East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
August 7, 2008

Shallotte Inlet Crossing, NC ICW--Severe Shoaling:
A US Army Corps of Engineers survey dated 28 July, 2008 indicted shoaling mid channel at Cape Fear River to Little River Buoy 80A, AIWW Mile Marker 330.5 to a depth of 0.5 feet MLLW. Mariners are advised to avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution transiting during other tidal stages. Mariners can view this survey with recommended way points around the shoal at www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/aiww/cflr/t19.pdf. Green can 81, not shown on the survey has been relocated according to the USCG 5th District LNM 32, where the above notice was also posted. Waypoints are given on the survey for the deepest water through this stretch, and the controlling depth determined by the survey is 5 feet.*

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

Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine, Channel Closure:
From the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project:
Five days of channel closures at the Bridge of Lions temporary bridge in
St. Augustine are scheduled for August 11-15, 2008. Two openings will be provided each day during the closures.

Channel Closed:
Monday - Friday, August 11-15, 2008, 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Openings provided at: 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Requests to travel through the bridge during the scheduled openings must be made to the Bridge Tender via marine radio Channel 9.

Gilmerton Bridge, ICW Mile 5.8, Restricted for Repairs:
From the 5th District Bridge Officer: Mariners are advised structural repairs will be performed at the Gilmerton (US 13/460) Lift Bridge across the Elizabeth River (Southern Branch), at AIWW mile 5.8, in Chesapeake, VA The repairs will restrict the operation of the draw span on the following dates and times:

1. Closed-to-navigation, each day from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., from September 8 to September 11, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided with at least two hours notice given to the bridge operator at (757) 545-1512 or via marine radio on Channel 13.
2. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on September 12 through 5 a.m. on September 15, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on September 13 and September 14.
3. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on September 19 through 5 a.m. on September 22, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on September 20 and September 21.
4. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on September 26 through 5 a.m. on September 29, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on September 27 and September 28.
5. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on October 3 through 5 a.m. on October 6, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on October 4 and October 5.

At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(d).  Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.

Ambrose Light, NY, to be Demolished:            
From the USCG 1st District LNM 31: Demolition of Ambrose Light (LLNR 720) will be done on or about 28 July 2008 until further notice. A Crane Barge will be secured immediately adjacent to the tower and held on station by multiple anchors. Crane Barge and scow will not be made fast to the structure. The contractor will remove all Coast Guard equipment and NOAA weather data equipment. Tugs SEA WOLF, SEA BEAR and MISS YEVETT will be in attendance for the project. There will be divers in the water. There will be no explosive charges used in the demolition. There will be only one scow for debris removal and debris will be off-loaded at the Sterling Equipment yard adjacent to Mariners Harbor on Staten Island. Projections for scow transits are 1 per day at peak production. Project may run 24/7 dependant upon weather. Safety envelope for evolution is 5' seas or below and less than 25kts wind. If conditions are worse than safety envelope limits the contractor will demobilize and return all equipment to Sterling Yard. Project will be illuminated with floodlights during night operations. VTS will advise concerned traffic and will outreach to pilots at pilot station before project initiation.

Reduced Schedule in Dismal Swamp Canal:
The USCG 5th District LNM 32 announces that due to low water depth in Lake Drummond, beginning 23 July, 2008 and until further notice, the locks at Deep Creek, VA and at South Mills, NC and their adjacent drawbridges will be operated only at 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P. M. , 7 days a week. For vessels unable to comply with the reduced schedule, the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, through the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, VA will maintain all scheduled openings.

National Marina Day:
August 9, 2008 has been declared to be National Marina Day by the Marina Association. Their goal, according to their Mission Statement at https://www.marinaassociation.org/nmd/ is the education of politicians, civic leaders and the public about the important role the marina industry plays in cities and towns across the nation as family-friendly gateways to boating and stewards of the environment.

This goal is achieved through the promotion of nationwide marina focused events with local flavor that educate politicians, civic leaders, and the public about the value of the marina industry to cities and towns across America. Make plans today to support this mission by planning a National Marina Day event at your facility. 

Check your marina for any planned festivities. Our favorite home away from home, Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor in St. Augustine, Florida is planning a day long event, free to the public, with emphasis on fun and education. Their theme is a Pirate Day. If you’re in the area, join the celebration at 3070 Harbor Drive, at the base of the Vilano Bridge. Check www.camacheeisland.com or call 904 829 5676 for details.

Casco Bay, Maine, Sunken Vessel:
From the USCG 1st District LNM 31: The Kimberly Marie, a 45 foot f/v on fire in vicinity of the Papa Buoy has sunk in position 43-31.22N 070-06.34W. There is a possible hazard to navigation; all vessels transiting the area should exercise caution.

Hazardous Operations, Offshore East of Long Island:
This is probably farther offshore than most of us will venture, but just in case you are heading from New England to Bermuda anytime soon, be aware the USCG 1st District reports that HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM 0800Z ON 27 JULY 2008 TO 2359Z ON 10 AUGUST 2008 IN AN AREA BOUND BY 40-21N, 071-30W; 40-21N, 070-40W; 39-50N, 070-40W; 39-50N, 071-30W. MARINERS SHOULD AVOID THIS AREA AND USE CAUTION WHILE TRANSITING ON THE SURROUNDING WATERS. ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THESE HAZARDOUS OPS EXERCISES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LCDR HERNANDEZ AT 860-694-4715/3676 OR DSN AT 694-4715/3676.

Ambrose Channel Extension Project Info:           
The following announcements concerning the new Ambrose Channel (New York Harbor entrance) marking system are contained in the USCG 1st District LNM 31. See our last East Coast Alerts for the long list of buoys and lights that will be changed.

The Coast Guard will be making the following changes to this waterway:
DISESTABLISH Ambrose Light. Mariners are advised all weather/navigational information provided by Ambrose Light will cease until further notice.

On July 21 the Coast Guard will begin the Ambrose Channel extension project. Two Coast Guard Buoy Tenders will be establishing, relocating and re-numbering aids to navigation beginning with Ambrose channel LWB "A" and end with Ellis Island LGB 31. This project should take approximately 7 days to complete. The coast guard cutters will be working during daylight hours only. Mariners should consult the latest local notice to mariners for positions and buoy re-numbering scheme and use caution when transiting in this area.

The Captain of the Port New York has established a temporary safety zone within a 250 yard radius of Ambrose Light at 40-27-00N, 073-48-00W, and approximately 8.35 nm east of Sandy Hook, NJ. This rule is effective until further notice. In accordance with the general regulations in 33 CFR 165.23, entry into, transiting, or anchoring within this safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port New York, or his on-scene representative. On-scene representative means any commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the Coast Guard on board Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and local state, and federal law enforcement vessels who have been authorized to act on behalf of the Captain of the Port, New York.

New York Harbor Change Proposed, Comment Period:
From the USCG 1st District LNM 31:
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to decrease the size of Romer Shoal Anchorage Ground in Lower New York Bay. This action is necessary to facilitate safe navigation in the area and to provide safe and secure anchorages for vessels transiting this area. This proposal is intended to increase the safety for life and property for the Port of New York, improve the safety of anchored vessels, and provide for the overall safe and efficient flow of commercial vessels and commerce.

DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before September 15, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Coast Guard docket number USCG-2008-0155 to the Docket Management Facility at the U.S. Department of Transportation. To avoid duplication, please use only one of the following methods:

(1) Online: http://www.regulations.gov.
(2) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
(3) Hand delivery: Room W12-140 on the Ground Floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.
(4) Fax: 202-493-2251.
The entire proposed rulemaking is available at http://homeport.uscg.mil/newyork > Waterways Management > 02. Advisory Notices.

NY/NJ-KILL VAN KULL-BERGEN POINT NAVIGATION RESTRICTIONS (REVISED 7/22/08)           
The following changes will not affect recreational boaters, except that we will have to continue to stay out of the way of the big guys. From the 1st District LNM 31:

1. Effective Tuesday July 22, 2008, under the provisions of 33 CFR 161.11, the Coast Guard is modifying the VTS Measures in place for portions of the Kill Van Kull (KVK) and Newark Bay channels, henceforth described as the Bergen Point Zone. Significant modifications from previous measures include: termination of third assist tug for vessels 900 feet and larger transiting the Bergen Point Zone. The modified restrictions below replace all previous measures issued by CG Sector New York and are intended to increase vessel transit flexibility commensurate with established safety standards, taking full advantage of increases in available channel widths and depths as a result of the dredging operations. The below measures will be tested for a period of approximately 60 days, after which, further modifications may be enacted.

2. Bergen Point Zone Limits: the area bounded to the West by KVK Channel Lighted Buoy 18 (LLNR 37335), to the East by KVK Channel Lighted Buoy 12 (LLNR 37310) and to the North by Newark Bay Lighted Buoy 5 (LLNR 37400).

3. Bergen Point Zone Transit Restrictions: The following provisions apply:
            a. Tug Requirements: all vessels 800 feet in length or greater require two assist tugs.
            b. Astern Tows: Astern tows are permitted in the KVK and the Bergen Point Zone. Vessel operators are responsible for determining the safest tow configuration and hawser length for an astern tow transit. The Coast Guard will require an assist tug for any tow transiting the Bergen Point Zone with an overall length greater than 700 feet. Vessels towing container barges shall require an assist tug at all times.
            c. Weather Restrictions: car carriers, container ships, container barges, tankers in ballast and vessels towing astern may not transit the Bergen Point Zone whenever sustained wind speeds of 34 knots or greater exist, as measured from Robbins Reef Light (LLNR 34975).
            d. Visibility Restrictions: for vessels or tug with tows 700 feet or greater, no transits are permitted if visibility is less than 1 mile. The Bergen Point Zone will be closed to all vessels except vessels less than 300 gross tons when visibility is less than half a mile.
            e. Bayonne Bridge Airdraft: all vessels must maintain at least 2 feet of air draft clearance while transiting under the Bayonne Bridge. For calculation purposes, the MHW clearance at the center span is assumed to be 151 feet.
            f. Backing Out from the Arthur Kill: vessels over 700 ft in length backing out of the Arthur Kill must transit the Bergen Point zone 90 minutes prior to, or following, slack water at Bergen Point. Vessels with a draft of 40 feet or greater must transit the Bergen Point zone 60 minutes prior to, or following, slack water at Bergen Point. These parameters are to ensure that vessels backing out and turning adjacent Bergen Point do so as close to slack water as possible.
4. Transit Restrictions Waiver Requests: waivers to VTS measures established in paragraph 3 may be requested. Waivers will be reviewed and approved only if granting the waiver will not reduce the level of safety to navigation and port operations provided under existing measures.
            Waiver requests must be communicated to the VTS in writing by the mariner or Pilot assigned to the vessel. The following minimum information is required before a waiver can be considered:
            a. Vessel’s name, length, beam, draft and air draft
            b. Availability of vessels bow or stern thruster(s), number and type of propeller configuration, shaft configuration and any other vessel control appurtenance that enhances the navigational control of the vessel.
            c. Number, type and Base Horse Power of assisting tugs (if any).
            d. Type of cargo and amount of cargo on board
            e. Point of departure, destination and intended route.
            f. Endorsement of requesting mariner or pilot responsible for vessel’s transit
            g. Reason for the request.
Questions regarding Waiver Requests should be referred to the VTS Watch Officer (718 354 4088) and written requests may be faxed (718 354 4096) or emailed to D01-SMB-VTS-WatchOfficer@uscg.mil .
5. Dredging Operations: dredges are required to report their movements to Vessel Traffic Service New York (VTSNY) on VHF-FM channel 11 every 2 hours or any time their position changes. Additionally:
            a. No vessel shall enter or transit any buoyed work area where drill barges and/or dredges are located without permission of VTS NY.
            b. Each vessel transiting in the vicinity of a work area where drill barges and/or dredges are located is required to do so at no wake speed.
            c. No vessel shall enter an area of drilling or blasting when advised by the drilling barge or VTSNY that a misfire or hang fire has occurred. Vessels already underway in the Bergen Point Zone shall proceed to clear the impacted area immediately.
6. Vessel Traffic Service New York will continually assess conditions and may initiate further changes as necessary. Future changes will be disseminated in the Local Notice to Mariners, scheduled marine information broadcasts, and publication online at http://homeport.uscg.mil/newyork. Please address questions or comments to Mr. Patrick Mannion via email to Patrick.J.Mannion@uscg.mil.

Shoaling in NJ Inlet:
The 1st District LNM 32 states that due to recent storms and constantly shifting shoals, mariners are advised that the aids to navigation marking Little Egg Inlet are unreliable and should proceed with caution. The Coast Guard has received reports of shoaling between Little Egg Inlet Buoy 3 and Little Egg Inlet Buoy 4. This LNM also gives new relocated positions for the markers in Little Egg Inlet, which have been relocated due to shoaling.

Dredging, Christina River, DE:
From the USCG 5th District LNM 32: The Dredge CHARLESTON will be conducting dredging operations in the Christina River, Wilmington Harbor from 08 August until 30 September, 2008. A submerged pipeline will transport the dredge spoil to the Wilmington Harbor Disposal Area. The dredge will standby on VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16.

Baltimore Bridge Closed During August:           
From the USCG 5th District Bridge Branch: MD-CHESAPEAKE BAY-APPROACHES TO BALTIMORE HARBOR-PATAPSCO RIVER-CURTIS BAY-CURTIS CREEK-BRIDGE INFO
1. MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT MECHANICAL REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE PENNINGTON AVENUE BRIDGE, ACROSS CURTIS CREEK AT MILE 0.9 IN BALTIMORE, MD. THE REPAIRS WILL RESTRICT THE OPERATION OF THE DRAW SPAN ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AND TIMES:
            A. CLOSED-TO-NAVIGATION, FROM 7 AM ON MON 11 AUG 08 THRU 11 PM ON TUE 12 AUG 08;
            B. CLOSED-TO-NAVIGATION, FROM 7 AM ON THU 14 AUG 08 THRU 11 PM ON
FRI 15 AUG 08; AND
            C. CLOSED-TO-NAVIGATION, FROM 7 AM ON THU 21 AUG 08 THRU 11 PM ON FRI 22 AUG 08;
2. THE AVAILABLE VERTICAL CLEARANCE IN THE CLOSED POSITION TO VESSELS IS APPROX 38 FT ABOVE MHW. MARINERS ABLE TO PASS UNDER THE CLOSED SPAN ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN TRANSITING.
3. CANCEL AT TIME//230400Z AUG 08//.

Safety Zone for Constellation Tow, Baltimore Harbor:
From the USCG 5th District LNM 31: Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP), Baltimore, Maryland, has established a safety zone for all waters of the Patapsco River, Northwest and Inner Harbors during the towing of the historic sloop-of-war U.S.S. Constellation in Baltimore, Maryland on August 8, 2008 and on August 10, 2008. The towing of the Constellation from its Inner Harbor Pier 1 berth to the South Locust Point Marine Terminal will occur on Friday, August 8, 2008, between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The towing of the Constellation from the South Locust Point Marine Terminal to its Inner Harbor Pier 1 berth will occur on Sunday, August 10, 2008, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. The moving safety zone includes all waters within 200 yards ahead of or 100 yards outboard and 100 yards aft of the historic sloop of war U.S.S. Constellation while operating in the Patapsco River, Northwest Harbor and Inner Harbor. The zone will be effective from 5 p.m. on August 8, 2008 and through 11 a.m. on August 10, 2008. Except for the USS Constellation, its support craft and the accompanying towing vessels, entry into or remaining in this zone is prohibited, unless authorized by the COTP Baltimore, Maryland. Persons or vessels requiring entry into or passage through the moving safety zone must first request authorization from the COTP Baltimore, Maryland to seek permission to transit the area. The COTP Baltimore, Maryland can be contacted at telephone number 410-576-2693. The Coast Guard vessels enforcing this section can be contacted on Marine Band Radio VHF-FM Channel 16 (156.8 MHz). The Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of the zone by other federal, State and local agencies. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Ron Houck, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at telephone number 410-576-2674 or email at Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

Update, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, DC:
The following new announcement in the USCG 5th District LNM 31 advises mariners 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 completion of the new bridge and ship-collision protection fender system will continue to influence navigation on the Potomac River near the bridge. Though the major in-water construction is complete when the concrete placement for the fender rings is done by early August, limited channel restrictions will require continuing intermittent placement of crane barges in the 175-foot wide federal navigation channel until December 2008. The installation of walkways, electrical and other elements until mid-September, further demolition, removal and transport of debris from the old bridge toward the MD shore through this fall, and completing minor items such as painting, are all expected to occur. 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. 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). Boaters near the Maryland shoreline should use extreme caution when transiting the area near the old bridge, and are reminded that they operate at their own risk when operating outside the navigation channel and within the dredged portion of the waterway intended as temporary access for construction vessels to and from the work site. 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.

Divers in DC Area:
Also from the 5th District LNM 31: Mariners are advised that the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center will be conducting underwater assessments of the piers at the Washington Navy Yard, during August 4-26, 2008, and at the Anacostia Naval Station, during August 27-29, 2008. Divers will be in the water from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, operating in or near the Anacostia River from two small watercraft (a 14-ft jon boat and a 21-ft skiff) and using equipment employed in the immediate vicinity of the structure. The scope of work may require that these vessels work in the navigation channel. Interested mariners may contact the Collins Engineers, Inc. onsite project managers Mr. Terry Browne, at telephone number 414-349-2200, or Mr. Dan Stromberg, at telephone number 312-446-6937.

Construction, Hampton Roads:
From the USCG 5th District LNM 32: The Navy will begin construction operations on the Lambert-s Point Deperming Station on 12 August, 2008. There will be 3 mooring anchors and anchor marking buoys deployed at 36-52.11N, 076-19.55W; 36-52.10N, 076-19.57W and 36-51.52N, 076-19.51W. The anchor mooring buoys are yellow with flashing yellow lights. Operations will be completed on or about 30 November, 2008.

New Aids for Bridge Construction, New Bern NC:

The 5th District advises that the following private aids to navigation temporary lights have been established until August 2009 to mark a temporary channel during bridge construction on the Trent River:
            A. Trent River Bridge Temporary Light 1A at 35-06-05.84N, 077-02-13.26W, FL G 4S.
            B. Trent River Bridge Temporary Light 2A at 35-06-06.47N, 077-02-13.09W, FL R 4S.
            C. Trent River Bridge Temporary Light 3A at 35-06-05.92N, 077-02-13.84W, FL G 4S.
            D. Trent River Bridge Temporary Light 4A at 35-06-05.92N, 077-02-13.69W, FL R 4S.

Waterway Restrictions, North Myrtle Beach, SC:
The USCG 7th District LNM 32 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. Tug Chicksawwill will stand by on VHF 13 and 16 for traffic. This part of the construction is expected to be complete by September 30, 2008.

Dates for partial obstruction of the channel are: July 28, August 6, 15 and 26, and September 4 and 15, 2008.

Ponce Cut Marker Changed:
Shoaling had recently been reported in this area of the ICW, north of the newly dredged section. The 7th District LNM 32 reports that Ponce De Leon Cut Buoy 2 (ICW) has been relocated.

Lake Okeechobee Level Continues Rise:
We checked http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/conops/structures/navbulln.htm  for the latest depth figures on the Okeechobee Waterway:

As of August 5, 2008: The lake level is reported to be 11.04 feet.
Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 4.98 feet.
Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigational depths of 2.38 feet. Route 2 has been closed since Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

This is up 7.08 inches from the last report we gave two weeks ago.

Artificial Reef, Hillsboro Inlet:
The USCG 7th District LNM 32 reports that Shoreline Foundation Inc., will commence work on the installation of an artificial reef south of the Entrance Channel at Hillsboro Inlet, Florida, on or about August 7, 2008. A work barge with crane will be deploying rip rap in ten (10) feet of water at this location. The work barge will monitor VHF Channel 16 throughout this project which will continue until November 7, 2008. This notice will be update as the project proceeds. For further information please contact Mr. Mathew M. Sturm at (954) 984-0460 (office) or (954) 605-1137 (cell).

Shoaling in the ICW, Hillsboro:
From the 7th District LNM 31: Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of and north of Hillsboro River Light 68 (LLNR 47190). Reported water depth less than six (6) feet. All mariners are requested to transit the area with extreme caution.

Diving Operations in Port Everglades ICW:
From the 7th District LNM 32: Dial Cordy and Associates Inc., has commenced scientific diving surveys in the Intracoastal Waterway and the Dania Cut-Off Canal in the vicinity of Port Everglades, Florida under contract with the Florida Inland Navigation District. This operation will be completed on or about August 15, 2008. For complete text of location, vessel descriptions, personnel, contacts, and contact information see enclosure number 9.

Vessels Requested to Stay 5 NM East of Port Everglades:
From the USCG 7th District LNM 32: A Naval asset will be conducting surface maneuvers in the swallow water immediately southeast of Port Everglades inlet. The operations are scheduled within a period beginning on 0000 hrs 16 August 2008 to 0000 hrs on 17 Aug 2008. The vessel will be working in 60 feet of water approximately ¾ NM off shore, from ½ NM south of the Port Everglades Inlet to 2.5 miles south of the Port Everglades Inlet. The Naval asset will have restricted maneuverability. All vessels are asked to stay well clear of the Naval Vessel. Ships entering Port Everglades are requested to enter from the northeast thereby avoiding the waters south of the channel. To allow for safe vessel operations all vessel traffic transiting the area is requested to stay 5 NM east of Port Everglades.

Testing Buoys Offshore South Florida:
From the USCG 7th District LNM 32: The U.S. Navy, South Florida Testing Facility (SFTF) will be installing offshore Fort Lauderdale, Florida, inert targets from August 13, 2008 to August 27, 2008, at the following coordinates:

RMS Operation Area:
26 degrees 04.140N 080 degrees 05.560W
26 degrees 04.140N 080 degrees 02.500W
25 degrees 53.700N 080 degrees 05.560W
25 degrees 53.700N 080 degrees 03.000W

The inert targets will be installed using a vessel under direct U.S. Navy charter. The vessel will be working in water depths ranging from 60 feet to 600 feet. All vessels are requested to stay clear of this offshore project.
For further information please contact Mr. Anthony Bush at (954) 926-4032 (office) or (954) 926-4031 (cell).

Shoaling at Bakers Haulover Again:
Mother Nature is still at work! This area of Biscayne Bay was dredged recently. From the 7th District LNM 32: FL AICW Biscayne Bay Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Biscayne Bay-Bakers Haulover. Two (2) TEMP Unlighted Buoys has been established. (Biscayne Bay 7A and 7B).

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 32:  

NASA Railroad Bridge (Mile 876.6): This automated bridge which usually remains in the open position will be closed to navigation from 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federal holidays until October 19, 2008, due to repairs.

Hobe Sound Bridge (Mile 996): Repairs necessitate a single leaf opening between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on September 23, 24 and 25, 2008.

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.

East Sunrise Boulevard Bridge, Mile 1062.6: Expect delays at the East Sunrise Boulevard Bridge, Mile 1062.6, Ft. Lauderdale, during the week of August 18, 2008 due to snooper truck repairs. Between August 25 and September 5, from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, this bridge will have only hourly openings, at the top of the hour.   

NW 12th Avenue Bridge, Miami River: Construction continues. Between now and September 15 workers will begin erecting steel in the south pier. It will protrude slightly into the river. On December 3, 2008 the second and final 72 hour closure will take place to conduct the toe lift.

Florida Keys, Old Bahia Honda Bridge:  It has been reported to the Coast Guard that this bridge is rapidly deteriorating and many parts are hanging dangerously below the bridge. The channel at the east end of the bridge is the only clear safe passage. Caution is required.         

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.