04/25/08 Onslow Beach Bridge, NC ICW: Just received from the USCG 5th District Bridge Branch:
MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT THE ONSLOW BEACH SWING BRIDGE ACROSS THE NORTH CAROLINA CUT AT AIWW MILE 240.7 AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NC WILL PROVIDE VESSEL OPENINGS ON THE HOUR AT ALL TIMES FROM MON 28 APR UNTIL SAT 3 MAY 2008 TO COMPLETE STRUCTURAL REPAIRS. MARINERS SHOULD ADJUST THEIR TRANSITS ACCORDINGLY.
This bridge normally opens on the hour and half hour. Remember that it is a very slow opening bridge.

04/25/08 Update on Ponce de Leon Inlet and ICW: The following information is from a very knowledgeable source (local TowBoatUS operator):

As of April 24, 2008 the Ponce Inlet Channel (the inlet from the ocean, not the ICW) is reported to be shoaling in the vicinity of "7A" and "7B", with frequent changes in the depth and location of the shoal area.

Dredging continues in the ICW in the area of Markers "4"-"10". NOTE: It's important to call the dredge (VHF Channels 13, 16, working channel 79A) for instructions and to follow those instructions. Some vessels not calling or not following directions have been going aground passing the dredge.

The area of floating markers (nuns and cans) in the ICW just north of the area being dredged (north of “4”) is reported to be remaining fairly stable. It is recommended that in following these floating markers, to stay in mid-channel. It is generally not very deep.

Sheephead Cut is reported to be have deeper water than the ICW Channel in the area between ICW markers "34" to "38". It is the recommended route until dredging takes place in the ICW channel up to the Harris Saxon Bridge (marker "38") later this summer.

04/24/08 BB McCormick Bridge Channel Closed to Vessel Traffic: According to reports from boaters and a local TV report, the old BB McCormick Bridge in Jacksonville Beach, Florida is being demolished as the new high level span has opened for both east and west-bound traffic. The ICW Channel under the bridge is reported to be closed to vessel traffic starting Wednesday, April 23 until May 14. Hours for closure are 7:00 a.m. till noon, and from 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.

East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
April 17, 2008

Ponce Area (New Smyrna Beach, FL) Dredging/Grounding Report:
The USCG dredging announcement below was posted in the previous East Coast Alerts. Since that time, we have received information that numerous vessels have grounded in trying to get past the dredge. In these situations it is important to always communicate with the dredge on the VHF (usually Channel 13 or 16) to determine passing instructions.*

I spoke to an official involved in this operation last week, with the concern that dredging is not to take place in the shallow area of floating aids just to the north of LT 4 mentioned below as the northern starting point for the dredging. That area of floating aids is confusing and in much need of dredging. He told me that his company had only been contracted for the dredging mentioned below, and that probably there would be another round of bidding for dredging of the northern section. But there can be no certainty about when and even if this will happen.

The USCG 7 th District LNMs 13-16 report that Southwind Construction Corp., will began hydraulic dredging in the Intracoastal Waterway in the vicinity of New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Florida, on or about April 2, 2008. The area of operation for this project is between Ponce de Leon Cut LT 4 and New Smyrna Beach LT 38. Dredge operations will continue twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven days per week until project completion on or about August 1, 2008. Two (2) booster barges, Tenders Miss Leanne, Proud Mary, Tugs Danny Joe, Betty Lou with floating rubber and submerged polyethylene pipelines associated with this dredging operation will be on scene. Pipelines and vessels will be visibly lighted and marked according to Coast Guard regulations. For safety and maneuvering information dredge WILKO, can be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 13, 16 and working channel 79. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area, transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. For further information please contact Mr. Darrell Stewart at (812) 867-7220 or Cellular Phone (812) 455-7199.

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

GPS May be Unreliable in Large Area of Chesapeake Bay, April-Oct:
The following announcement is from the USCG 5 th District LNM 15. The GPS Coordinates given below are for the Patuxent Naval Air Station, located on the southern bank of the Patuxent River on the Chesapeake Bay in southern Maryland:

THE GPS NAVIGATION SIGNAL MAY BE UNRELIABLE FROM 01 APR 08 - 31 OCT 08 DUE TO INTERFERENCE TESTING ON GPS FREQUENCIES USED IN SHIPBOARD NAVIGATION AND HANDHELD SYSTEMS. SYSTEMS THAT RELY ON GPS, SUCH AS E-911, AIS AND DSC, MAY BE AFFECTED WITHIN A 35 NM RADIUS OF POSITION 38-15-41N, 076-26-01W DURING THIS PERIOD. GPS USERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT ANY GPS SERVICE OUTAGES THAT THEY MAY EXPERIENCE DURING THIS TESTING VIA THE NAVIGATION INFORMATION SERVICE ( NIS) BY CALLING (703)313-5900 OR BY USING THE NAVCEN'S WEB SITE'S 'GPS REPORT A PROBLEM WORKSHEET' AT WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV"

Proposed Changes in Marking System, Muscongus Bay, ME:
These are too numerous to list here. If you are interested, check LNM 16 at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/LNM/d1/default.htm . The changes are proposed, and the Coast Guard is seeking public comments.

Plane Down in Maine:
From USCG 1 st District LNM 15: On April 6, 2008, a small aircraft crashed into the waters of Belfast Bay in approximate position 44-24.201N 068-57.689W. Salvage and recovery efforts are currently taking place. All mariners are requested to use caution while transiting the area.

Bridge Between New Hampshire and Maine to Close for a Week:
According to an article at http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8173678&nav=menu183_16_12 , the Memorial Bridge ( US Route 1) over the Piscataqua River between New Hampshire and Maine will be closed next week (April 20-26, 2008) to vehicular traffic and will not open for maritime traffic.

We could not find any information about this in the most recent USCG 1 st District LNM (16).  

Massachusetts Bay Vessel Sunk, One or Two?
From USCG 1 st District LNM 14: The Coast Guard has received a report of a submerged vessel in position 42 deg 32.70 min north latitude 070 deg 40.08 min west longitude. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting the area.

From USCG 1 st District LNM 15: The Coast Guard has received a report of a submerged vessel in position 42-32.767 min north latitude 070-40.062 min west longitude. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting the area.

NOTE: Is there one vessel sunk, or are there two? The coordinates given are so close, one might think the first position (LNM 14) is approximate and the second (LNM 15) is exact. It would be nice to know.

Kill Van Kull, New York Harbor Markers to be Changed:
From the USCG 1 st District LNM 16: The Coast Guard will be making the following improvements to this waterway:

All lighted aids will be equipped with Carmanah 700 series LED's.

Kill Van Kull

Lighted Buoy 9 (LLNR 37285) to 3NM

Lighted Buoy 9A (LLNR 37286) to 3NM and RENAME to 11

Lighted Buoy 10 (LLNR 37300) to 3NM

Lighted Buoy 11 (LLNR 37305) to 3NM and RENAME to 13

Lighted Buoy 12 (LLNR 37310) to 3NM

Lighted Buoy 12A (LLNR 37315) to 3NM and RENAME to 14

Lighted Buoy 13 (LLNR 37320) to 3NM and RENAME to 15

Lighted Buoy 14 (LLNR 37325) to 3NM and RENAME to 16

Junction LB E (LLNR 37327) to 3NM

Lighted Buoy 15 (LLNR 37330) DISESTABLISH

Lighted Buoy 15A (LLNR 37325) to 3NM, RENAME to 17 and RELOCATE 60 Yards east to (PA) 40-38-25.09N 074-09-

00.00W

Lighted Buoy 16 (LLNR 37335) to 3NM and RENAME to 18

Lighted Buoy 16A (LLNR 37340) to 3NM and RENAME to 20

Lighted Buoy 17 (LLNR 37345) to 3NM and RENAME to 19

Light 18 (LLNR 37360) RENAME to 22 will remain with conventional lighting.

Buoy 19 (LLNR 37365) RENAME to 21

General Info Concerning Dredging Operations:
For the sake of brevity in our East Coast Alerts, we usually do not quote the entire text of each dredging notice. But occasionally, we would like to remind boaters about the cautions that are usually included in each notice. So, here is the complete caution, and the remainder of our dredging notices will just contain the specific info for each operation:

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. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work.

Dredging to Nourish Ocean City, NJ Beaches:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 16: The Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. Cutter Suction Dredge ILLINOIS will be conducting dredging and beach nourishment of the Ocean City beaches from 12 April to 30 June, 2008. Dredging locations will be in a 2,500ft radius of 39-16.881N, 074-32.331W. A submerged pipeline will run from 39-16.881N, 074-32.331W to 39-17.013N, 074-33.378W. The dredge will monitor channels 13 and 16 VHF-FM. Assisting vessels will be the Tug Boats J.P. NEWMAN, BRANGAS and the Survey Vessel COOPER RIVER.

Shoaling in NJICW:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 16 states that shoaling has been reported between NJICW Daybeacon 152 and NJICW Daybeacon 156. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.

Chesapeake Bay Light (house) Discontinued:
The 5 th District LNM 16 reports that Sharps Island Light has suffered significant damage since the 1978-1979 ice season rendering the lighthouse unsafe for personnel to perform any maintenance. The light has been extinguished since November 2007 and due to the structural condition of the lighthouse the Coast Guard will not make any attempts to relight it. On or about May 7, 2008, Sharps Island Light will be discontinued as an aid to navigation. The lighthouse will remain as United States property until its final disposition is determined.

This lighthouse has been guarding the mouth of the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore since 1882. It formerly sat on an island named Sharps, long since washed into the bay. Since the damage in the ice season mentioned above, the faded red Sharps Island Lighthouse leans over at about a 15-20 degree angle, and thusly has become a very recognizable landmark for boaters, even without the light.

 Green Lights for Ferries in DC Area:
Following the lead of the Hampton Roads ferries, the 5 th District LNM 15 announces that the Coast Guard has approved high intensity flashing green lights, visible over a 360 degree arc of the horizon to be displayed from on top of the pilot house near the bow of the Upper Potomac River ferries. Specifically, the optic is a green Light Emitting Diode optic exhibiting eighty (80) flashes per minute of sufficient intensity to have the operational range of one (1) nautical mile. Given the prevailing conditions of the Upper Potomac River, between Old Town Alexandria, Virginia and National Harbor, Maryland, the Coast Guard has determined that the installation of these lights enhanced the safety and visibility of these ferries to other vessel operators transiting the Alexandria and Upper Potomac River Channels in the vicinity of Alexandria, Virginia. These light characteristics were chosen as they are easily distinguishable from other lights, are not confused with other navigation lights, and allow mariners to quickly identify the ferries against the background of a variety of lights found on the surrounding shorelines and bridge structures. This additional safety measure is voluntary and designed to provide the mariner an advanced notice of the vessels' presence on the waterway between sunset and sunrise.

New Woodrow Wilson Bridge Info and Extension of Temporary Schedule:
New info on old project from the USCG 5 th District LNM 15: Mariners are advised that construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge across the Potomac River, mile 103.8, between Alexandria, Virginia and Oxon Hill, Maryland is ongoing until 2009. The continued aggressive construction of the new Inner Loop (IL) Bridge and ship-collision protection fender system will continue to influence navigation on the Potomac River near the bridge. The Maryland State Highway Administration is authorized to maintain the drawbridge in the closed-to-navigation position by extending the current temporary deviation of the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. timeframe for an additional 90 days each day from March 2 to May 30, 2008. Advancement of the drawbridge and fender ring elements will require continuing intermittent placement of crane barges in the 175-foot wide federal navigation channel through June 2008. The federal channel may be restricted to 50 feet, from Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. and from Monday night through Thursday night between 6 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. The federal channel can be cleared to 100 feet with 2 hours notice from Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. In addition, several large concrete pours through June 2008 may require closure of the federal channel to vessel traffic from 6:30 a.m. through 6 p.m. To ensure clear passage, contact the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project with at least 48 hours advance notice. As an alternative, vessels less than 80 feet in height can typically use the marked auxiliary channel, located just east of the federal navigation channel (80-foot vertical clearance, 130-foot horizontal clearance, and 22-foot water depth at MLW). Demolition for the remainder of the old bridge toward the MD shore will continue through September 2008. Boaters near the Maryland shoreline should use extreme caution when transiting the area near the old bridge. Excessive speed and wake by boaters may cause serious or fatal incidents to the Project. Due to the sensitive and precise nature of the work and for worker safety, it is crucial that mariners obey the speed restrictions and eliminate wakes through the work zone. For any questions, please contact Mr. Mike Baker, Environmental Construction Manager for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project at 202-438-7499. For bridge opening requests, please contact Mr. Mike Baker at the aforementioned number or the bridge tender at 703-836-2396. The "Mariners Alert" page, located on the Project's website at www.wilsonbridge.com, is updated weekly and contains additional information. As the construction progresses, check these resources frequently to obtain the weekly schedule outlining items such as expected channel restrictions due to barge placements, auxiliary channel availability, and federal navigation channel vertical clearance information.

Navy Diving and Protection Zone, Patuxent River, MD:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 15 reports that Navy Diving Operations Mariners are advised that U. S. Navy diver training operations will be conducted in the Patuxent River during April 13-23, 2008, from sunrise to sunset each day. During these periods, in support of the diver training, a U.S. Navy Landing Craft (LCU-1647) will be moored to two anchored buoys (which will remain in place overnight and showing a flashing white light characteristic), approximately 300 yards WNW of Point Patience in approximate position 38- 19- 42N, 076- 29- 15W. While the landing craft is on site, anchor lines attached to the buoys may extend from the vessel. As defined by Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 165 Subpart G (33 CFR 165.2010), a Naval Vessel Protection Zone is established in the navigable waters surrounding the naval vessel. At all times within the 500-yard regulated area of water, vessels shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain safe course, unless required to maintain speed by the Navigation Rules or if otherwise authorized by the Coast Guard, Senior Naval Officer Present in Command, or Official Patrol. No vessel or person is allowed within 100 yards of the naval vessel, unless authorized by the Coast Guard, Senior Naval Officer Present in Command, or Official Patrol. Mariners with concerns are advised to contact the naval vessel on marine band radio channel 16 or 13 VHF-FM, or Coast Guard Sector Baltimore at (410) 576-2693, for further information.

Also on the Patuxent River—Mooring Buoys:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 16 reports that on or about April 10, 2008 Coastal Design and Construction will establish four (4) mooring buoys, until December 20, 2008, in association with a shoreline protection project for the U.S. Navy at Patuxent River Navy Base.

A. CDC Cedar Point Temporary Mooring Buoy A (NO LLNR) at 38 18 30.0N, 076 22 51.0W Blue with white stripe.

B. CDC Cedar Point Temporary Mooring Buoy B (NO LLNR) at 38 18 16.0N, 076 22 35.0W Blue with white stripe.

C. CDC Cedar Point Temporary Mooring Buoy C (NO LLNR) at 38 18 22.0N, 076 22 52.0W Blue with white stripe.

D. CDC Hog Point Temporary Mooring Buoy D (NO LLNR) at 38 18 38.0N, 076 24 22.0W Blue with white stripe.

Diving Ops at Little Creek, VA:
From the 5 th District LNM 16: Crofton Diving will be conducting pipe repair operations in the vicinity of Little Creek Entrance Lighted Buoy 2. Piles have been established at position 36-56-39N, 076-10-25W. Mariners should use caution when transiting the area.  

More Dredging in Hampton Roads, VA:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 15 reports that the DREDGE LEXINGTON will be conducting dredging operations in the Elizabeth River from Sewells Point to Lamberts Bend from 21 April until 21 June, 2008. The dredge will monitor Channels 13 AND 16 VHF-FM.

Diving Operations Continue at Great Bridge, VA:
This is a continuation of a project that was supposed to be finished by now. We passed through the area on April 7, 2008. There was no delay, but we had to alter course to avoid the operation. A large barge was moored to the “free dock” between the bridge and lock. From the USCG 5 th District LNM 15:

The Chesapeake Bay Diving Company is currently staging dive operations from a deck barge and a crane barge in the vicinity of the Great Bridge Lock and the Great Bridge Bridge. These operations are being conducted Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., until Friday April 18, 2008. During normal operations, the TUG JESSIE LEE will be on site, monitoring VHF marine band radio channels 13 & 16. Mariners are advised to transit this area with extreme caution and at minimum safe speed. Chart: 12253.

Alligator River Entrance Shoaling Reported:
The USCG 5 th District LNM 14 reports that shoaling to a depth of 7.0 ft MLLW has been reported in the vicinity of Alligator River Light 7 at approx position 35-56.46N, 075-59.52W.

NOTE: When we passed this area on April 6, 2008, we favored the green side of the channel as usual and our least depth was around 11 feet. This depth can change. This is a confusing area at best.

Of greater concern than shoaling was the Broadcast Notice to Mariners we heard on the VHF for a day or two before concerning two “pilings” stuck at a 45 degree angle, about a foot out of the water, in the channel in the vicinity of flashing red “8.” We saw only one, and it was significant in size and possible damage it could have inflicted, and we saw it AFTER we passed it (conditions were rough). We hope they have been removed.

Onslow Beach Bridge Schedule Change and Construction:
From the USCG 5 th District Bridge Branch: MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT THE ONSLOW BEACH SWING BRIDGE ACROSS THE NORTH CAROLINA CUT AT AIWW MILE 240.7 AT CAMP LEJEUNE NC WILL PROVIDE VESSEL OPENING ON THE HOUR AT ALL TIMES FROM MONDAY 14 APRIL UNTIL FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2008 TO COMPLETE STRUCTURAL REPAIRS. MARINERS SHOULD ADJUST THEIR TRANSITS ACCORDINGLY.

Note that Friday is April 18.

Also from the USCG 5 th District LNMs 11-16: Mariners are advised that structural work will be performed at the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge across the North Carolina Cut, at AIWW mile 240.7, at Camp Lejeune, NC beginning Monday, March 10 until Friday, May 23, 2008. To facilitate rivet repairs, scaffolding equipment will be used on the bridge reducing the available vertical clearance by approximately three feet to 9 feet, above mean high water. This work will not interfere with operation of the swing span. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area.

Old Topsail Creek Remarked:
We observed it when we passed the area in early April: The buoys are back on station in Old Topsail Creek, from the ICW to New Topsail Inlet, just in time for the spring boating season. The USCG 5 th District LNM 15 reports that buoys 2-17 have been reestablished in Old Topsail Creek. Refer to chart 11541, 37 th Edition.

Dredging in North Carolina Inlet Crossings:
We observed this in early April, 2008 also, with delight! The following areas are now being dredged, according to the USCG 5 th District LNM 15:

The DREDGE RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in the Carolina Beach Inlet Crossing from 01 April until 01 June, 2008. The dredge will monitor Ch. 13 and 16 VHF-FM.

The DREDGE MARION will be conducting dredging operations in the New River Inlet Crossing from 01 April until 01 June, 2008. The dredge will monitor Ch. 13 and 16 VHF-FM.

Shoaling in Jeremy Creek, SC:
A January 2008 USACE survey of Jeremy Creek, SC, the entrance to the town of McClellanville (at the turn from the ICW into the creek), shows 3.2 ft. MLW mid channel, 3.3 ft. in the left outside quarter and 5.3 ft in the right outside quarter. The creek has much better depths above the entrance.

Shoaling North of Charleston:
The USCG 7 th District LNM 16 reports that Shoaling has been observed in the vicinity of Winyah Bay to Charleston Harbor Daybeacon 117A (LLNR 34510.5), from approximate position 32-47.095N 079-48.807W extending to 32-47.162N 079-48.633W, at a minimum depth of 3.5 ft at mean low water.

This marker is on the south side of the Isle of Palms Connector Bridge. There was deeper water towards the red side of the channel when we passed here in early April, but remember that conditions can change.  

More Shoaling Reported in St. Catherines Inlet, GA:
This report is from the USCG 7 th District LNM 15. It does not give depths. Shoaling has been reported between St Catherines Sound LB 2 and St Catherines Sound LB 3, and observed in the middle of the channel. All mariners are urged to use extreme caution while transiting the area.

While the notice gives the location as St Catherines Sound, these buoys are the first set of channel markers marking the inlet channel and they are about 2 nm from land, in the ocean, about 1.5 nm west of the red/white “STC” sea buoy. Check http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11511.shtml . The local TowBoatUS operators have advised us that this is not a good inlet for transient boaters to use because of shoaling.  

Dredging for Beach Nourishment, Fernandina Beach, FL:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 16: Weeks Marine Inc., has advised that a dredging and beach re-nourishment project will commence on or about April 20, 2008. Equipment mobilization of the dredge, attendant plant, and pipeline will take approximate 20 days to stage. The actual dredging from the borrow area will commence on or about May 10, 2008. The dredging for beachfill is expected to take approximately 90 days to completion on or about August 10, 2008. The hydraulic cutter section dredge R.S.WEEKS will be on scene dredging at the approved borrow area as defined by the following coordinates for placement on this material on the beach in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Borrow Area Limits:

Latitude Longitude

A. 30-42-17.32N 081-23-14.01W

B. 30-42-17.12N 081-22-42.52W

C. 30-41-59.01N 081-22-27.43W

D. 30-41-36.71N 081-22-27.61W

E. 30-41-36.89N 081-22-55.52W

F. 30-41-51.58N 081-23-14.21W

The dredge and all attendant plant will also be marked in accordance with USCG regulations and will be monitoring VHF Channels 13 and 16 at all times during the length of work for this project. The primary area of operation for this project will be in the borrow area as defined above which should not impact vessels transiting the Kings Bay Entrance Channel, but will impact vessels moving outside of this channel in the vicinity. No Aids to Navigations under this contract requires any relocations or removals. Mobilization and demobilization efforts for the setup and removal of all plant required for this project will take place in the St Marys River outside of the navigable channel with Weeks Marine, Inc., vessels transporting equipment from the staging area out to the borrow area defined above. For further information or questions please contact Mr. Ely Mahan at (985) 232-1277 or via e-mail at ejmahan@weeksmarine.com.

GPS Signals May be Unreliable in Canaveral Area:
The USCG 7 th District LNM 14 reports that the GPS Navigational Signal maybe unreliable from October 24, 2008 to April 24, 2010, due to interference testing on GPS frequencies used in shipboard navigation and handheld systems. GPS systems that rely on GPS, such as E-911, AIS and DSC, may be affected within a close proximity of position 28-28-10.5N 080-34-44W. During this period GPS users are encouraged to report any GPS service outages that they may experience during this testing via the Navigation Information Service (NIS) by calling (703) 313-5900 or by using the NAVCEN's web-site's "GPS a problem worksheet" at www.navcen.uscg.gov.

This position is on land, on the Canaveral Peninsula, west of Cape Canaveral Light.

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 April 15, 2008: Lake level is reported at 10.42 feet.

Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 4.36 feet.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigation depths reported at 1.76 feet.

This is up 1.8 inches from the last alert two weeks ago.

Remember that conditions may change.

Miami DGPS Unusable:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 16: DGPS Miami Broadcast Site is unusable as of April 8, 2008 until further notice. For further information please contact the USCG East Operation Watch Officer at: (703) 313-5902.

Starting April 30, 2008, open on signal, except that from 9 a.m. till 7 p.m., open on the hour and 30 minutes past the hour.

Due to construction, the Johns Pass Bridge will be closed to navigation from 1:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, till August 31, 2008. Waterway closures are scheduled for May 5-6 and May 12. Listen for local Broadcasts to Mariners for details.

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.