity. To facilitate the repairs, the drawbridge will be locked in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 a.m. on January 7, 2008 until and including 5 p.m. on February 21, 2008. Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the above address attention (dpb) no later than December 24, 2007. A copy of Public Notice 5-1104, which describes the proposal in detail, can be obtained by writing to the address above or by calling (757) 398-6557.

Dredging in Upper Chesapeake Bay:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 48 states that the Dredge ATLANTIC will be conducting dredging operations in the Upper Chesapeake Bay in the Tolchester Channel area from 22 November until 10 February, 2008. Scows will remove spoil to the Pooles Island Disposal Area. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16 and request a 30 minute notice prior to time of passage. 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. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week.

Potomac River Restriction:
From the 5 th District LNM 48: Mariners are advised that an explosives demolition of the old Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge pier caps at Piers 16E through 31E (east of the federal navigation channel) near Alexandria, Virginia, will occur on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at 2:30 a.m. A temporary safety zone will be established upon the waters of the Potomac River, from the surface to the bottom, bounded by a line drawn from a point located at 38- 47- 48.8N 077- 02- 21.6W, thence to 38- 47- 44.4N 077- 01- 36.4W, thence to 38- 47- 27.5N 077- 01- 23.2W, thence to 38- 47- 26.1N 077- 02- 21.5W, thence back to the point of origin at 38- 47- 48.8N 077- 02- 21.6W. The zone will be effective from 2 a.m. through 3 a.m. on December 4, 2007 (and if necessary due to unexpected circumstances, from 2 a.m. through 3 a.m. on December 5, 2007). This safety zone is necessary to control vessel traffic for safety of life and property on navigable waters in order to protect mariners from the hazards associated with the explosives demolition. The effect will be to restrict vessel traffic on a certain portion of the Potomac River. Contact Mr. Ron Houck for any comments or questions, at Commander, Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, 2401 Hawkins Point Road, Baltimore, MD, 21226-1791, telephone (410) 576-2674.

Coleman Bridge, York River, VA to Close:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 48 states that mariners are advised that the Coleman Memorial Bridge, at mile 7.0, at Yorktown VA, will be closed to vessels beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2007, until and including 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2007 and from 7 a.m. on Monday, December 24, 2007, until and including 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 31, 2007, to facilitate mechanical repairs. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.1025. Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly.

More Lights in Hampton Roads:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 48: On or about 15 January, 2008 the following aids to navigation changes will occur at the Portsmouth Marine Terminal:

1. Buoy 2PM will be changed to Lighted Buoy 2PM, Q R.

2. Buoy 3PM will be changed to Lighted Buoy 3PM, Q G.

3. Buoy 4 will be changed to Lighted Buoy 4, Fl R 2.5s.

4. Buoy 5 will be changed to Lighted Buoy 5, Fl G 2.5s.

5. Buoy 6 will be changed to Lighted Buoy 6, Fl R 4s.  

Norfolk Southern RR Bridge Closed, Eastern Branch, Elizabeth River, Norfolk, VA (NOT on the ICW):
From the 5 th District LNM 48: Mariners are advised that the Norfolk Southern (NS# V2.8) Bridge, at mile 2.7, across the Elizabeth River - Eastern Branch at Norfolk, VA, will be closed to vessels beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, December 10, 2007, until and including 6 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2007; and from 7 a.m. on Monday, on January 21, 2008, until and including 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, 2008, to facilitate rehabilitation to the operating machinery of the swing span. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating drawbridge regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.1007(a). Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly.   

USACE Survey Shows 3-foot Controlling Depth, ICW Channel, Mile 238:
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. 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. It has been suggested by the local TowBoatUS operator that if you draw more than five feet, go through at high tide.

NOTE: We passed through this area about a week ago. We observed the configuration above and passed green can “61A” around 20 feet off. We observed that the MLW depth would be around 5 feet here at that time. The local TowBoatUS operator suggests passing that marker around 40 feet off. This may be difficult to do with the markers being so close together and the current running.

Dredge in ICW, Mile 270.5, Black Mud Channel:
While there is no mention of it in any LNM that I have read, we observed a dredge in the ICW on November 20, 2007, at around Mile 270.5 in an area that has been consistently shallow in the past (around 5-6 ft. MLW) off the Black Mud Channel. This is just south of the now unmarked (due to shoaling) channel at Old Topsail Creek. The dredge was not working when we passed, but the water depth we observed here was around 10 feet, MLW.

A Reminder: Figure Eight Island Bridge, ICW Mile 278.1, Closure:
USCG 5 th District LNMs continue to remind us that 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. The available vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position is approximately 20 feet, above MHW. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and should adjust their transits accordingly.

NOTE: When we passed through recently, the bridge tender was being most accommodating trying to get boats through during the opening periods.

Dawho River , SC , More Shoaling:
From the 7 th District LNM 47: 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.

NOTE: We passed through this area on November 25, 2007 an hour before a full moon high tide. It was our estimate at the time that the controlling depth from White Point, Red Flashing “110” through Red Daybeacon “116” (approximately from Mile 497 to 498) would be closer to 5 feet at MLW. Sailboats with tall masts should use caution passing under the fixed bridge on Dawho River, Mile 501.5, at high tide. When we passed through, the tide boards showed 63’ vertical clearance, and the tide was not quite high yet.

Dredging at Pawleys Island, SC:
From the 7 th District LNM 47: Envirodredge Company has advised that dredging operations has commenced November 5, 2007 in Pawley's Island, South Carolina. The dredge on scene is "ENVIRODREDGE." This project will be continous twenty-four (24) hours per day and seven (7) days per week until completion on or about February 28, 2008. All mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. For additional information please contact Mr. James Van Dis at (910) 443-4117.

St. Augustine Buoy Off-Station:
The USCG 7 th District LNM 48 states that St. Augustine Inlet Buoy 10 is reported to be off-station.  

Shoaling in Ponce de Leon Inlet, Again:
The USCG 7 th District LNM 48 also reports that shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Ponce de Leon Inlet. Temporary Buoys have been established. Temp Buoy 5A (29-04-37.400N/080-54-52.942W), Buoy 7A (29-04-37.300N/080-55-17.820W) and Buoy 7B (29-04-23.880N/080-55-22.020W). All mariners are urged to use extreme caution while transiting the area.

Florida Bridge Update:

Bridge of Lions, Mile 797.9: The Intracoastal Waterway at Mile 797.9 will 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:Continuing through 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 George 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 on the above restricted schedule. The USCG 7 th District Bridge Branch Chief, Barry Dragon confirmed that the bridge is continuing to open on the above restricted schedule, but stated 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.

Indiantown Road Bridge (SR 706), Mile 1006.2: This bridge will be closed for repairs from10:00 p.m. on December 19 to 5:00 a.m. on December 20, and from 10:00 p.m. on December 20 to 5:00 a.m. on December 21, 2007.

Lake Okeechobee Still Shallow; New Lockage Schedule:
The 7 th District LNMs continue to carry the same warning: 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 28, 2007: Lake level is reported at 10.28 feet.

Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 4.22 feet.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigation depths reported at 1.62 feet.

A Navigational Bulletin from the Jacksonville District USACE gives the following Lockage Schedule, effective November 16, 2007, until further notice:

Eastbound: Lockage on even hours only, from 6 a.m. till 8 p.m.

Westbound: Lockage on odd hours only, from 7 a.m. till 9 p.m.

DGPS Unuseable Time:
From USCG 7 th District LNM 47:

Cape Canaveral DGPS Broadcast Site will be off air/unusable on December 19, 2007, from 1400Z to 1600Z (0900-1100).

Tampa DGPS Broadcast Site will be off air/unusable on December 5, 2007, from 1400Z to 1600Z (0900-1100), for scheduled preventive maintenance. Alternate times are on December 6, 2007, from 1400Z to 1600Z (0900-1100).

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

New Bahamas Fishing Regulation Amendment:
We are still waiting (with baited breath) for an answer to my email inquiry regarding the following provision:

“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

You can view the entire amendment at

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

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.