East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
Oct 15, 2009

Attention Snowbirds

ICW at Ben Sawyer Bridge to Close for Ten Days:
            Due to the scheduled replacement of the swing span of the Ben Sawyer Bridge, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) will be closed to marine traffic from Friday, November 13, 2009 at 12:00 A.M. to Monday, November 23, 2009 at 11:59 P.M.
            A safety zone will be enforced around the Ben Sawyer Bridge during the entire 10 day closure. The safety zone will encompass the entire waterway from 180 yards northwest of the bridge, and 220 yards southwest of the bridge. No one may enter the safety zone without prior authorization from the Captain of the Port Charleston or his designated representative.
            Mariners are encouraged to listen to the broadcast notice to mariners for updates on VHF Ch 16. CG Sector Charleston will broadcast the closure, as well as the implementation and rescission of the corresponding safety zone for the bridge. Updates to the schedule are dependent on weather and will be made to this MSIB, as necessary. For questions regarding the bridge construction call Julie Hussey with PCL at (843) 224-1096 or Kim Partenheimer with PB Americas at (843) 972-1775. For Coast Guard issues, please contact the Coast Guard’s 24 hour Command Center Line at (843) 740-7050. (MSIB (63-09), Coast Guard Charleston)
            There is no way to get around this ICW closure except to go into the ocean. The shortest safe ocean passage southbound (from good inlet to good inlet) is from Winyah Bay to Charleston. In making this passage, the strong currents flowing into and out of both inlets must be considered as well as the long distances from the sea buoys to safe harbor inside. It’s 50 statute miles from sea buoy to sea buoy, and 17 statute miles from Georgetown out to the sea buoy and then 14 statute miles from the sea buoy into Charleston, for a total of 81 statute  miles between safe harbors with marinas and anchorage. Also to be considered in late November is the short amount of daylight, and of course the weather. Snowbirds in slower boats should think long and hard before taking off into the ocean to avoid this ICW closure. Remember that while the smaller inlets between Winyah Bay and Charleston may be used by local smaller boats, they are not considered to be safe without local knowledge, especially for the draft and type of boats in which most Snowbirds are travelling. Don’t attempt to use them.
It seems to us that sometimes Coast Guard personnel will grant a contractor’s request for waterway closure without due regard to whether the contractor actually needs that much restriction and what it means to maritime traffic. In this instance, it seems not credible that the bridge contractor actually needs a complete closure of the ICW for that much time.  Many other bridges are built and also have major repair work without such long ICW closures. This is often accomplished by a few scheduled openings during the day and maybe only one or two days of complete closure.  It is one of the Coast Guard’s jobs to prevent abuse by contractors of the permit procedure to close navigable waterways. You are a tax payer. You have the right to contact the Coast Guard in this and other instances and complain or ask if the decision was based in fact and made by high level properly trained personnel who have made thorough investigations of the wish list of private contractors.*

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

Dredging in Snows Cut
            The Dredge WILCO will be conducting dredging operations in the AIWW at Snow Cut from 19 October until 07 December, 2009. The dredge and assisting vessels PROUD MARY, AMITY and ANN KAY may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. A floating rubber and submerged polyethylene pipeline will traverse the limits of Snows cut Channel northerly and adjacent to the Lower and Upper Lilliput Channels and carry dredge material to the ACOE Disposal Area 10. (District 5 LNM 41)

Special Notices

Loran Station Carolina Beach Unusable Time:
THIS IS A PROPOSAL TO AUTHORIZE LORSTA CAROLINA BEACH (RATE 7980-Z/9960-Y) UNUSABLE TIME FROM 1500Z TO 1730Z ON 20 OCT 2009. THE ALTERNATE TIME WILL BE FROM 1500Z TO 1730Z ON 21 OCT 2009. OBJECTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED UNTIL 1200Z 16 OCT 2009. USERS SHALL ADDRESS INQUIRIES TO THE NORTHEAST U. S. LORAN-C CHAIN OPERATIONS CONTROL OFFICER (703)313-5880/5900. CURRENT LORAN-C STATUS IS AVAILABLE 24 HRS/DAY THROUGH INTERNET ADDRESS: HTTP://WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV. (5th District LNM 41)

More Sound Signals to be Discontinued:
            The trend continues to discontinue sound signals on buoys and lights along the northern, and now middle, US East Coast. Why? We don’t know. Perhaps nobody listens to them. There is still plenty of fog and bad visibility, but with GPS, perhaps they assume that boaters know where they are. Perhaps it’s the economy. For whatever the reason: The Coast Guard proposes to make the following changes to the sound signals as indicated below:
            A. DELAWARE RIVER(Delaware and New Jersey) - SMYRNA RIVER TO WILMINGTON - DELAWARE RIVER MAIN CHANNEL: The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to discontinue the bell signal on Cherry Island Range Junction Lighted Bell Buoy (LLNR 3020), (Chart: 12311).
            B. DELAWARE RIVER (Delaware and New Jersey) - WILMINGTON TO PHILADELPHIA- DELAWARE RIVER MAIN CHANNEL: The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to discontinue the gong signal on Chester Range Lighted Gong Buoy (LLNR 3215), (Chart: 12312).
            C. DELAWARE RIVER (Delaware and New Jersey) - SMYRNA RIVER TO WILMINGTON - DELAWARE RIVER MAIN CHANNEL: The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to discontinue the gong signal on New Castle Range Lighted Gong Buoy (LLNR 2835), (Chart: 12311).
            D. SEACOAST (NEW JERSEY) - SEA GIRT TO LITTLE EGG INLET: The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to discontinue the gong signal on Barnegat Offshore Lighted Gong Buoy (LLNR 15), (Chart: 12326).
            E. INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (NEW JERSEY) - SANDY HOOK TO LITTLE EGG HARBOR: The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to discontinue the bell signal on Manasquan Inlet Lighted Bell Buoy 2M (LLNR 34931), (Chart: 12324).
            F. SEACOAST (NEW JERSEY) - CAPE MAY TO FENWICK ISLAND - DISCONTINUE SOUND SIGNAL The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to discontinue the gong signal on McCrie Shoal Lighted Gong Buoy 2MS(LLNR 160), (Chart: 12214).  
            G. SEACOAST (NORTH CAROLINA) - CAPE HATTERAS TO LITTLE RIVER INLET: The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to discontinue the bell signal on Cape Lookout Lighted Bell Buoy (LLNR 685), (Chart: 11520).

Comments on these proposals should be forwarded to COMMANDER, FIFTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT (dpw), 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704, or Mr. Tom Flynn at (757) 398-6229, e-mail Thomas.W.Flynn@uscg.mil no later than January 01, 2010. (5th District LNM 41)

USCG First District
Coastal Waters from Eastport, Maine to Shrewsbury, New Jersey

Seal Island, Maine, Explosives Danger Zone:
            Mariners are advised to use extreme caution while operating in and around Seal Island. Seal Island, located to the east of Matinicus Island off of the coast of Maine, was used as an aerial bombing and target range by the United States Government. Recent exploration of the island and the surrounding waters led to the discovery of various munitions and explosives of concern (MECs) that present safety hazards to those who may come in contact with them. Some of these MECs are located on Seal Island as well as in the waters immediately surrounding it. A danger zone currently exists around the island; however, it was only enforced during times of active aerial bombing exercises which no longer occur. The regulation for the danger zone can be found in 33 CFR 334.10. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution while operating in and around Seal Island. (1st District LNM 40)

Block Island Ferry Route to be Added to Charts:
            The Coast Guard is considering initiating a charting change to add the ferry route w/chart symbol between the West Gap of PT Judith Harbor of Refuge and Old Harbor on BI for charts 13205 and 13215. This information will also be included in the Coast Pilot. Interested mariners are strongly encouraged to comment on this proposal in writing, either through their organization or personally. All comments shall be carefully considered and are requested prior to NOV 1, 2009, to facilitate the process. In addition to the address listed (Commander, USCG First District, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110-3350) e-mail can be sent to: Trevor.c.cowan@uscg.mil and faxes to (617)223-8073. Refer to Project Number 01-09-126. (1st District LNM 40
            It’s about time! We’ve been aboard that ferry boat in the fog. You’d think that everyone would know it’s there, but we saw several fast boats appear out of the fog, headed into harm’s way, as though they had no clue about the ferry route. Now, these boaters will know it’s there (if they bother to look at their charts!).

Fog Signal to be Radio Activated:
            Here’s another interesting trend we’ve noticed. There’s one in East Passage of Narragansett Bay.
The Coast Guard is considering making the following change(s) to this waterway;
            CHANGE: Huntington Harbor Light fog signal is being changed to radio activated. During times of reduced visibility, mariners are requested to turn their VHFM radio to channel 79. By keying their microphone, 5 times consecutively, while on channel 79, this will activate the fog signal for 45 minutes.
            Interested Mariners are strongly encouraged to comment on this proposal in writing, either personally or through your organization. All comments will be carefully considered and are requested by 15 Oct 2009. To facilitate the process, refer to Project Number 01-09-124 for easier identification. In addition to the address listed on the front cover (Commander, USCG First District, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110-3350), e-mails can be sent to mark.e.ferreira@uscg.mil and faxes to 617-223-8073. (1st District LNM 40)

NY Testing for Alternative Natural Gas Pipeline Corridors:
The R/V SEIS SURVEYOR (WBB8821) (150’ x 38’ x 12.5’, 199 GT) will be conducting geophysical and geological surveys in federal and New York state waters to investigate the environmental and engineering feasibility of alternative natural gas pipeline corridors. The vessel will be operating 7 days per week during daylight hours between September 21 and December 31, 2009. The survey area is bound by the following points: 40º 30.917’N, 73º 57.440’W; thence to 40º 35.500’N, 73º 38.194’W; thence to 40º 06.844’N, 73º 37.825’W; thence to 40º 29.717’N, 73º 54.086’W; thence to the point of origin. The types of activities to be conducted are magnetic field measurements, acoustic seafloor and sub-bottom profiling (no explosives), sediment sampling of a limited nature, and small diameter core sampling. During geophysical operations instruments will be towed a maximum of 150m behind the vessel. Vessel speed during operations will be ~4 kts. Vessel will be in motion virtually the entire survey day. During seabed sampling operations, instruments will be deployed from the stationary vessel maintaining position by Starfix DGPS Satellite Navigation System and Linkquest USBL Positioning System for approximately 1-2 hours at a time.      Communications: Vessel is fitted with VHF radios capable of monitoring channel 13, 16. Vessel is fitted with AIS. Bridge Phone: V-SAT 1: 337-210-9527; V-SAT 2: 985-772-8525; IRIDIUM: 504-355-0751. Email: seis@fugro.com. (1st District LNM 40)

Ambrose Channel Dredging:
            Dredging will be done in Ambrose Channel from 24 August until approximately 31 May 2010. The hours of operation will be 7 days a week (approximately) during day light hours. On scene will the dredge SANDY HOOK and tug SAND MASTER. The dredge will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 13 and 14. (1st District LNM 40)

Ambrose Channel Now has Racon:
THE AMBROSE CHANNEL LWB A (LLNR 34785) RACON HAS BEEN INSTALLED AND TRANSMITTING. (1st District LNM 40)

Dredging in Fresh Kills Reach:
            Dredging of 6 shoal areas in the Fresh Kills Reach is being done from 13 October - 13 November 2009. The hours of operation are 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene is the dredge 51, tugs CAPTAIN D & MCCROMACK BOYS, survey vessel WOLF RIVER and the launch NORTH STAR II. The working radio channel for the Dredge 51 and the Tugs Captain D and McCormack Boys will be VHF 05A and both will monitor channels VHF 13 and 16. (1st District LNM 40)

USCG Fifth District
Coastal Waters from Shrewsbury River, New Jersey to Little River, South Carolina

Dredging: NJ Coast:        
            The Dredge ILLINOIS will be conducting dredging operations in the approaches to Hereford Inlet until 30 October, 2009. A combination of floating and submerged pipelines will carry the dredged material to the beach area. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16.
            The Dredge B.E. LINDHOLM will be conducting dredging operation and beach nourishment in the vicinity of Long Beach Island with beach fill at Harvey Cedars, NJ from 17 October until 23 May, 2010. A temporary submerged pipeline will be maintained between the beach and the pump-out mono-buoy located approximately 3,200 feet offshore at approx posit 39-42-01.58N, 074-07-50W. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. (5th District LNM 41)

Delaware Coastal Survey:
            R/V SAMANTHA MILLER, operated by Bluewater Wind, will be conducting a geophysical survey in the vicinity of 38-41-14N, 074-46-06W, approximately 14NMs east of Dewey Beach, DE from 10 October until 19 October, 2009. The vessel will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. It is requested that all vessels remain clear of the operation to prevent damage to the towed equipment. (5th District LNM 41)

Dredging: Philadelphia:
            The Dredge PULLEN will be conducting dredging operations in the Delaware River in the vicinity of the Philadelphia Naval Business Center Pier 4 East from 26 September until 31 October, 2009. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16 and it is requested that all vessel contact the dredge 30 minutes prior to the expected time of passage. (5th District LNM 41)

Abandoned Vessel:
            The economy is forcing some boat owners to take drastic measures to avoid marina fees and other expenses associated with owning a boat. We see an increasing number of boats permanently anchored or moored along the waterways, more with each trip south. Some are obviously abandoned and derelict, but many are nice boats that the owner can’t sell and can’t afford to keep any other way. It’s a big issue as to what to do about them. Here’s one step the Coast Guard is taking:
            An abandoned vessel that was tied to the Northeast River Daybeacon 12 has been anchored in position 39-34.03N, 075-57.702W, approximately 600 yards outside of the channel. The vessel has no identifying numbers or markings. This vessel has been abandoned in violation of federal law (Title 46, U.S. Code, Chapter 47). If the vessel is not removed within 30 days after publication of this notice, it will be removed at the owner's or operator's expense. Any mariners having information regarding the owner or operator of this vessel are urged to contact Sector Baltimore at (410) 576-2525. (5th District LNM 41)

Baltimore Harbor Area Dredging:
            McLean Contracting will be conducting mechanical dredging operations in Bear Creek and the tributaries of Lynch Cove, Chink Creek, Tabasco Cove and School House Cove from 03 September until 01 November, 2009. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16.
            The Weeks Dredge WEEKS 506 and WEEKS 550 will be conducting dredging operations in Baltimore Harbor and Channels (Curtis Bay Channel, Ferry Bar Channel, Northwest Branch East Channel, Ft. McHenry Channel, Tolchester Channel, Brewerton Channel Eastern Extension) until 31 December, 2009. Dredged material will be transported to the Hart-Miller Disposal Area. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16.
            The Dredge DIGGER 1 will be conducting dredging operations in Shallow Creek, near Ft. Howard, Baltimore Harbor from 01October until 30 January, 2010. Dredged material will be transported by barge to the Hart-Miller Disposal Area. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16(5th District LNM 41)

Norfolk Harbor Dredging:
            The Dredge CHARLESTON will be conducting dredging operations in the Norfolk Harbor Channel from 01 September until 10 November, 2009. A submerged pipeline will be placed from the dredging area to the Craney Island Disposal Area. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. (5th District LNM 41)

Berkley Bridge in Norfolk Schedule Change (Not on the ICW):

1. Mariners are advised that a temporary deviation has been approved by the Coast Guard to test an alternate drawbridge operation regulation at the Berkley Bridge, at mile 0.4, across the Elizabeth River (Eastern Branch), in Norfolk, VA. Effective at 9 a.m. on October 9, 2009 through 2:30 p.m. on March 9, 2010, the draw of the bridge to open on signal to vessels at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. However, to clearly display these effective regulations to vessel owners and operators, signs must be posted on the upstream and downstream sides of the bridge by October 24, 2009. 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. The purpose of this temporary deviation will test a change in the drawbridge operation schedule to determine whether a schedule change is needed and to solicit comments from the public.
2. Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard proposes to temporarily change the drawbridge operation regulations at the Berkley Bridge, at mile 0.4, across the Elizabeth River (Eastern Branch), in Norfolk, VA. This proposal will allow from October 9, 2009 to October 5, 2012, the draw of the bridge to open on signal to vessels at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. 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. The proposed change would provide set opening periods for the bridge during the day, relieving vehicular traffic congestion during the weekday daytime hours while still providing for the reasonable needs of navigation.

            Concurrent with this proposal, a test deviation (see above) has been issued to allow the bridge owner, Virginia Department of Transportation, to test the proposed schedule and to obtain data and public comments. The test period will be in effect during the entire proposed comment period.
            Comments on these proposals should be forwarded to the above address (Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704) attention (dpb) no later than December 8, 2009. Copies of PUBLIC NOTICE 5-1157 which describe the proposed change in detail can be obtained by writing to the above address or by calling (757) 398-6222. (5th District LNM 41)

Dredging in Lynnhaven Inlet (Not on the ICW):
            The Dredge RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in the Lynnhaven Inlet from 12 October until 15 December, 2009. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. (5th District LNM 41)

Rudee Inlet, AGAIN:
            The City of Virginia Beach survey of Rudee Inlet dated 02 october, 2009, indicates shoaling to a depth of 8.0 feet MLLW in the inbound channel starting at the east end of the north jetty and continuing eastward approximately 300 feet. Shoaling to a depth of 8.6 feet MLLW exists in the outbound channel extending 200 feet east and west of the east end of the south jetty. Mariners are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when transiting this area. (5th District LNM 41)

NC Lights to be Temporarily Discontinued:
            Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard will temporarily discontinue Cape Lookout Light for scheduled maintenance. Cape Lookout Light will be extinguished from 4 p.m. October 31, 2009 to 6 p.m. November 1, 2009. (5th District LNM 40)
            The following lights will be temporarily discontinued for the periods stated for lighthouse renovation:
A. Ocracoke Light extinguished from 28 September to 30 December, 2009.
B. Bodie Island Light extinguished from 28 September, 2009 to 28 March, 2011. (5th District LNM 40)
           
Cape Fear River Entrance Dredging:
            The Dredge CHARLESTON will be conducting dredging operations in the Atlantic Ocean near Baldhead Island from 15 October, 2009, until 31 March, 2010. Dredging will be performed on the southern end of Jay Bird Shoal west of the Baldhead Shoal Channel in the vicinity of the Cape Fear River Entrance. A submerged pipeline will be placed from the dredging area across the Baldhead Shoal Channel at Cape Fear River Entrance Channel Lighted Buoy 11 and Cape Fear River Entrance Channel Lighted Buoy 12. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. It is requested that all traffic call 30 minutes prior to the expected time of passage. (5th District LNM 41)

Dredging in Wilmington Harbor Anchorage, NC:
            The Dredge HAMPTON ROADS will be conducting dredging operations in the Cape Fear River in the vicinity of the Wilmington Harbor Anchorage to the Route 17 Bascule Bridge from 08 October, 2009, until completion. The dredge may be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. It is requested that all traffic call 30 minutes prior to the expected time of passage. (5th District LNM 41)

USCG Seventh District
Coastal Waters from Little River, South Carolina to Panama City, Florida

More Dredging in Charleston Harbor:
            From MSIB (60-09), Charleston Homeport:
On or about Thursday, September 24, 2009, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company LLC will be performing maintenance dredging/excavation in: the Charleston Harbor, Lower Reaches, and Wando River in Charleston County, SC. The work will be performed with a clamshell barge ( Dredge 54), 2 material transport barges (GL-64 & GL-66), 1 towing tug (Nellin Lemmerhirt), & 1 tending vessel tug (Gulf Dawn). Operations will consist of the transportation of approximately 1,695,000 cubic yards (CY) of dredged material from the Charleston Harbor to the offshore disposal site, center located at LATITUDE: 32°38’6.1827 N/ LONGITUDE: 079°44’36.2830 W. The work is anticipated to last approximately 90 days (to be complete by Friday, December 25, 2009).
            All vessels transiting this area must operate their vessels at a safe speed and maintain a lookout for barges, tugs, and work boats.  All vessels must monitor VHF Channel 5, 13 or 16 while approaching and passing the dredging activity.  Thank you for your cooperation.
            If there are any questions or if additional information is needed, please call Christopher Pomfret at 630-730-7690 or Kevin Holt at 630-750-1304.

St. Simons Lighthouse Temporary Change Date Announced:
            St Simons Lighthouse will be temporarily disestablished due to rehabilitation of the Lighthouse and Optic. A temporary directional light will be mounted on the Lighthouse to act as a Range Front Light during construction. The light will display Flashing White 2.5 characteristics and only be visible one half degree each side of the range line.
            The work will be completed the week of 01 March 2010. (7th District LNM 41)

 Okeechobee Waterway Update:
            On October 14, 2009 the lake level was 14.39 feet. You can check the daily lake level at http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Engineering/Branches/WaterResources/WaterMgt/DOCS/Reports/r-oke.html .
            Navigation interests are advised that Port Mayaca Lock guide walls are undergoing repair, during weekday operations Monday through Friday during the hours 0700-1700 from 10 august 2009 through 19 February 2010. Delays are not expected. The work is being performed due to the severe deterioration of the lock guide walls. The guide walls in their current state are a potential hazard to navigation. The work is being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. (7th District LNM 41)

Ft. Lauderdale Nav. Aid Change:
            The following change has been proposed to the aids to navigation system at Middle River.
            Permanently discontinued Middle River Daybeacon 1 (LLNR 47245).
All comments should be addressed to Commander (DPW), Seventh Coast Guard District 909 S.E. 1st Ave (STE 406) Brickell Plaza Federal Bldg, Miami, Fl 33131 to be received by 30 October 2009. (7th District LNM 41)

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 41
            Bridge of Lions, Mile 777.9:  Channel restrictions began September 14, 2009. Channel will be restricted to 35 feet horizontal clearance between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. This will continue through October 30, 2009.
            Channel will be closed to all marine traffic each night with opening for declared emergencies only began October 1, 2009 and will continue through October 30, 2009, 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.
            Max Brewer Bridge, Mile 878.9: AKA Titusville Bridge, is being replaced with a high level bridge. Construction began May 11, 2009 and will continue through April, 2011.
            8:00 a.m. November 1-- 5:00 p.m. November 30, 2009: The west channel of the swing bridge will be closed. The east channel is open with no restrictions.
            8:00 a.m. December 1—5:00 p.m. December 31, 2009: The east channel of the swing bridge will be closed. The west channel is open with no restrictions.         Marine interests should contact Lane Construction at 321 607 5700 for additional information on construction schedules.
            NASA Railroad Bridge, Mile 876.6: Until October 23, 2009: Closed 7-11:00 a.m. and 1-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, except federal holidays, for repairs.
            Old Roosevelt Bridge, St. Lucie River (Not on the ICW): October 18-20, 2009: “Open to Navigation” position. October 21-23: Opens on the hour from 9:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m., for repairs.
Atlantic Avenue Bridge, Mile 1039.6: Opens once an hour on the quarter hour, daily, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., October 26-30, 2009, for repairs.
            Bakers Haulover Bridge, North Miami Beach (Not on the ICW): The fender system on this bridge will be replaced between April 12 and December 7, 2009. A barge and floating equipment will be in the vicinity and at times will be restricting the navigable channel.
            5th Street Bridge, Miami River, Mile 1.5 (Not on the ICW): Work continues.
            Cortez Bridge: Worth Contracting has advised this office that the Cortez Bridge, mile 84.6, Cortez, Florida will be on single-leaf operations from September 14 through December 31, 2009. A double-leaf opening is available with a two hour notice to the bridge tender.
            Dunedin Causeway Bridge: Single-leaf operation from Sept.8, 2009 through Feb. 28, 2010. A double-leaf opening will be available with a 3-hour notice to the bridge tender. Scaffolding will reduce the vertical clearance of the down span by five feet.

LNG Pipeline Filling in Tampa Bay:
            Misener Marine has commenced pipeline filling operations of the recently installed Gulfstream LNG Pipeline in Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay, Florida. Pipeline filling operations are being conducted east of Weedom Island until completion on or about October 31, 2009. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting this area and proceed at their slowest safe speed. For further information please contact the Misener Marine Vessel on scene via VHF Channel 12, 13 or 16. (7th District LNM 41)

Dredging in Port of Tampa:
            Orion Dredging Services has commenced dredging operations at Port Redwing berths 300 and 301 within the Port of Tampa, Tampa, Florida, with completion on or about November 8, 2009. Submerged and floating dredge pipeline will traverse the waters of Tampa Bay from the spoil island north of Big Bend Channel and will run southeast into Port Redwing. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting in the vicinity of Port Redwing and the spoil island north of Big Bend Channel. The Dredge MR O and Tender J. J. will monitor VHF channel 12, 13 and 16. For further information please contact Tampa Bay's Cooperative Vessel Traffic services at (813) 242-1600 or via VHF-FM Channel 12. (7th District LNM 41)

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 this use.