East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
July 10, 2008

New USACE Surveys of Georgia ICW:
The Savannah USACE office has just published the results of a few updated surveys of its ICW waters. Surveys are supposed to be conducted quarterly, although there was no update from August 2007 till March 2008 (seven months). Perhaps to save money, the new quarterly report (June) shows that only a few areas were recently surveyed; most areas on the June 08 Survey list just show the same (March) date of survey. Below are some of the shallowest areas of interest to recreational boaters:

March 08 Survey (results were previously published in March, 2008, no update):
Hell Gate (Mile 601.4-602.4): 4.0 feet West Quarter, 1.5 feet Center, 1.0 feet East Quarter

April 08 Survey:
Florida Passage (Mile 605.0-608.5): 5 feet West Quarter, 6 feet Center, 6 feet East Quarter.

Buttermilk Sound (Mile 661.9-662.1): 5 feet West Quarter, 6 feet Center, 8 feet East Quarter.

Buttermilk Sound (Mile 662.1-664.5): 2.5 feet West Quarter, 4 feet Center, 6 feet East Quarter.

May 08 Survey:
Little Mud River (Mile 653.0-565.4): 3.0 feet West Quarter, 4 feet Center, 3.0 feet East Quarter.

Altamaha Sound (Mile 656.4-660.1): 5 feet West Quarter, 6 feet Center, 8 feet East Quarter.

Jekyll Creek (Mile 680.9-685.9): 2.5 feet West Quarter, 5 feet Center, 3.0

feet East Quarter.

Keep in mind that the entire length of a surveyed area is not the depth given above. The shallow part may be just a short stretch as in Jekyll Creek and Florida Passage. Other areas may be shallow almost the entire length like the Little Mud River. Conditions change, and you may find something entirely different when you pass. Check http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/navrprts.htm for the most recent surveys.*

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

Hurricane Information:
As usual, the USCG 7 th District LNMs publish the following information. I place it here as a reminder, now that we have our first hurricane of the season, Bertha:

The hurricane season extends from June through November. Hurricanes can cause excessive damage to vessels and loss of life. To minimize these dangers, the following precautions should be taken by all mariners before getting underway during the hurricane season:

(a) Instruction of crew and passengers in location of emergency equipment and emergency procedures;

(b) Pre-sailing check of vessel, machinery, and equipment for seaworthiness;

(c) Installation of strong ground tackle;

(d) Review of storm center evasion procedures;

(e) Knowledge of nearest hurricane shelter or port; and

(f) Constant radio watches on channel 16 VHF-FM and frequent monitoring of weather broadcasts.

HURRICANE INFORMATION

The civilian hurricane warning service for the North Atlantic is provided by the National Hurricane Center, Miami, Florida. The center collates ship, aircraft, radar, and satellite data to produce and issue tropical cyclone warnings and forecasts for the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. A Tropical Cyclone Advisory message is issued every six hours, with intermediate bulletins provided as needed. For tropical storms and hurricanes threatening to cross the coast of the U.S., coastal warnings are issued to the public so that precautionary actions, including evacuation, can be initiated to minimize damage and loss of life. Two levels of warnings are employed:

(a) HURRICANE WATCH - a preliminary alert that a hurricane MAY threaten a specified portion of the coast. It is issued 36 hours before landfall may occur; and

(b) HURRICANE WARNING - which indicate that hurricane conditions are EXPECTED along a specified portion of the coast. It is issued 24 hours before landfall. To provide additional information for maritime interests, a Marine Advisory is also issued which provides storm position forecasts for up to 72 hours in advance of a storm, and probabilities of hurricane strikes for coastal locations and offshore coordinates.

Mariners are reminded that aids to navigation, particularly lighted and unlighted buoys, may be moved from charted position, damaged, destroyed, extinguished or otherwise deemed discrepant as a result of hurricane and storms. Mariners should not rely solely upon the position or operation of an aid to navigation, but also employ such other methods of determining position as may be available. Mariners are further reminded that during the hurricane season drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures. Drawbridges are authorized to remain closed upon approach of gale force winds of 34 knots or greater. Others may be authorized to extend closed periods prior to gale force winds to facilitate evacuation of land traffic or close operations up to 8 hours before expected arrival of gale force winds. Due to the uncertainty of hurricane movements and bridge closures, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.

Lockwoods Folly Inlet Crossing of the ICW--Severe Shoaling:
There is a new version of the most recent USACE Wilmington District survey including portions of Lockwoods Folly Inlet as well as the ICW Crossing, completed on June 19 and 25, 2008. The survey shows continued severe shoaling of the ICW channel. Waypoints are given for the deepest water and at least one is outside of the marked channel (as marked on the date of the survey). Only one green can (47A) is indicated on this survey. Remember conditions may be different when you get there. Check http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/AIWW/CFLR/T11.pdf.

Narragansett Bay Dredging:
From the USCG 1 st District LNM 27: The Crane Barge CONQUEROR will be installing buoys from July 7 through July 11, 2008 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard between Piers 1 and 2. Tug CHARLES WINSLOW WCC 5853 will be assisting on scene monitoring VHF-FM Ch 16. Mariners are advised to use caution when transiting the area and are requested to give a wide berth.

New York Harbor Dredging:
Also from the 1 st District LNM 27: Work will continue on the superstructure of the Battery Park City ferry terminal, north of North Cove Yacht Harbor, through August 22, 2008. Work hours are 0700-1800, Monday through Saturday. Mariners are advised to transit the work area, with caution and at NO WAKE/minimum speed.

APPROACHES TO NEW YORK-NANTUCKET SHOALS TO FIVE FATHOM BANK Markers Changed:
From the USCG 1 st District LNM 27: The Coast Guard will be making the following changes to this waterway;

RELOCATE Nantucket Traffic Lane LWB NB to position: 40-26-30.232N 073-39-39.068W

RELOCATE Barnegat Traffic Lane LWB BA to position: 40-20-02.293N 073-47-37.254W

RELOCATE Fishing Grounds Obstruction LBB FG to position: 40-25-41.494N 073-50-53.151W

RENUMBER Fishing Grounds Obstruction LBB FG to Fishing Grounds Obstruction LBB 5 Fl G 4s, (LED)

ESTABLISH new Fishing Grounds Obstruction Shoal BY 6 in position: 40-25-25.490N 073-52-19.921W

RELOCATE New York Bight Dumping Ground LB NY to position: 40-22-56.783N 073-49-49.396W

RENUMBER old New York Bight Dumping Ground LB NY to New York Bight Dumping Ground LB 3 Fl G 4s, 5nm

NEW YORK HARBOR Markers Change:
Good luck finding your way into New York Harbor if you have old charts! As always, you need up to date charts. This extensive list is from the USCG 1 st District LNM 27: The Coast Guard will be making the following changes to this waterway:

RELOCATE Ambrose Channel LWB A to position: 40-27-41.789N 073-50-48.031W, Mo(A) W, 7nm (LED)

ESTABLISH new Ambrose Channel LGB 1 in position: 40-28-07.492N 073-52-20.004W, Fl G 2.5s, 4nm range (LED)

ESTABLISH new Ambrose Channel LBB 2 in position: 40-28-22.513N 073-52-03.169W, Fl R 2.5s, 4nm range (LED)

ESTABLISH new Ambrose Channel LB 3 in position: 40-29-04.009N 073-54-45.783W, Fl G 4s, 4nm range (LED)

ESTABLISH new Ambrose Channel LB 4 in position: 40-29-08.224N 073-53-59.090W, Fl R 4s, 4nm range (LED)

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LGB 1 to Ambrose Channel LGB 5 and RELOCATE new Ambrose Channel LGB 5 in position: 40-29-23.743N 073-55-38.063W

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LBB 2 to Ambrose Channel LBB 6 and RELOCATE new Ambrose Channel LBB 6 in position: 40-29-41.141N 073-55-25.889W. INCREASE nominal Range to 4nm, (LED)

ESTABLISH new Ambrose Channel LB 1A in position: 40-28-08.292N 073-53-57.882W, Fl Q G, 4nm (LED)

DISCONTINUE Ambrose Channel BY 2A

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LB 3 to Ambrose Channel LB 7

DISCONTINUE Ambrose Channel BY 3A

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LB 4 to Ambrose Channel LB 8

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LGB 5 to Ambrose Channel LGB 9

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LBB 6 to Ambrose Channel LBB 10

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LB 7 to Ambrose Channel LB 11

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel BY 7A to Ambrose Channel LB 11A

CHANGE Ambrose Channel LB 11A FL G 2.5s, 3nm (LED).

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LB 8 to Ambrose Channel LB 12

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel BY 8A to Ambrose Channel LB 12A.

CHANGE Channel LB 12A to FL R 2.5s, 3nm (LED)

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LGB 9 to Ambrose Channel LGB 13

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LBB 10 to Ambrose Channel LBB 14

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LB 11 to Ambrose Channel LB 15

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LB 12 to Ambrose Channel LB 16

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LGB 13 to Ambrose Channel LGB 17

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LBB 14 to Ambrose Channel LBB 18

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LB 18 to Ambrose Channel LB 20

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LGB 19 to Ambrose Channel LGB 21

RENUMBER old Ambrose Channel LBB 20 to Ambrose Channel LBB 22

RENUMBER old Craven Shoal LGB 21 to Craven Shoal LGB 23

RENUMBER old Gowanus Flats LBB 22 to Gowanus Flats LBB 26

RENUMBER old Gowanus Flats LBB 24 to Gowanus Flats LBB 28

RENUMBER old Robbins Reef LGB 25 to Robbins Reef LGB 29

RENUMBER old Gowanus Flats LBB 26 to Gowanus Flats LBB 30

RENUMBER old Gowanus Flats LGB 27 to Gowanus Flats LGB 31

RENUMBER old Gowanus Flats LBB 28 to Gowanus Flats LBB 32

RENUMBER old Liberty Island LGB 29 to Liberty Island LGB 33

RENUMBER old Ellis Island LGB 31 to Ellis Island LGB 35

Margate Bridge , NJICW, Restrictions:
From the USCG 5 th District Bridge Office: Mariners are advised that structural steel repairs along with sandblasting and painting are continuing that require short-term restrictions at the Margate Bridge, at ICW mile 74.0, across Beach Thorofare in Margate, NJ.  These short-term restrictions require immobilizing half of the draw span to single-leaf operation each day with a work barge occupying one-half of the 58-foot wide channels under the bridge, so passage through the bridge will be limited to a 29-foot width for the duration of the project during the following dates and times:

1)  Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wed Jul 16 through 11:59 p.m. on Thu Jul 17;
2)  Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wed Jul 30 through 11:59 p.m. on Thu Jul 31; and
3)  Beginning at 7 a.m. on Mon Aug 4 through 11:59 on Thu Aug 7.

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.

Delaware Bay Entrance, Hazard:
The 5 th District LNM 27 continues to report that the Coast Guard has received a report of a partially submerged hazard to navigation consisting of 3 steel piles, appearing connected and measuring 70ft by 2.5ft at approximate position 38-39.055N, 074-49.427W, 15NMs southeast of Cape Henlopen. Object is presently being marked with a white buoy with a white light. Mariners should transit the area with caution. NOTE: This is different from the previously reported position, and the obstruction is now marked and lighted.

Dredging in C&D Canal:
From the 5 th District LNM 28: Mariners are advised that vessels transiting the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal are recommended not to exceed a draft of 32 feet. This advisory is in conjunction with the scheduled dredging operations in the Canal directed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Dredging operations are expected to be completed by 30 September, 2008. Any comments or questions on the status of the C & D Canal may be directed to Coast Guard Sector Baltimore at 410-576-2693.

New Closure Schedule for Woodrow Wilson Bridge, DC:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 28: Effective on July 2, 2008, mariners are advised that the Coast Guard has temporarily changed the regulations governing the operation of the new Woodrow Wilson (I-95) Bridge, at mile 103.8, across the Potomac River between Alexandria, VA, and Oxon Hill, MD. This action is necessary to finalize construction of the drawbridge. While construction continues, this temporary change will allow the drawbridge to remain closed-to-navigation each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until and including March 1, 2009. A copy of Public Notice 5-1118, which describes the temporary change in detail, can be obtained by writing to the address above or by calling (757) 398-6222.

New Bridge Planned for ICW, Norfolk Area:
The following Public Notice was published in the USCG 5 th District LNM 27: The U.S. Coast Guard has received 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. 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 attention (dpb) no later than July 30, 2008. Copies of Public Notice 5-1117, which describe the proposal in detail, can be obtained by writing to the above address or by calling (757) 398-6422.

Shoaling and Dredging in Thimble Shoals Channel:
While this navigable depth is apparently of no adverse consequence to recreational boaters, it is a bit alarming that there is such a large mound of unknown material in the channel. From the USCG 5 th District LNM 28: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reported an underwater mound of unknown material in the vicinity of Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Buoy 11 (LLNR 9265). The mound is bounded by coordinates 36-59.09N 076-09.15W thence to 36-59.07N 076-09.15W thence to 36-59.12N 076-09.31W thence to 36-59.13N 076-09.3W. This mound reduces the navigable channel to 43 feet and measures approximately 180 feet wide and 800 feet long. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution when transiting this area and provide this obstruction with the widest berth possible.

Emergency dredging operations will begin on 09 July, 2008 by the dredge MOBRO112 to remove the shoal and operations are expected to be completed by 13 July, 2008. Mariners are advised that the dredge can be contacted on VHF-FM 13, 16 and to reduce speed to bare steerage way when passing the operations.

Waterway Closures, North Myrtle Beach, SC:
The USCG 7 th District LNM 28 announces restrictions and/or waterway closures at the North Myrtle Beach Connecter Bridge under construction at Mile 347.3. Restrictions and/or closure periods will occur during girder placement across the waterway. Announcements of these restrictions and/or closure periods will be broadcast on VHF Channel 22 prior to the event. Attending tugs will stand by on VHF 13 and 16 for traffic. This part of the construction is expected to be complete by September 30, 2008.

Sunken Sailboat Charleston Harbor:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 28: All mariners are advised that the S/V Misty has sunk in the vicinity of Charleston Harbor Channel Lighted Buoy 21 (LLNR 2435), in approximate position 32-44-26.160N 079-51-14.880W. The vessel has been demasted and at low tide will have three (3) feet of water covering it. The vessel is marked with an unlighted small yellow buoy. All mariners transiting the area are urged to use caution. For further information please contact USCG Sector Waterways Management Division, Chief Warrant Officer Hunter Crider at (843) 724-7647.

South Carolina Bridges to be Repaired:
We have been informed by Coast Guard Sector Charleston thatthe SCDOT contractor will be conducting repairs to the fendering systems on some bridges on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The repairs will start on June 23, 2008 near the location of the Lady’s Island Wood Memorial Drawbridge, across the Beaufort River at Mile marker 536 in Beaufort, South Carolina and continue moving north for approximately six weeks. The waterways will not be restricted due to the repairs. All mariners transiting in the area should proceed with caution. The drawbridges will continue to operate according to 33 CFR 117.911 with the proper signaling. If there are any concerns, mariners should contact Coast Guard Sector Charleston’s 24 hour watch center on VHF-channel 16 or via phone 843-724-7616. For specific questions about the contractor’s schedule, please contact the SCDOT Community Bridge office at (843) 740-1695, or for questions regarding Coast Guard matters please contact Lieutenant Calvin Summers at (843) 720-3273.

DGPS Canaveral Unuseable Time:
From the 7 th District LNM 28: GPS Site Cape Canaveral, Florida has been granted off air/unusable time for corrective maintenance.

Unusable time authorized for the following date/time:

Primary: 1200Z - 1400Z 16 July 2008 (0800 - 1000 EST)

Alternate: 1200Z - 1400Z 17 July 2008 (0800 - 1000 EST)

For further information please contact the USCG NAVCEN DGPS Eat Operations Watch Officer at (703) 313-5902.

WAMS Announcement for Fort Pierce:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 28: The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis and Management System (WAMS) study of Fort Pierce Main Ship Channel. The study focuses on the area's aid to navigation system, waterborne commerce, marine casualty information, port/harbor resources, emergency response plans, communication capabilities and future development projects. Any interested company or individual wishing to provide comments or participate in a user survey should contact the Coast Guard by September 1, 2008. Contact Information: Commander, Sector Miami, 100 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Beach, FL, 33139, Attn: CWO2 M.A. Bridges at (305) 535-4311. E-mail to Martin.A.Bridges@uscg.mil.

Lock Closures, Okeechobee Waterway:
According to a May 16, 2008 Notice to Navigation Interests published by the USACE Jacksonville District the navigation lock at Port Mayaca will be closed to traffic at 0600, 7 July 2008 and reopen to traffic at 0600 on 29 August 2008. The navigation lock at St. Lucie will be closed to traffic at 0600, 14 July 2008 and reopen to traffic at 0600 on 29 August 2008.

The notice states that “ these are necessary in order to install Manatee Protection Systems.”

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 July 8, 2008: The lake level is reported to be 10.02 feet.

Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 3.96 feet.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigational depths of 1.36 feet. Route 2 has been closed since Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

This is up 7.8 inches from the last report we gave two weeks ago. It’s finally the rainy season.

Dredging, Canaveral Harbor:
The USCG 7 th District LNM 27 announces another dredging project for this busy harbor: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company will commence maintenance dredging in Canaveral Harbor Entrance Channel, Trident Access Channel, Trident Turning Basin, and Poseidon Wharf, Canaveral Harbor, Brevard County, Florida on or about July 6, 2008. The clamshell dredge G.L.53 will be on scene with tugs (2) Stephanie Dawn and Gulf Dawn. The Scows Number 401 and 402 will be transiting the channel from the dredge to the disposal area at the ODMDS.

Mariners are urged to be aware of the dredge operations and all ancillary plants and transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. The dredge G.L. 53 can be contacted on VHF Channels 13 and 16. All equipment will be manned and lighted in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard Regulations. The project will be completed on or about September 31, 2008. For further information please contact Mr. Rick Elizondo at (321) 784-4992 (office) or (630) 235-7639 (cellular).

More Shoaling in Ponce Inlet (NOT on the ICW):
This area has been shoaling constantly in recent months. We saw it in March, and apparently the sand continues to shift. Temporary markers have been placed, but may not mark the deepest water. From the USCG 7 th District LNM 27: Shoaling has been reported between Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighted Buoy 7 and Ponce de Leon Inlet Light 10. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution.

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7 th District LNM 28:

BB McCormick Bridge, Jax Beach (Mile 747): The federal channel beneath this bridge will be closed Monday-Friday July 7-11, 2008. There will be a one-hour opening each day between 12 and 1 p.m.

Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine: Construction continues and the Coast Guard has approved another closure of the ICW channel. Starting July14 through July 18, 2008, the waterway will be closed from 7:00 a.m. till 6:30 p.m. There will be two openings during that time: 1:00 and 1:30 p.m.

Woolbright Road Bridge (Mile 1036.0): Repairs are underway until September 9, 2008. The bridge will remain operational for marine traffic.

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 15-6:00 p.m. on December 8, 2008. In case of emergencies the bridge will open as soon as practicable.

Oakland Park Bridge, Ft. Lauderdale: This bridge will be closed for an hour on July 22, 2008 for diving operations. No specific hour was given in the LNM. Stay tuned to your VHF locally for information.

5 th Street Bridge, Miami River: Bridge construction of the 5 th Street Bridge across the Miami River, Mile 1.5, will begin approximately July 7, 2008. Waterway restrictions/closures will be published in future Local Notices to Mariners.

Johns Pass, FL. West Coast: Due to construction this bridge will be closed to navigation from 1:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each day, Monday through Friday until August 31, 2008. The channel under the Johns Pass Bridge will be closed to marine traffic for approximately 30 minutes at 1:a.m. and 10:00 a.m. each day to raise and lower the bridge leafs.

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.