3D SILLAGE - Michel et Emmanuele au SAN BLAS

Si je ne suis plus avec vous depuis quelques jours c est que nous avons fait naufrage sur un récif au San Blas.

Aujourd'hui le bateau est sauvé. Beaucoup de pertes matérielles. Beaucoup de temps pour tout réorganiser notamment les communications.

Le réseau des amis au San Blas s est mis en route et nous aide énormément.

Je vous tiens au courant pour la suite.

Nos amitiés
Emmanuele et Michel

AMBITION 1 - Stéphane et Louise aux CANARIES

La traversée jusqu'aux Acores s'est très passée. Nous avons passé 6 semaines dans les Iles des Acores et ensuite 4 semaines dans les Iles de Madère. Nous avons beaucoup apprécié visiter ces iles. Nous devons aller aux marinas plus souvent qu'on le souhaite car on préfère les mouillages mais heureusement les prix sont très raisonnables.

Nous sommes depuis près de 2 semaines a Lanzarote. Nous allons visiter les Canaries tout le mois d'octobre, ensuite le Cap Vert. Nous prévoyons faire la grande traversée et atterrir en Martinique a la fin novembre début décembre. Nous naviguons avec nos amis Sophie et André de Frimousse et tout va bien.



Nos salutations a tous,

Louise et Stéphane

AVIS AUX NAVIGATEURS

BOATUS EAST COAST ALERTS
A free service exclusively for BoatUS Members, produced by Mel Neale

September 28, 2017

Italicized text indicates our comment, paraphrase or source. Plain text is copied from the USCG Local Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

Attention Boaters:

Dismal Swamp Canal Opening Delayed:
NORFOLK, Va. - Officials at the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have delayed reopening the Dismal Swamp Canal until late October.

“Recent weather events have delayed progress, and the latest condition survey of Turners Cut showed that additional dredging was needed,” said Keith Lockwood, Norfolk District Operations Branch chief.

In August, the Norfolk District announced the canal would re-open at the end of September.

Officials closed the canal in October 2016 after Hurricane Matthew toppled more than 350 trees into the waterway, and sediment - washed into the canal from rain and flooding - created extensive shoaling along the 22 miles of the canal, the Deep Creek Channel and Turners Cut Channel. Since then, crews have cleared trees and dredged the canal, which, in places, was at a depth of 1 foot.

"In the history of the canal, we've never had this issue, and we're using every available resource to make the canal safe again for vessels," said Joel Scussel, Norfolk District Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway project manager. 9/15/17: By Public Affairs, Norfolk District USACE

SOUTH CAROLINA - GEORGIA - FLORIDA
DUE TO THE PASSAGE OF HURRICANE IRMA, AIDS TO NAVIGATION, STRUCTURES OR PLATFORMS MAY BE DAMAGED, DESTROYED OR SUBMERGED. LIGHTED AND UNLIGHTED BUOYS MAY HAVE BEEN MOVED FROM ASSIGNED POSITIONS, BE DAMAGED, EXTINGUISHED, SINK, OR OTHERWISE MADE INOPERATIVE. MARINERS SHOULD NOT RELY COMPLETELY UPON THE POSITION OR OPERATION OF AN AID TO NAVIGATION IN THESE AREAS, BUT SHOULD ALSO EMPLOY SUCH OTHER METHODS OF DETERMINING POSITION AS MAY BE AVAILABLE. WRECKS AND SUBMERGED OBSTRUCTIONS MAY MOVE FROM CHARTED LOCATIONS AND PIPELINES MAY BECOME UNCOVERED OR MOVE DUE TO THE FORCE OF STORM SURGE. MARINERS ARE URGED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION AND REPORT ALL AIDS TO NAVIGATION DISCREPANCIES TO THE NEAREST COAST GUARD UNIT

****THIS LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS (#37, Published Wednesday, September 13, 2017) DOES NOT REFLECT ALL OF THE POTENIAL DISCREPANCIES OF THE AIDS TO NAVIGATION**** (USCG 7th District LNM Week 37/2017)

WEST INDIES - PUERTO RICO:
DUE TO THE PASSAGE OF HURRICANE IRMA AND HURRICANE MARIA: AIDS TO NAVIGATION, STRUCTURES OR PLATFORMS MAY BE DAMAGED, DESTROYED OR SUBMERGED. LIGHTED AND UNLIGHTED BUOYS MAY BE OFF STATION FROM ASSIGNED POSITIONS, BE DAMAGED, EXTINGUISHED, SINK, OR OTHERWISE MADE INOPERATIVE. MARINERS SHOULD NOT RELY COMPLETELY UPON THE POSITION OR OPERATION OF AN AID TO NAVIGATION IN THESE AREAS, BUT SHOULD ALSO EMPLOY SUCH OTHER METHODS OF DETERMINING POSITION AS MAY BE AVAILABLE. WRECKS AND SUBMERGED OBSTRUCTIONS MAY MOVE FROM CHARTED LOCATIONS AND PIPELINES MAY BECOME UNCOVERED OR MOVE DUE TO THE FORCE OF STORM SURGE. MARINERS ARE URGED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION AND REPORT ALL AIDS TO NAVIGATION DISCREPANCIES TO THE NEAREST COAST GUARD UNIT.

****THIS LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS (#38, Published Wednesday, September 20, 2017) DOES NOT REFLECT ALL OF THE POTENIAL DISCREPANCIES OF THE AIDS TO NAVIGATION****(USCG 7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

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

Maine Coast Nav Aids Changes:
The U.S. Coast Guard will be making the following changes to the listed Aids to Navigation (Aids are listed in alphabetical order only and does not represent any completion order timeline) prior to 15 November 2017 weather and operations permitting:
Great Duck Island (LLNR 2295)
Halfway Rock (LLNR 40/6675)
Libby Island Light (LLNR 1120)
Little River Light (LLNR 1075)
Matinicus Rock Light (LLNR 10/3195)
Mount Desert Rock (LLNR 5/2290)
Petit Manan Light (LLNR 1735)

CHANGE the fog signal to radio activated by the mariner. During times of reduced visibility, mariners are requested to turn their VHF-FM radio to channel 83A/157.175Mhz. By keying their microphone, 5 times consecutively, while on channel 83A, this will activate the fog signal for 60 minutes. (First District LNM Week 36/2017)

Boston Inner Harbor Dredging:
Great Lakes Dredge 54 and 55 will be conducting dredging operation 24x7 in varies locations throughout Boston Inner Harbor until December 20, 2017. For safety concerns, all boaters are requested to stay at least 150 feet away from either dredge. Any vessel requesting the movement of the dredge contact dredge 54 or 55 via vhf 16 or 13, 45 minutes in advance. All mariners are urged to use extreme caution when transiting Boston Harbor and plan accordingly. (First District LNM Week 36/2017)

Weymouth Fore RNA for Bridge Construction:
The Captain of the Port (COTP) Boston is providing notification of closure and partial closure of Regulated Navigation Area Regulation 33 CFR l 65.T01-0876 - Weymouth Fore River, Fore River Bridge Construction, Weymouth and Quincy, MA. Due to the removal of the temporary bridge, the following channel closures will apply:

Monday September 25, 2017, 8:00 a.m. through Tuesday October 03, 2017, 8:00 a.m. the channel will be closed. NO vessel movement through the main bridge span will be allowed. During this time, the northern temporary span, towers, and machinery will be removed.

Entry into, anchoring, or remaining in the Regulated Navigation Area is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Boston, or a designated representative.

The Quincy and Weymouth Harbormasters will be on scene as the COTP designated representatives. The time frames referenced above may be adjusted to accommodate any unforeseen delays. Any such modification to the time frame will be disseminated to waterway users by the widest available means. Please be sure to regularly check the Local Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

If you have additional questions, the Assistant Branch Chief of Waterways Management, Mr. Mark Cutter at (6 17) 447-1620 or at mark.e.cutter@uscg.mil. (First District LNM Week 33/2017)

Dredging, Wynn Casino, Mystic River, MA:
Dredging will be done within embayment SE of Wynn Casino construction site in Everett, NNE of Alford St. bridge over Mystic River. The work will be done from October 28, 2017 - February 15, 2018. The hours of operation will be Monday - Saturday, 24 hours a day. On scene will be barges, turbidity curtains and tugs. (First District LNM Week 38/2017)

Dredging, Manchester by the Sea, MA:
Dredging is being done from October 1, 2017 until February 14, 2017. the hours of operation will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene will be the dredge #5, tug DOROTHY L and scow 15 that will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. (First District LNM Week 38/2017)

South of Martha’s Vineyard Mooring Work:
Surface and subsurface mooring work will be done approximately 60 to 100 nautical miles south of Martha's Vineyard.
Moorings are located in the vicinity of 15 nm East of Block Canyon to 10 nm West of Alvin Canyon between 50 and 250 fathoms. The work will be done from October 22 - November 12, 2017. The hours of operation will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene will be the R/V NEIL ARMSTRONG that will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 11 & 13. (First District LNM Week 38/2017)

Survey Ops Dates Extended, South of Martha’s Vineyard:
Geophysical survey operations have been extended until December 31, 2017. There are two operations which will accomplished consecutively.

MAW01b Route
70° 51’ 06.394’’W 41° 09’ 44.824’’N
70° 45’ 03.330’’W 41° 07’ 05.084’’N
70° 40’ 09.960’’W 41° 06’ 25.612’’N
70° 37’ 51.806’’W 41° 05’ 51.485’’N
70° 38’ 04.758’’W 41° 05’ 17.769’’N
70° 40’ 19.622’’W 41° 05’ 53.952’’N
70° 45’ 19.366’’W 41° 06’ 34.247’’N
70° 51’ 28.594’’W 41° 09’ 17.070’’N

MAW01 GP1B SIte
70° 29’ 04.418’’W 41° 08’ 22.110’’N
70° 44’ 26.811’’W 40° 56’ 15.708’’N
70° 49’ 17.372’’W 40° 59’ 48.147’’N
70° 49’ 22.854’’W 41° 04’ 08.555’’N
70° 46’ 19.883’’W 41° 04’ 14.037’’N
70° 46’ 23.995’’W 41° 06’ 13.277’’N
70° 40’ 20.794’’W 41° 06’ 08.480’’N
70° 40’ 24.221’’W 41° 08’ 23.481’’N

The hours of operation will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene will be the OCEAN RESEARCHER, that will be monitoring VHF-FM channel 16. Mariners are requested to proceed with caution give at least 1000 Meter separation from the OCEAN RESEARCHER, vessel, when sighted as various data and hydrographic information is being collected by instrumentation deployed by the Ocean Researcher, as well as in consideration of their restricted maneuverability. (First District LNM Week 39/2017)

Fox Point Hurricane Barrier Work Providence, RI:
A contractor for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers will be conducting maintenance and painting at the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, just north of the I-195 “I-Way” bridge, in Providence, RI. The work is scheduled to start September 2017 and is expected to be completed approximately in December 2017.

Two small work barges and a push boat will be on scene to accommodate divers and painters. The push boat will monitor VHF channels 13 and 16 at all times while work is underway. At night both barges will be anchored out of the navigation channel and lighted.
Only one of the three gates at the hurricane barrier will be worked on at a time, allowing the passage of marine traffic through the other two gates.

The contractor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is Black Dog Divers, whose point of contact is Mr. Nate Gilmore who can be reached at 207- 807-5470.

Mariners are cautioned to approach the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier with extra caution and always determine which gate to use for safe passage. Mariners are asked to slow down and proceed with extra caution in the vicinity of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. (First District LNM Week 38/2017)

Old Sakonnet River Bridge. Channel Closure:
To accommodate demolition of the old Sakonnet River Bridge, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) requires a temporary closure of the Sakonnet River channel beneath the old and new Sakonnet River bridges.

The Sakonnet River channel will be closed during bridge demolition operations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Monday thru Saturday, from approximately October 9 to November 13, 2017.

Vessels will be unable to enter or transit through the Sakonnet River channel during these bridge demolition operations. The Sakonnet River channel will be open to all vessel traffic during non-demolition hours, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

A patrol vessel will be on scene during channel closures and may be reached via VHF channels 13 or 16. The time frames referenced above may be adjusted to accommodate any unforeseen delays. Any such modification to the time frame will be disseminated to waterway users by the widest available means. Please be sure to regularly check the Local Notice to Mariners, and listen to Broadcast Notice to Mariners. Mariners are advised to proceed with with extreme caution when transiting the area. Mariners may also contact the RIDOT person in charge by phone at (401) 265-5281.

If you have additional questions, you may contact Senior Chief Petty Officer Timothy Chase of Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England at (401) 435-2356 or e-mail Timothy.W.Chase@uscg.mil. (First District LNM Week 38/2017)

Navy Sub Base Dredging, Thames River:
Dredging and Capping is being done at the Naval Sub base, between piers 1 and 6, until March 31, 2018. The hours of operation are Monday - Friday, from 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. On scene will be 5 barges, 2 tugs and work boats that will be monitoring VHF-FM channel 74. A turbidity curtain with h-pile anchors will be located within the Navy Base Security Barrier and turbidity monitoring buoys will be placed within 300 -500 FT of security barrier with marker lights. (First District LNM Week 39/2017)

Dredging in Clinton Harbor, CT:
Dredging will be done, in (PA) 41° 16’ 07.93” N, 72° 31’ 47.95” W, from October 1 - 31, 2017. The hours of operation will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day! On scene will be a tug boat BULL DOZER and dump scow that will be monitoring VHF-FM channel 13. (First District LNM Week 38/2017)

Manhattan Cruise Terminal Dredging:
Dredging will be done at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal from October 4- 29, 2017. The hours of operation will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene will be the dredge NO. 51, barges GL 63, GL 65 & GL 601, tugs ALLIE B & SHANNON DANN and a survey boat that will be monitoring VHF- FM channels 13 & 16. (First District LNM Week 39/2017)

Test Borings, Arthur Kill:
Testing borings will be done east & west of the Outer Bridge Reach from October 2 - 20, 2017. The hours of operation will be Monday Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. On scene will be a barge and tug. Borings are close to ruins just inside channel, so 2.5 hours advance notice to move is requested. (First District LNM Week 39/2017)

NJ Sediment Testing:
Sediment coring investigations are being done Lower 8.3 miles of Lower Passaic River to the Second River until January 19, 2018, The work is being done in the following locations (PA)
Northern Extent (Second River) - 40°46’46.96”N / 74°08’53.88”W Newark Bay - Southern Point 40°42’15.87”N/74°08’14.29”W to Newark Bay - Northern Point 40°43’10.09”N/74°06’34.11”W.

The hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 6:00 am - 7:00 pm (depending on the tide). On scene is a barge, smoker craft, pontoon boats that will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 13, 16 & 17 and recreational boat channels. Please provide vessels in the Lower Passaic River with a wide 100’ berth. (First District LNM Week 39/2017)

Housatonic River Drifters:
Drifter deployment and tracking will be done in the vicinity of Crimbo Point from October 4 - November 4, 2017. The drifters will be at station 1 in (PA) 41 10 23.570 N 73 6 52.600 W. On scene will be current tracking drifters at the station., above water it has an orange cylinder 1 foot diameter, 3 inch high with a tan colored GPS transmitter used for tracking. (First District LNM Week 38/2017)

NJ (Morses Creek) overhead Powerline Work:
The electric and gas company will be removing and replacing 2 existing overhead electric lines in the following positions:
Aerial Crossing #1 Lat 40°38'4.12"N Lon 74°12'18.36"W
Aerial Crossing #2 40°38'5.38"N 74°12'17.19"W
Aerial Crossing #3 40°38'7.21 "N 74°12'16.53"W
Aerial Crossing #4 40°38'8.64"N 74°12'17.50"W

The work will be done from September 18 - December 17, 2017. The hours of operation will be Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. (First District LNM Week 36/2017)

Tappan Zee Bridge Construction Update:
For the current channel impact status call the project’s 24-hour automated message system at (914) 789-3224.

East Half Channel Closures: On Fri, Sep 29th from approximately 8 am to 4 pm the eastern 300 feet of the 600 foot wide main Federal navigation channel at the Tappan Zee Bridge is closed to all vessel transits. The western 300 feet of the 600 foot wide main Federal navigation channel remains open. All vessels may not produce a wake and may not attain speeds greater than five knots unless a higher minimum speed is necessary to maintain steerageway when transiting through the Tappan Zee Bridge regulated navigation areas.

Tappan Zee Constructors has installed the additional following Private Aids to Navigation for this project:
Tappan Zee Construction Temporary Channel LB 1 at (pa) 41°03’57.514”N, 073°52’56.018”W; Tappan Zee Construction Temporary Channel LB 2 at (pa) 41°03’57.514”N, 073°52’48.185”W; Tappan Zee Construction Temporary Channel LB 3 at (pa) 41°04’27.156”N, 073°52’55.740”W; Tappan Zee construction Temporary Channel LB 4 at (pa) 41°04’27.157”N, 073°52’47.906”W.

Additionally, there are 16 equipment moorings located west of the navigation channel, 8 to the south and 8 to the north of the bridge. The buoy positions are displayed on corrected editions of NOAA Chart 12343. They are each lit with a 360 degree steady burning white light. The Coast Guard has established a safety zone surrounding these equipment moorings. Entry into, anchoring, loitering, or movement within the Safety Zone is prohibited unless the vessel is working on the bridge construction operations or authorized by the Captain of the Port New York (COTP) or a designated representative.

Nine buoys have been installed marking the equipment mooring area safety zone. Each buoy has a 39" diameter and a height of 82.5" (64" above the waterline). The buoys are white with an orange warning decal and lit with a white flashing light visible for 3 nm. The buoys are displayed on corrected editions of NOAA Chart 12343.

Mariners are advised to transit the main channel, reduce wake and use extreme caution while transiting the area in the vicinity of the Tappan Zee Bridge especially during inclement weather and darkness, and pay particular attention to vessel movements. (First District LNM Week 18/2017)


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

NJICW Route 72 Bridges Construction Continues:
A construction firm, on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, will continue marine construction in the vicinity of the existing and new Route 72 Bridges over Manahawkin Bay, at New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway mile 37.4, in Ship Bottom, Ocean County, NJ until May 2019. The new Route 72 Manahawkin Bridge has a vertical clearance of 55 feet above mean high water and a horizontal clearance of 100 feet between fender systems. In addition to bridge construction, marine construction operations include installation and removal of work trestles, caissons and cofferdams, bridge scaffolding and false work, as well as demolition of portions of the existing bridge not utilized in the new bridges. An 80-foot by 80-foot barge will be placed in the navigation channel from September 18, 2017 through November 30, 2017; from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., to facilitate fender system work within the channel. The barge will be moved outside the navigation channel outside of work hours. Vessels that need the barge to relocate from the navigation channel during work hours should contact the tug on VHF-FM channel 13 or demolition supervisor by telephone at least 2 hours prior to transiting the bridge. Vessels may contact the demolition crew supervisor at (732) 751-2088 or (732) 751- 2020. Vessels and barges will be used during marine construction and will monitor VHF-FM channel 13. Detailed project information and information concerning waterway closures will be provided via updated local notice to mariners, broadcast notice to mariners and marine safety information bulletins. Mariners should use caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 38/2017)

More NJ Dredging:
Mobile Dredging & Video Pipe Inc. will be performing maintenance dredging in Ocean City, NJ, Carnival Bayou beginning on or about October 2, 2017 and continuing through November 30, 2017. Dredged material will be transported via pipeline to Site 83 CDF adjacent to Roosevelt Blvd. The pipeline will be marked and will either float or be sunk at access crossings at mouths of harbors/lagoons. The dredging will be performed by the cutter suction Dredge # D-14 and will be assisted by the vessel WB-24. The dredge and other associated vessels will monitor VHF channels 6, 13 and 16. Work will be performed daily between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. For additional information or questions contact Alex Dick at 610-742-3146. (5th District LNM Week 35/2017)

Scarborough Marine Group will be conducting mechanical dredging operations in Ocean City, NJ in Sunny and South Harbors. The dredging will be conducted from 6 Sep to 30 Nov 2017, Monday through Friday during the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. The vessels ELEPHANT, BEAR, Rig Barge #1, Hopper Barge #1, #2, #3, #4 will be on scene and may be contacted on VHF-FM channel 10. (5th District LNM Week 35/2017)

Margate Bridge (NJICW Mile 74) to be Closed to Navigation:
The Margate Boulevard (Margate Bridge) bridge over NJICW (Beach Thorofare), mile 74.0, at Margate City, NJ will be maintained in the closed-to- navigation position to facilitate urgent bridge maintenance of the bridge bascule spans. The bridge will be maintained in the closed position from 7 a.m. on Monday October 2, 2017 through 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2017. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies. Mariners will be unable to pass under the closed span during these closure periods, as two construction barges will be occupying the navigation channel. Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly and should use caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 36/2017)

Offshore NJ Submarine Cable Repair:
The CS WAVE SENTINEL Call Sign MZBC8, will be conducting fiber optic submarine cable repairs 92 NM off shore of Wildwood NJ in approximate position 38° 58.8003N, 72° 51.1309W starting 27 Sep 2017 for 5 days depending on weather. Vessels should maintain a distance of at least 1NM from the cable ship during operations, and 1/4NM from any cable buoys in place during the course of the repair for safety. For more information or question contact John Wrottesley at john.Wrottesley@globalmarine.group. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Brigantine, NJ Dredging:
Wickberg Marine Contracting, Inc, contracted by NJ DOT, will be conducting dredging operations in the area of Absecon Inlet, near the City of Brigantine in St George’s Thorofare beginning on 2 Oct and completing on or about 31 Oct 2017. Operations will be conducted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The dredge and support vessel may be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 and 13. For more information or questions contact Bill Henderson, NJDOT at 609-530-6629, William.Henderson@dot.nj.gov or Tim Rioux at 908-295-6507, trioux@riouxengineering.com. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Beach Creek Bridge, NJ ICW, Reduced Horizontal Clearance:
An engineering firm, on behalf of New Jersey Department of Transportation, will be performing maintenance at SR 147 (Beach Creek Bridge) Bridge, over NJICW (Beach Creek), mile 0.7, in Wildwood, NJ. The maintenance will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 7 days a week; on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, through Monday, July 2, 2018. Work will consist of repair and rehabilitation of the bridge fender system. A 26 ft. work vessel and two work barges will be in and around the vicinity of the bridge. During the maintenance period, the horizontal clearance of the bridge will be reduced by approximately 20 feet to approximately 20 feet of available navigable clearance during the work hours, and will be reduced by approximately 10 feet to approximately 30 feet of available navigable clearance at all other times. Vessels who can safely transit through the reduced horizontal clearances, may do so at any time. Maintenance personnel, equipment and vessels will relocate from the navigable channel, upon request. The work vessel and work barges may be reached on VHF-FM channel 13. The project foreman can be reached at (610) 368-3739 or (267) 907-6501. Mariners who need more than 20 feet of horizontal clearance during work hours should notify the work foreman no less than 24 hours prior to navigating through the bridge. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

SR 162 (CR 626/Seashore Road) Bridge, NJICW, Reduced Horizontal Clearance:
An engineering firm, on behalf of New Jersey Department of Transportation, will be performing maintenance at SR 162 (CR 626/Seashore Road) Bridge, over NJICW (Cape May Canal), mile 115.5, in Cape May, NJ. The maintenance will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 7 days a week; on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 through Wednesday, March 20, 2018. Work will consist of repair and rehabilitation of the bridge fender system. A 26 ft. work vessel and two work barges will be in and around the vicinity of the bridge. During the maintenance period, the horizontal clearance of the bridge will be reduced by approximately 40 feet to approximately 40 feet of available navigational clearance during the work hours, and will be reduced by approximately 10 feet to approximately 70 feet of available navigable clearance at all other times. Vessels who can safely transit through the reduced horizontal clearances, may do so at any time. Maintenance personnel, equipment and vessels will relocate from the navigable channel, upon request. The work vessel and work barges may be reached on VHF-FM channel 13. The project foreman can be reached at (610) 368-3739 or (267) 907-6501. Mariners who need more than 40 feet of horizontal clearance during work hours should notify the work foreman no less than 24 hours prior to navigating through the bridge. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Cape May Canal Bridge Reduced Horizontal Clearance:
An engineering firm, on behalf of New Jersey Department of Transportation, will be performing maintenance at SR 109 Bridge, over NJICW (Cape May Canal), mile 114.3, in Cape May NJ. The maintenance will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 7 days a week; on Monday, September 18, 2017 through February 1, 2018. Work will consist of repair and rehabilitation of the bridge fender system. A 26 ft. work vessel and two work barges will be in and around the vicinity of the bridge. During the maintenance period, the horizontal clearance of the bridge will be reduced by approximately 40 feet to approximately 40 feet, and will be reduced by approximately 10 feet to approximately70 feet at all other times. Vessels who can safely transit through the reduced horizontal clearances, may do so at any time. Maintenance personnel, equipment and vessels will relocate from the navigable channel, upon request. The work vessel and work barges may be reached on VHF-FM channel 13. The project foreman can be reached at (610) 368-3739 or (267) 907-6501. Mariners who need more than 40 feet of horizontal clearance during work hours should notify the work foreman no less than 24 hours prior to navigating through the bridge. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 36/2017)

Delaware Bay Dredging:
The Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay, is notifying mariners that the Coast Guard is establishing two Safety Zones to facilitate the deepening of the main navigational channel in the Delaware River on or about August 30, 2017 through March 15, 2018. During this time, the dredges ESSEX and CHARLESTON will be dredging in Marcus Hook Range and Anchorage, Bellevue Range, Chester Range, and Eddystone Range.

Safety Zone one includes all the waters within a 250 yard radius of the dredge ESSEX and CHARLESTON, including all related dredge equipment. Vessels are advised to ensure safe passage by contacting the dredge ESSEX and CHARLESTON, on VHF channel 13 or 16, 1 hour, as well as 30 minutes, prior to arrival. At least one side of the main navigational channel will be kept clear for safe passage of vessels in the vicinity of the safety zones. At no time will the main navigational channel be closed to vessel traffic. Vessels should approach meetings in these areas, where one side of the main navigational channel is open, and proceed per this MSIB and the Rules of the Road (33 C.F.R. Subchapter E). This safety zone will be in place for the duration of the dredging project.

Safety Zone two includes all the waters of Marcus Hook Anchorage No. 7 found in 33 CFR 110.157 (a) (8). Safety Zone two will be in place only during the time the dredge ESSEX and/or CHARLESTON is conducting dredging operations in Marcus Hook Anchorage. Vessels desiring to anchor within Marcus Hook Anchorage during the enforcement of safety zone two must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port at least 24 hours in advance, at (215) 271-4807. The COTP will permit two vessels at a time in Marcus Hook Anchorage on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Normally, this is a 48 hour anchorage; however, vessels will not be permitted to occupy the anchorage beyond 12 hours during this time. Vessels that require an examination by the Public Health Service, Customs, or Immigration authorities will be directed to an anchorage for the required inspection by the COTP. Vessels are encouraged to use Mantua Creek Anchorage (anchorage #9), Naval Base, Philadelphia Anchorage (anchorage #10), and Deepwater Point Anchorage (anchorage #6) as alternatives. (5th District LNM Week 34/2017)

The dredge ILLINOIS will begin pipe laying operations in Anchorage 5, southeast of Pea Patch Island on September 6, 2017. Dredging operations will begin in New Castle Range upon completion of pipe laying operations. The following safety zones will be in place during this time.

Safety zone one includes all the waters within a 150 yard radius of the dredge ILLINOIS and all related dredge equipment. Vessels are advised to ensure safe passage by contacting the dredge ILLINOIS one hour, as well as 30 minutes, prior to arrival. This safety zone will be in place for the duration of the dredging project. Safety zone two includes all the waters of Pea Patch Island Anchorage No. 5 found in 33 CFR 110.157 (a) (6), where submerged pipeline will be located causing a hazard to anchoring vessels. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited unless vessels obtain permission from the Captain of the Port or make satisfactory passing arrangements with the dredge ILLNOIS per this rule and the Rules of the Road (33 C.F.R. Subchapter E). Mariners are cautioned to remain a safe distance away from the dredge, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires, and related equipment. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution and operate at a minimum steerage speed to reduce wake when transiting the area. Any questions should be directed to the Coast Guard Command Center at (215) 271-4807 or VHF- FM channel 16. (5th District LNM Week 36/2017)

US Wind Survey Ops, Offshore Delaware:
US Wind will be conducting survey operations in the Maryland Wind Energy Area located on the Outer Continental Shelf of the Atlantic Ocean and in the corridor to Indian River Bay, Delaware. See ENCLOSURE 9. The survey will consist of towed array geophysical instruments, vibracores and benthic grab samples. The survey work will begin in late September and continue through October. If you have questions contact Paul Rich of US Wind at 410-727-4020. (5th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Ocean City, MD, Dredging for Beach Fill:
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC will be placing approximately 883,000 cubic yards of beach fill along the shoreline of Ocean City, MD. Material will be dredged from a borrow area approximately 2 Nm offshore of Ocean City Beach. The material will be dug and transported by the hopper dredge LIBERTY ISLAND to 6 different submerged pipeline landing locations. Each submerged pipeline landings location will consist of approximately 4,500 feet of 30” diameter steel submerged pipeline and a pump out cube. Hopper Dredge LIBERTY ISLAND, Survey Vessel, Crew Boat, Derrick 64, Anchor Barge, Tug POPS, Tug CAJUN, and Tug VOLUNTEER STATE will be on scene from 29 Sep to Dec 2017, working 24 hours per day, seven days a week. They may be contacted on VHF Channels 13 & 16. Mobilization for this work will consist of the retrieval and towing of floating steel pipeline from offshore areas of Southern New Jersey. These strings of pipeline will either be towed directly to the landing areas or to the marine staging area inside of Assateague Island. For question contact Site Manager: Eugene Corey (630) 418-8276 ECorey@gldd.com, or Site Manager: Eric Mitchell (630) 605-2158 WEMitchell@gldd.com. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Patapsco River South Branch Bridge Maintenance:
An engineering firm, on behalf of Maryland Transportation Authority, will be performing maintenance at I-895 Bridge across Patapsco River Southern Branch, mile 12.9, near Brooklyn Park, MD. The maintenance will be conducted between September 22, 2017 through September 1, 2018; 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. The bridge superstructure will be replaced. A work vessel and several work barges will be located adjacent to the bridge. Maintenance personnel, equipment and vessels will not impede into the navigable channel. The project foreman can be reached at (443) 392-8089. Mariners should use caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 36/2017)

Love Point Artificial Reef Work:
The Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative will be deploying concrete material at the Love Point Artificial Reef site on one day the week of October 9-13, 2017, weather permitting. The material will be deployed via crane at or near 39 04.044' N, 76 17.327' W, in approximately 26 feet of water. On the day of deployment a tug boat and barges carrying the crane and concrete will be spudded down on the site from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. For questions the Maryland Artificial Reef Coordinator can be reached at Michael.Malpezzi@maryland.gov. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Maintenance:
An engineering firm, on behalf of Maryland Transportation Authority, will be performing maintenance at US 50/US 301 (William P. Lane Jr. Memorial) (eastern channel) westbound bridge, over Chesapeake Bay, mile 138.1, near Stevensville, MD. The maintenance will continue through June 20, 2019; 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. A work platform will be attached to the underside of bridge which will reduce the vertical clearance of the bridge spans by approximately 2 feet. To facilitate the work, a barge will be anchored between bridge piers 47 and 48 outside the eastern channel in approx posit 38-59.264N, 076-21.264W. The anchored barge will use a 4-point mooring system held in place with a cable at each of the four corners of the barge leading to a lighted buoy attached to and marking each anchor. The barge will be moved as the work progresses. Mariners are urged to use caution when transiting the area. Work vessels may be reached on vhf-fm channel 13. The project foreman can be reached at (910) 228-9164. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Annapolis Boat Show Prep:
Mariners are advised that Annapolis Boat Shows, Inc. will conduct in-water operations in support of the annual United States Sailboat and United States Powerboat Shows in Annapolis Harbor at Annapolis, MD during September 27-October 19, 2017. Temporary pilings, floating docks and submerged electrical cables will be placed in Annapolis Harbor. To support the in-water operations in Annapolis Harbor, long tows will occur across the Severn River, between Spa Creek and Carr Creek, from September 30-October 3, October 16-18 and October 23-28, 2017. During these periods, mariners are urged to use extreme caution when transiting the area, and to operate at reduced speed to minimize wake near the towing operations. Information regarding special anchoring restrictions in Annapolis Harbor in the event of severe weather during this period should be directed to the Annapolis City Harbormaster’s Office on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 71 or telephone (410) 263-7973. (5th District LNM Week 33/2017)

Poplar Island Narrows Dredging:
Cottrell Contracting Corporation Dredge LEXINGTON will be conducting dredging operations on the Lateral Expansion Project of Poplar Island, Maryland. Operations will be conducted between Poplar Island Narrows Daybeacon 6 (LLNR 25975), Eastern Bay Entrance Buoy 2 (LLNR 26005) and the North Point of Poplar Island. Operations are to begin on 19 September and expected to be completed on or around 15 December 2017. (5th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Smith Island Dredging:
Vortex Marine Construction will be conducting dredging operations for the Army Corps of Engineers in Big Thorofare, North West and South East of Ewell, in the vicinity of Ewell and the Twitch Cove entrance channel South East of Smith Island. Laying of submerged pipeline will start the last week of Sep, pipeline movements with pipe line lengths up to 1000ft, transported from Crisfield MD to Smith Island will be ongoing during this period. The actual dredging will start the second week of Oct and is expected to continue until Jan 2018. The dredge VORACIOUS with the tugboats BABE and AMITY, survey boat JOEY and crew boat ACE will be operating in the area and can be reached on VHF-FM Channel 13. For more information contact Vortex Marine at 510-261-2400 or tschefferlie@vortex-sfb.com. (5th District LNM Week 35/2017)

Great Wicomico River Remarking Project:
In association with the Great Wicomico River Remarking Project the Coast Guard is proposing relocating Great Wicomico River Lighted Buoy 1GW (LLNR 16180) to approximate position 37 47 25.630N, 76 14 02.850W to properly mark the entrance to the Great Wicomico River.

Interested Mariners and other stakeholders are strongly encouraged to comment on the potential impacts this proposal would have on navigational safety. You may provide feedback using the U. S. Coast Guard Fifth District Waterway Data Sheet, available online at: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/D05%20LNM%202015%20Special%20Notice_Waterway_Proposal%20Feedback%20Form.pdf.

All comments will be carefully considered and are requested prior to October 16, 2017 to be considered in the analysis. Please reference project 05-17-083(D).
Send comments to CGD5Waterways@uscg.mil or mailed to:
U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District Waterways Management (dpw)
431 Crawford Street, Room 100 Portsmouth, VA 23704
Attn: Albert Grimes. (5th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Norris Bridge (Rappahannock River) Work:
An engineering firm, on behalf of Virginia Department of Transportation, will be performing maintenance at Robert O. Norris Bridge on Virginia Route 3, at mile 8.3, across the Rappahannock River, near White Stone, VA. The maintenance will be conducted between Monday, September 11, 2017, through Thursday, November 30, 2017; M-F; from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and if necessary, Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Repair and rehabilitation of the bridge will require scaffolding to extend a maximum of 10 feet below the bridge, in less than a 40 foot section for the entirety of the maintenance period. A work barge will be below the bridge and can relocate with 60 minutes notice. The barge will be monitoring VHF channel 13 during all operations and all floating equipment will be removed after each work day. Mariners should use caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 36/2017)

Chincoteague Channel Dredging:
The ACOE Dredge MURDEN will be conducting dredging operations in Chincoteague Channel from Chincoteague Channel Lighted Buoy 8 (LLNR 5305) to Chincoteague Channel Lighted Buoy 29 (LLNR 5400) from 21 Sep to 5 Oct 2017. For more information contact Chris Turner, chris.w.turner@usace.army.mil, or (757) 201- 7041. (5th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Virginia Inside Passage Nav Aids Changes:
On or about September 25, 2017, the Coast Guard will make the following changes to the aids to navigation marking the Virginia Inside Passage and Wachapreague Channel.
Renumber Wachapreague Channel Daybeacon 3 (LLNR 6640) to Wachapreague Channel Daybeacon 1.
Renumber Wachapreague Channel Light 4 (LLNR 6655) to Wachapreague Channel Light 2.
Renumber Wachapreague Channel Lighted Wreck Buoy WR6 (LLNR 6660) to Wachapreague Channel Lighted Wreck Buoy WR4.
Renumber Wachapreague Channel Light 7 (LLNR 6665) to Wachapreague Channel Light 5.
Renumber Wachapreague Channel Light 8 (LLNR 6670) to Wachapreague Channel Light 6.
Renumber Wachapreague Channel Lighted Wreck Buoy WR9 (LLNR 6675) to Wachapreague Channel Lighted Wreck Buoy WR7.
Renumber Wachapreague Channel Light 10 (LLNR 6000) to Wachapreague Channel Light 8.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 121 (LLNR 5990) to Wachapreague Channel Warning Daybeacon A with NW dayboards.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 122 (LLNR 5990) to Wachapreague Channel Daybeacon 10.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Light 124 (LLNR (6005) to Wachapreague Channel Light 12.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 125 (LLNR 6010) to Wachapreague Channel Daybeacon 13.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Light 126 (LLNR (6015) to Wachapreague Channel Junction Light WB with a (2+1) G 6s flash characteristic and G/R dayboards.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Light 128 (LLNR 6020) to Bradford Bay Light 7B with a Q G flashing characteristic and SG dayboards.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 129 (LLNR 6025) to Bradford Bay Daybeacon 6 with TR dayboards.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Light 134 (LLNR 6040) to Bradford Bay Light 5 with a Fl G 4s flash characteristic and SG dayboards.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 136 (LLNR 6045) to Bradford Bay Daybeacon 3 with SG dayboards.
Establish Wachapreague Buoy 2 located at 37 34 40.800N-75 40 13.440W.
Establish Wachapreague Buoy 1B located at 37 34 24.600N-75 39 45.720W.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 138 (LLNR 6055) to Bradford Bay Warning Daybeacon A with NW dayboards.
Rename/Renumber Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 139 (LLNR 6060) to Bradford Bay Warning Daybeacon B with NW dayboards.
Remove lighting equipment from Virginia Inside Passage Light 140 (LLNR 6065) and rename to Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 140.
Remove lighting equipment from Virginia Inside Passage Light 112 (LLNR 5960) and rename to Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 112.
Remove lighting equipment from Virginia Inside Passage Light 115 (LLNR 5970) and rename to Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 115. (5th District LNM Week 38/2017

Military Ops, Mouth of Chesapeake Bay:
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story (JEBLCFS) Military Operations will be conducted in the following areas during the dates and times listed. Operations may consist of swimmers in the water, small boat operations, parachute drops, helicopter air drops and recovery, blank firing, UAV ops:
Naval Anchorage Area A, Fort Story Restricted Area, 26 Sep thru 4 Oct, 7:30 am to Midnight, each day.
Naval Anchorage Area A, Fort Story Restricted Area, 5 Oct, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

For questions or concerns about these operations contact Range Operations and Training, Mr. Assaf or Ms. Lawrence at 757-422-7103/7101. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Wormley Creek Entrance Channel Dredging:
Burnham Associates Inc of Salem, MA will be dredging the Wormley Creek (Entrance Channel & West Branch) in Yorktown, VA. Active dredging is expected to begin on 22 August, 2017 and be completed by 31 October 2017. A support barge will be moored at 37 degrees 13.535’N/76 degrees 27.95’W. Two steel mooring buoys painted yellow will be in place. The 3,000 yd dump scow THOMAS DESMOND & TUG AEGEAN SEA will be on site and may be reached on VHF channels 16, 13 & 08. There will be a floating pipeline running from the support barge to the Wormley Creek (West side of existing channel). The Ellicott 370 suction dredge and the IMS horizontal dredge will be monitoring VHF 16,13 & 08 while working in the Wormley Creek Entrance & west branch to the USCG Training Station. Extreme caution should be taken while transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 34/2017)

Thimble Shoals Channel Sediment Sampling:
An Engineering, Science and Technology aboard the R/V NORTHSTAR COMMANDER under contract to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be performing surficial sediment sampling in Thimble Shoals Channel during daylight hours from approximately Sept 20 to Oct 10, 2017. Sampling operations will be conducted the length of the Thimble Shoal Channel from Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Buoy 19 (LLNR 9305) to Thimble Shoal Channel Lighted Buoy 4 (LLNR 9220). The vessel is readily mobile during operations. To ensure safe passage contact the vessel NORTHSTAR COMMANDER on VHF-FM channels 13 or 16. For more information or questions contact Morgan Gelinas at (860) 287-0745. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Cape Charles Light to be Possibly Discontinued:
Due to health and safety issues Coast Guard personnel have been unable to access Cape Charles Light, since 2014, to perform maintenance. The Coast Guard is proposing to discontinue the light until the structural integrity of the light has determined and all health concerns have been addressed. At that time modernization of Cape Charles Light will be considered. Interested Mariners and other stakeholders are strongly encouraged to comment on the potential impacts this proposal would have on navigational safety. You may provide feedback using the U. S. Coast Guard Fifth District Waterway Data Sheet, available online at: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/D05%20LNM%202015%20Special%20Notice_Waterway_Proposal%20Feedback%20Form.pdf.

All comments will be carefully considered and are requested prior to October 30, 2017 to be considered in the analysis. Please reference project 05-17-109(D). Send comments to CGD5Waterways@uscg.mil or mailed to: U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District Waterways Management (dpw), 431 Crawford Street, Room 100 Portsmouth, VA 23704, Attn: Albert Grimes (5th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Rudee Inlet Survey:
The City of Virginia Beach Survey of Rudee Inlet, dated 18 Sep 2017 indicates shoaling across the channel at the entrance to the jetties. Least depth of 8.3 feet MLLW in the channel. (5th District LNM Week 38/2017)

James River Electric Tower Construction:
Beginning on Sep 15, 2017, PAR Electrical Contractors (PAR) will begin to replace four Dominion Virginia Power structures along an approximately one-mile segment of their existing Line #567 (Chickahominy - Surry, 500kV line). The project includes removing and replacing the segment of line crossing the James River from Willcox Wharf in Charles City County to Windmill Point in Prince George County and two in-water towers located outside of the navigable channel. From Monday, Sep 18, to Saturday, Oct 7, 2017, PAR line crews will remove the old transmission and overhead static lines from the existing towers. From Saturday Oct 7, to Saturday, Dec 2, 2017, PAR will utilize M/V BUFFARILLO, heavy lift cranes, and local tug companies to disassemble the existing towers and erect new ones. There will be no change in configuration or location of the two new towers. The existing minimum vertical navigation clearance of 180 feet will be maintained upon completion of the new towers. From Saturday, Dec 2, 2017, to Saturday, Dec 23, 2017, the new transmission and static lines will be pulled into place. Wire installation will employ two contracted vessels that can be reached on VHF Channel 16. Although no closure of the navigation channel is expected, mariners are advised to provide a 2-hour advance notice of transiting the area to ensure navigation safety. PAR Project Safety Manager, Bill Powell, can be reached at (816) 886-8833. PAR’s secondary contact, Phil Young, can be reached at (207) 474-2073. The M/V BUFFARILLO is the on-scene vessel and can be contacted via VHF Channel 16. For questions or concerns contact United States Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Waterways Management Division at (757) 668-5580 or HamptonRoadsWaterway@uscg.mil. (5th District LNM Week 36/2017)

Jordan Bridge Fender Replacement:
An engineering firm will be replacing the timber fenders located on the west channel of Pier 20 at Jordan (S.R. 337) Bridge over Elizabeth River, mile 2.8, in Norfolk, VA. The maintenance will be conducted from September 25, 2017 through October 13, 2017; M-F, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A 22 ft wide by 90 ft long work barge will be in and around the vicinity of the bridge during the work hours. The bridge has a horizontal clearance of 270 feet. The barge and crew request a 30 minute advanced notice to move from the navigable channel for vessels that need additional clearance to pass through the bridge. The Project Foreman can be reached at 757-558-3939 or VHF/FM CH 13. Mariners should use caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 37/2017)

I-64 High Rise Bridge AICW Maintenance:
The I-64 High Rise Bridge over Elizabeth River Southern Branch, mile 7.1, in Chesapeake, VA will deviate from its current operating schedule as set out in 33 CFR 117.997(e). This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Oct 2, through 11 p.m. on Nov 22, 2017.

Under this temporary deviation, the bridge will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position on four separate five-day periods:
From 7 a.m. on October 2, 2017, through 11 p.m. on October 6, 2017;
From 7 a.m. on October 16, 2017, through 11 p.m. on October 20, 2017;
From 7 a.m. on October 30, 2017, through 11 p.m. on November 3, 2017;
From 7 a.m. on November 13, 2017, through 11.p.m. on November 17, 2017.

The alternate dates are:
From 7 a.m. on October 9, 2017 through 11 p.m. on October 13, 2017;
From 7 a.m. on October 23, 2017 through 11 p.m. on October 27, 2017;
From 7 a.m. on November 6, 2017 through 11 p.m. on November 10, 2017;
From 7 a.m. on November 18, 2017 through 11 p.m. on November 22, 2017.

The bridge has a vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position of 65 feet above mean high water. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so if at least 15 minutes notice is given. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. Mariners should use caution when transiting the area. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, contact USCG Sector Hampton Roads, Waterways Management Division at (757) 668- 5580 or HamptonRoadsWaterway@uscg.mil. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Submarine Cable Repair off Cape Hatteras:
TE SubCom will be conducting fiber optic cable repairs 103 NM off of Cape Hatteras NC, in approximate position 34 42.0611N, 073 32.7376W, 27 Sept until 7 Oct 2017. Work will be conducted 24 hours a day seven days a week. The cable laying vessel is TENEO, IMO #9019602, call sign V7D12 will be on scene. For additional information contact Jose Barrios' at 954-531-4582. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Alligator River Bridge Work:
An engineering firm, on behalf of North Carolina Department of Transportation, will be performing maintenance at US 64 (Alligator River Bridge) over Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (Alligator River), mile 84.2, in Columbia, NC. The maintenance will be conducted Monday-Saturday from July 17, 2017 through July 17, 2018; from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A crane barge and work boats with divers will be in and around the vicinity of the bridge. Maintenance personnel, equipment and vessels will relocate from the moveable span and navigable channel, upon request. Work vessels may be reached on VHF-FM channel 16. The project foreman can be reached at (919) 437-4763 or (757) 449-4652. Mariners should notify the work foreman no less than one hour prior to navigating through the area and should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 29/2017)

GPS Unreliable 60 NM Radius of Ocracoke:
The GPS Navigation signal may be unreliable due to testing on GPS Frequencies used by shipboard navigation and handheld systems. Systems that rely on GPS, such as e-911, AIS and DCS, may be affected at an approximate testing center point of 35°04'32.27"N 075°58'44.27"W, with a possible impact radius of 60NM from center point. GPS testing is scheduled to be conducted between 16 and 30 Sep 2017. More information is available at the Coast Guard Navigation Center web site: www.navcen.uscg.gov. During this period GPS users are encouraged to report any GPS service outages that they may experience to the Navigation Information Service by calling (703) 313-5900 or by using the NAVCEN web site to submit a GPS Problem Report. For additional information, you may contact the Navigation Information Service watch stander at (703) 313-5900. (5th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Safety Zone, AICW, Onslow Beach Bridge to Mile Hammock Bay:
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary Safety Zone on all waters of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway between Mile Hammock Bay and Onslow Beach Swing Bridge between 10 Oct and 30 Oct 2017 from 7 AM to 5 PM for a military training exercise. Vessels may not enter, remain in or transit through the Safety Zone during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, or designated patrol personnel on scene. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Camp Lejeune Bombing Ranges Live:
The Target Bombing area N1/BT-3 impact area in the Atlantic Ocean east of the New River Inlet as shown on National Ocean Service Chart 11543, may be closed to navigation because of firing exercises during the following periods:
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 28 SEP 17, LIVE FIRE OPERATIONS, (MLG-CLB 8, G-5).
8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 06 OCT 17 LIVE FIRE OPERATIONS, (II MEF-BLD ALIGATOR, G-5)
8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 07 OCT 17 LIVE FIRE OPERATIONS, (II MEF-BLD ALIGATOR, G-5)

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, inland waters in the Browns Island Inlet area between Bear Creek and Onslow Beach, may be closed for firing exercises during the following periods: NO EVENTS SCHEDULED.

Ship operations consisting of landing craft, amphibious vehicles, and helicopters may be conducted in the Onslow Beach Operating Area and all sectors of New River to include dive operations:
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 28 SEP 17, LIVE FIRE OPERATIONS, (MLG-CLB 8, G-5).
8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 06 OCT 17 LIVE FIRE OPERATIONS, (II MEF-BLD ALIGATOR, G-5)
8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 07 OCT 17 LIVE FIRE OPERATIONS, (II MEF-BLD ALIGATOR, G-5)

Due to unexploded ordnance on Browns Island and in the adjacent waterways and marsh areas, Browns Island is off limits to all unauthorized personnel. Vessels may transit the surrounding waters; however no vessel shall bottom fish or anchor. (5th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Problems Area Updates, NC AICW:
If you are heading down the AICW in NC, check out the most recent surveys from the USACE Wilmington for the usual problem areas:
http://saw-nav.usace.army.mil/AIWW/BFTCFR/Section2/F/Tangent_F1.pdf (Browns Inlet) Sept 20-21, 2016, UPDATE: December 8, 2016
http://saw-nav.usace.army.mil/AIWW/BFTCFR/Section3/T_12/Tangent_12.pdf (Mason Inlet Crossing) UPDATE: August 2, 2017
http://saw-nav.usace.army.mil/INLETS/TOPSAIL/Topsail_Creek.pdf UPDATE: September 6-7, 2017
http://saw-nav.usace.army.mil/INLETS/CAROLINA_BEACH/Carolina_Beach_Inlet.pdf September 5, 2017
http://saw-nav.usace.army.mil/INLETS/LOCKWOODS_FOLLY/Lockwoods_Folly_Inlet.pdf September 7, 2017
http://saw-nav.usace.army.mil/AIWW/CFRLR/T_19-20/Tangent_19-20.pdf (Shallotte Inlet Crossing) September 6, 2017

Waypoints are usually given for the deeper water, but we know from past experience that it is very difficult to follow waypoints through the crossings. The cross currents from the ocean inlet also add to the difficulty of staying in the channel. At lower tides when the anchor lines for the buoys are slacker, they will be pulled in the direction of the current, sometimes considerably out of the channel, adding another dimension of difficulty. Half-tide and rising is a good policy for the constantly shoaling inlet crossings, even if they have been recently dredged. The Coast Guard moves the floaters frequently as conditions change. MN

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

SE US POST-Irma:
Marinas and Marine Facilities: Check before you make plans to visit. Expect Florida Southwest Coast and Keys marinas to have experienced damage. They may have limited facilities and supplies even though they are open. Some Florida East Coast marinas did not fare well either. Most of the marinas in the Bahamas are open, although some in Bimini may have limited facilities.

Aids to Navigation: The Coast Guard has been very busy repairing the damage. The list in LNM #37 published just after Irma did not yet show hurricane related problems. The next LNM #38 showed pages listing Nav Aids that were discrepant post hurricane. It also showed pages of Nav Aids that had been repaired in that week post hurricane. There is no point in listing these as they will be fixed as soon as possible. The Coast Guard has had its hands full. The major channels, harbors and inlets have first priority, minor rivers and inlets will take longer to repair. The few Florida Hazards we list in the alerts are from the text of the LNMs, rather than the lists. If you are interested in the full lists, check https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmDistrict®ion=7, click on LNM 38 and look at Section II, Federal Aids, Discrepancies (BOLD indicates new ones which were not fixed by the pub date of LNM 38). Than look down to the Discrepancies (Federal Aids) Corrected. Note the last two columns. “LNM st” indicates the LNM in which it was first listed and “LNM end” is the one by which it was corrected. In the Corrected Discrepancies, all but one or two were listed and corrected within the week following hurricane damage. Check for the same information for LNM 39, published on September 27, 2917. This will at least give you some idea as to the scope of the Coast Guard’s mission, and the quick response.

Debris: It’s there. Be vigilant.

Charleston Harbor Surveyed Anomaly, Possible Hazard:
During a recent U.S. Army Corp bottom survey of the Charleston Entrance Channel an isolated anomaly was located approximately 175 feet from the southern edge of Charleston Entrance Channel between Charleston Harbor Channel Lighted Buoy 13 (LLNR 2400.2) and Charleston Harbor Channel Lighted Buoy 15 (LLNR 2405).
Observed depth: 43.8 feet MLLW
Approximate location: 32-42-32.5287N / 079-47-2.6626W

Mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting this area. Deep draft vessels are urged to observe one-way traffic in the vicinity of stated area. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Ben Sawyer Bridge Maintenance, Nighttime Closures:
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will be conducting maintenance on the Ben Sawyer Draw Bridge located near mile marker 460 in the Intracoastal Waterway. The maintenance will occur from 2 October, 2017 through 10 October, 2017. The Ben Sawyer Draw Bridge operating schedule will be temporarily changed to accommodate SCDOT’s required maintenance. The temporary changes are detailed below.

October 2, 2017 Closed for vessel navigation from 9:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. the following morning. October 3, 2017 Closed for vessel navigation from 9:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. the following morning. October 6, 2017 Closed for vessel navigation from 9:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. the following morning. October 9, 2017 Closed for vessel navigation from 9:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. the following morning.

Mariners are urged to plan transits accordingly to avoid unnecessary disruptions. For more details, please contact project manager John Bergman at: (843) 302-7442. For Coast Guard related issues please contact Sector Charleston Waterways Management Division at: (843) 740-3188 or our 24-hour Command Center Line at: (843) 740-7050. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Lady’s Island Bridge Final Rule on Modified Schedule:
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is modifying the operating schedule that governs the Lady's Island Bridge, across the Beaufort River, Mile 536 at Beaufort, SC. This modification allows Lady’s Island Bridge to remain closed during peak vehicular traffic times. The bridge owner, South Carolina Department of Transportation, requested this action to assist in reducing traffic caused by bridge openings. DATES: This rule is effective on October 2, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or e-mail Ms. Jennifer Zercher at telephone 305-415- 6740, e-mail jennifer.n.zercher@uscg.mil. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Final Rule:
(f) The Lady's Island Bridge (Woods Memorial), across the Beaufort River, Mile 536.0 at Beaufort. The draw shall operate as follows:
(1) On Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays:
(i) From 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the draw need not open to navigation; and,
(ii) Between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the draw need open only on the hour.
(2) During the months of April, May, October, and November from Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the Lady's Island Bridge (Woods Memorial) shall operate as follows:
(i) From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the draw need not open to navigation; and,
(ii) Between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the draw need open only on the hour and half-hour.
(3) At all other times the draw shall open on signal.
Dated: August 22, 2017.
Peter J. Brown,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-18709 Filed 9-1-17; 8:45 am]

Skull Creek Bridge Damage, AICW Mile 557.6:
The Coast Guard has received a report of damage to the fender system on the J. Wilton Graves (US HWY 278) Bridge, over Skull Creek at mile marker 557.6 AICW in Hilton Head, SC. The damaged pilings are located on the southeast corner of the bridge. Be advised that the obstruction is not visual at high tide. Mariners are urged to use caution when transiting the area. For Coast Guard Related issues please contact Sector Charleston Waterways Management Division at: (843) 740-3188 or our 24-hour Command Center Line at: (843) 740-7050. (7th District LNM Week 35/2017)

Sapelo River Nav Aid Change Proposed:
The following changes have been proposed to the Aids to Navigation System in the Sapelo River:
Sapelo River Buoy 5A (LLNR TBD) will be established in position 31-32-43.672N / 081-20-31.546W
Sapelo River Buoy 5B (LLNR TBD) will be established in position 31-32-33.161N / 081-20-41.078W
Sapelo River Daybeacon 6 (LLNR 5895) will be changed to Sapelo River Buoy 6
Sapelo River Daybeacon 8 (LLNR 5900) will be changed to Sapelo River Buoy 8
Sapelo River Daybeacon 10 (LLNR 5905) will be changed to Sapelo River Buoy 10

All comments should be emailed to: D07-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil with Sapelo River Proposed Changes as the subject line. Comments can also be mailed to Commander (DPW), Seventh Coast Guard District 909 SE 1st Avenue (STE 406) Brickell Federal Plaza Bldg Miami FL 33131. (7th District LNM Week 36/2017)

Little Mud River Shoaling:
Shoaling has been reported in Little Mud River between Little Mud River Light 195 (LLNR 36875) and Little Mud River Light 190 (LLNR 36865) observed depth was 3 feet at MLLW. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 36/2017)

GPS Unreliable, Kings Bay Area:
The GPS Navigation Signal may be unreliable due to testing on GPS frequencies used by shipboard navigation and handheld systems. Systems that rely on GPS, such as E-911, AIS and DSC, may be affected at an approximate testing center point of 30.79N 081.53W, with a possible impact radius of 35NM from center point. GPS testing is scheduled to be conducted on: 18 SEP 2017 to 20 OCT 2017. More information is available at the Coast Guard Navigation Center website www.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV. During this period GPS users are encouraged to report any GPS service outages that they may experience to the Navigation Information Service (NIS) by calling (703) 313-5900 or by using the NAVCEN website to submit a GPS problem report. For additional information, you may contact the Navigation Information Service (NIS) watch stander at (703) 313-5900. (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

AICW Dredging, Nassau County:
Continuing until approximately October 8, 2017 Southwind Construction Corp will dredge the AICW Nassau County, Florida. The scope of the operation will be dredging of the AIWW to a Nearshore Disposal Area approximately 5.4 miles south along Sawpit Creek in Duval County. Pipeline will be weighted and submerged for the entire length of this routing with lighted buoys. Submerged and floating pipeline will be associated with the dredge operation. Mariners are urged to transit at the slowest safe speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. Pipeline and vessels will be visibly lighted and marked pursuant to Coast Guard regulations. Submerged pipeline will be positioned from the active dredging area along the west shoreline of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway to F.I.N.D. upland Dredge Material Management Area DU-2 located immediately adjacent to Sawpit Creek at Black Hammock Island. Dredge WILKO, workboats: PROUD MARY and MISS LEANNE will monitor VFH-FM channels 13 & 16 working channel 78. Operations will be 24/7. POC’s for the project are David Lynn and Jim Barton at: (812) 867- 7220 (7th District LNM Week 36/2017)

Atlas V Launch Hazard Area:
Eastern Range will be conducting hazardous operations surface to unlimited within the following Launch Hazard Areas.
A: From 2839N 8038W TO 2843N 8028W TO 2837N 8021W TO 2831N 7928W TO 2827N 7928W TO 2829N 8034W to beginning
B: From 2831N 7902W TO 2821N 7746W TO 2811N 7750W TO 2821N 7905W to beginning
C: From 2508N 5652W TO 2357N 5206W TO 2337N 5218W TO 2452N 5701W to beginning

Hazard periods for primary launch day and backup launch day;
Primary launch day: 05 / 0800Z thru 05 / 1008Z Oct 17. Preferred T-0 is 0806Z. Backup launch day: 06 / 0800Z thru 06 / 1008Z Oct 17. Preferred T-0 is 0806Z. (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

St Lucie Inlet Dredging:
Continuing until approximately November 30, 2017 Norfolk Dredging Company will dredge in the St Lucie Inlet. The project will consist of dredging the St. Lucie Inlet, Cut 1, the Transition Area, and the Impoundment Basin. Scows will be towed from the jobsite to the ODMDS, Borrow Area “B”. The dredge Virginian will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Traffic should call 30 minutes prior to expected time of passage. All mariners are advised to stay clear of the dredge, barges, derricks, scows, and boats operating around the dredge.

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, barges, derricks, scows, boats, and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crab pots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must remove these from the area where tugs, tender boats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Since the project will be conducted twenty -four (24) hours per day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crab pots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to the commencement of the work. For further information contact Norfolk Dredging Company at: (757) 547-9391. (7th District LNM Week 34/2017)

Okeechobee Waterway Update:
On September 27, 2017 at 2400 hours the lake level was reported at 16.30 feet and the navigational depths were reported at 10.27 feet for Route 1 (26°58'32.23"N, 80°38'22.92"W) and 8.44 feet for Route 2 (Rim Route) (26°47'0.61"N, 26°47'0.61"N). You can usually check the daily lake level and navigational depths at http://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/reports/r-oke.html

Okeechobee Waterway and Canaveral Lock Ops During Tropical Storms and Hurricanes:
Notice is given that 72 hours prior to a Tropical Storm or Hurricane making local landfall locks will be open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM supporting vessel safe harbor passage. Lock operations will stop 8 hours prior to land fall as Rail Road and drawbridges will be lowered or rotated and locked into a secure position. It's important that all vessels are at their intended destination before bridges are secured and passage across the waterway suspended.

For Lock Operator safety, the locks will:
Stop locking vessels or working outdoors if lightning is observed within five miles of the lock and operations will not resume until lightning has not been seen in the area for 30 minutes.
Stop locking vessels when winds exceed 35 MPH.

After a storm, it could be days or weeks before the waterway is reopen depending on damage to structures and how quickly debris creating navigation hazards can be removed.

For up to date Lock information contact the shift operator 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM at: Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421
St Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665
Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858
Moore Haven Lock & Dam 863-946-0414
Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616
WP Franklin Lock & Dam 239-694-5451 (7th District LNM Week 29/2017)

Port Everglades Area Naval Ops, Updates, September 19, 2017:
1. The United States Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) will be conducting operations in the water immediately south and east of Port Everglades inlet. The operations are scheduled within a period beginning on 0500Q 10 October, 2017 to 2000Q 17 October, 2017. A naval vessel will be conducting maneuvers between 3/4NM to 4NM off shore, and from 1/2NM south of the Port Everglades inlet to 2.5NM south of the Dania Beach Pier.

The naval vessel will be restricted in maneuverability and these operations are considered a hazard to navigation. All traffic must remain well clear of the area bounded by the coordinates below for the duration of the operations.

SFOMF OPAREA
NW Corner: 26-05-03.000 N / 080-05-42.000 W NE Corner: 26-05-03.000 N / 080-02-04.200 W SE Corner: 26-00-57.000 N / 080-02-25.200 W SW Corner: 26-00-57.000 N / 080-06-03.600 W

Local law enforcement and Tow Boat US small craft will provide range security and range clearance for the naval vessel during these operations. Ships entering PEV are requested to enter from the northeast thereby avoiding the waters south of the channel. To allow for the safe operation of the naval vessel, all maritime traffic transiting the area is requested to stay 5NM east of PEV or inshore of the Barracuda Reef mooring buoys. Any concerned vessels may contact U.S. Navy Fort Lauderdale on VHF Channel 16. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

2. The United States Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) will be conducting operations in the water south of Port Everglades inlet and east of Hollywood Beach. The operations are scheduled within a period beginning on 0500Q 18 October, 2017 to 1930Q 04 November, 2017.
Testing Area bound by the coordinates below:
NW Corner 26-00-05.634 N 080-05-07.152 W
NE Corner 26-00-05.206 N 080-04-00.520 W
SE Corner 25-59-04.992 N 080-04-00.995 W
SW Corner 25-59-05.417 N 080-05-07.472 W

The R/V GO AMERICA will have test equipment deployed over the side and will be restricted in ability to maneuver during testing. All vessels are advised to maintain at least 1NM CPA of the R/V GO AMERICA while operations are in progress. All U.S. Navy / U.S. Navy contracted support vessels will monitor VHF channel 16. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

3. The United States Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) will be working offshore of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the recovery and re-installation of sea floor instrumentation packages. The instrumentation will be recovered and repaired during the time period from 0500Q 25 September 2017 to 2000Q 02 October 2017. The instrumentation will be deployed/recovered in the areas described below in 700-900 FSW.

Instrumentation Repair Area Corners
NW Corner: 26-02-55.200N / 080-00-41.400W NE Corner: 26-02-55.200N / 079-58-27.000W SE Corner: 25-59-54.600N / 079-58-27.000W SW Corner: 25-59-54.600N / 080-00-41.400W
Instrumentation Recovery Coordinates IVO 26-02-02.760N / 079-59-37.560W
Instrumentation Deployment Coordinates IVO 26-04-00.420 N / 080-03-40.800 W

The R/V GO AMERICA will be conducting these recoveries and deployments and will be restricted in ability to maneuver during operations. All vessels are advised to maintain at least a 1NM CPA to the R/V GO AMERICA while operations are in progress. Any concerned vessels may contact the R/V GO AMERICA on VHF Channel 16. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

St Petersburg Area Dredging:
Orion Marine will commence dredge operations within the Tampa Harbor in the following locations:
St Petersburg Harbor Turning Basin and Entrance Channel from STA 0+00 to 60+00. Loaded scow barges will be transported from the dredge areas (above) to the North side of Disposal Island 3D (south from, and adjacent to the Alafia River Channel) via St Petersburg Outer Channel to Cut G. Material from scow barges will be slurried and hydraulically pumped to the North Cell of the Disposal Island via submerged high density polyethylene pipeline.
Type of Operation: Mechanical Clamshell Dredging with Hydraulic Offloading of Scow Barges and Pumping Dredge Slurry to Disposal Island 3D.
Commence Date: November, 2017
Completion Date: January, 2018 (anticipated)
Hours of Operation: 24 hours per day
Days of Operation: Monday through Sunday (7 days per week)
Name of Contact Vessel: M-1702 (Lima)
VHF - FM Channels Monitored: Channels 13, 16 and Working Channel 1
Land Contact: Lester Traver (Site Foreman) Cellular Phone: (904) 422-9204
Brian Yaksh (Supervisor) Cellular Phone: (904) 236-0036 Frank Wirz (Supervisor) Cellular Phone: (813) 215-1169 (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

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. Floating rubber pipeline and submerged polyethylene pipeline associated with the hydraulic unloading operation at the north side of Disposal Island 3D will be utilized. Pipeline, vessels, and mooring piles, and buoys will be visibly lighted. A submerged pipeline will be utilized from the offloading barge to the Disposal Island. The area utilized by the hydraulic offloading operation (including barge, mooring piles, and all pipeline) will be outside of the navigation channel.

Approximate Location of Temporary Features:
Identification Description Latitude Longitude
North End of Disposal Island 3D
BG1B Offloading Barge 120’ x 50’ w/ Spuds 27°50'29.13"N 82°25'42.35"W MP1B Mooring Pile #1B 24” Round Steel 27°50'30.99"N 82°25'43.02"W MP2B Mooring Pile #2B 24” Round Steel 27°50'30.06"N 82°25'42.69"W MP3B Mooring Pile #3B 24” Round Steel 27°50'28.18"N 82°25'42.03"W MP4B Mooring Pile #4B 24” Round Steel 27°50'27.22"N 82°25'41.68"W (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Florida Hazards:
The U.S. Coast Guard received reports of two (2) partially submerged Manatee zone signs in positions 30-12.99N / 081-39.906W and 30-16.312N / 081-41.909W in the vicinity of the Ortega River in St. Johns River. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of a partially exposed "Minimum Clearance" sign in the Banana River west of the Canaveral Locks in position 28-24.546N / 080-38.814W. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Lake Boca Raton Light 65 (LLNR 47155) is destroyed. The steel pile wreckage is marked with a TRLB WR65, displaying Fl Q G, 4NM characteristics in position 26-20-47.011N / 080-04-29.676W. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area.
(7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Hillsboro Inlet Entrance Light 1 (LLNR 10290) is destroyed. The steel pile wreckage is marked with a TRLB WR1, displaying Fl Q G, 4NM characteristics. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Angelfish Creek Light 2 (LLNR 11180) is destroyed. The steel pile wreckage may pose a hazard to navigation. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Effective September 21, 2017 - October 30, 2017: the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is advising commercial and recreational vessels to use extreme caution traveling the Okeechobee Waterway in the Caloosahatchee River 1 mile west of Ortona Lock where a sailboat has sunk. Recreational and commercial vessels are asked to use caution and be aware of shallow water and submerged objects when navigating through this section of waterway. Actions to remove the vessel are ongoing. Point of contact is Gary Hipkins or Carl Williams at 863-983-8101. (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Turtle Harbor Daybeacon 5 (LLNR 11475) is destroyed. The steel pile wreckage may pose a hazard to navigation. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

(UPDATE: September 19, 2017) Elbow Reef Light 6 (LLNR 950) is extinguished and missing all daymarks. The aid is deemed unsafe to climb due to severe deterioration to the structure and the ladder. A Temporary Light (TRLT) with Fl Q W characteristics has been affixed to the damaged structure approximately 15 ft above the waterline, with a decrease in nominal range to 4 NM. The TRLT may not be visible from certain angles depending on the mariners approach. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. *DUE TO HURRICANE IRMA THE TRLT IS REPORTED EXTINGUISHED* (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

The U.S. Coast Guard received from the National Park Service a report of the marine waters of Everglades National Park. The waters are open to include permitted commercial operation. However, mariners should be advised that numerous sunken vessels are scattered throughout Florida Bay and the Gulf Coast District of Everglades National Park. The park has not fully assessed its maritime infrastructure and has limited emergency response capabilities at this time. Extreme caution is advised. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Venice Inlet Light 2 (LLNR 21435) is destroyed. The steel pile wreckage is marked with a TRLB displaying Fl Q R, 4NM characteristics. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Clearwater Pass Channel Light 1 (LLNR 1505/25680) is destroyed due to Hurricane IRMA with wreckage approximately 4ft above the waterline. The steel pile wreckage is marked with a TRLB displaying FL Q G, 4NM characteristics. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of shoaling in the vicinity of Clearwater Marina Daybeacon 3 (LLNR 25735) and Clearwater Marina Daybeacon 4 (LLNR 25745) in approximate position 27-57.633N / 082-48.857W. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Private aid Gulf Harbors North Channel Daybeacon 4 (LLNR 26470) is reported destroyed and poses a hazard to navigation. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Pithlachascotee River Daybeacon 31 (LLNR 26725) is destroyed. The steel pile wreckage is marked with a TRLB WR31 displaying Fl Q G characteristics. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of a destroyed Regulatory Manatee Zone marker that may pose a hazard to navigation in approximate position 26-13.846N / 080-05.664W. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Private aid Matlacha Pass Daybeacon 97 (LLNR 55275.1) is reported destroyed and submerged. Wreckage may pose a hazard to navigation. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 38/2017)

Cape Romano Shoals Light (LLNR 1230) is missing dayboards. The steel pile may pose a hazard to navigation. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Egmont Channel Range Rear Light (LLNR 1380/22285) is destroyed. Wreckage is marked with a TRLB with Fl Q W, 4NM characteristics. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 39/2017)

Florida Bridges (Updated as of 7th District LNM Week 39/2017):
NOTE: Information new with this alert is in bold. There are many on-going projects lasting sometimes for years which have been removed from this list as there have been no recent changes in status. Bridges that have vertical height reduced (or other severe restriction) will remain on this list until the restriction is removed.

CSX RR Bridge, Rice Creek, St. Johns River: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is modifying the operating schedule that governs the CSX Railroad Bridge across the Rice Creek, mile 0.8, in Palatka, Putnam County, FL. This rule will change the existing open on demand during the day and 24 hour advance notice for a bridge opening during the night, to 24 hour advance notice for an opening at all times.
DATES: This rule is effective October 5, 2017
ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2016-0523. In the “SEARCH” box and click "SEARCH." Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or e-mail Mr. Eddie Lawrence, Seventh Coast Guard district Bridge Branch; telephone 305-415-6946, e-mail Eddie.H.Lawrence@uscg.mil.

Wonderwood Drive Bridge, AICW Mile 742.1: The Coast Guard has received a request from M & J Construction acting on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), to reduce the vertical clearance of the SR 116 / Wonderwood Drive Bridge, across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), mile 742.1, at Jacksonville, Florida to facilitate bridge repairs. The Coast Guard is approving a vertical clearance reduction of 4 feet for the installation of a containment system. The vertical clearance will be reduced to 61 feet at Mean High Water (MHW) over one-half of the navigational channel during repair work. When the contractor is not working in the navigational channel the containment system will be retracted providing 65 feet of vertical clearance at MHW throughout the entire navigational channel. Installation of the containment would begin on November 7, 2017 and with an estimated completion date of January 11, 2019. For details relating to the bridge repair contact Mr. Jose Gonzalez with M&J Construction at (772) 938-6478. For Coast Guard related concerns call or e-mail LT Allan Storm, CG Sector Jacksonville Waterways Management Division, telephone (904) 714-7616, email; Allan.H.Storm@uscg.mil

Atlantic Avenue Bridge, AICW Mile 744.7: The Captain of the Port Jacksonville advises all mariners of repairs to the SR-10/Atlantic Blvd Bridge crossing Pablo Creek at M/M 744.7 over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Jacksonville, fl. A crane barge will be in the water conducting repairs to the fender on the north- east side of the bridge. The barge will be obstructing a portion of the east side of the channel. This project is anticipated to be completed by November 15, 2017. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution when transiting under the bridge. For vessels requiring the full use of the channel; with a 4-hour notice, you may request the contractor to move the barge. Be advised, the movement of the barge is tide dependent. Please contact George Schnorr, Hal Jones Contractor, Inc. at (904)219-3986 for arrangements. For Coast Guard related concerns, call or email LT Allan Storm, CG Sector Jacksonville Waterways Management Division. Telephone: (904)714-7616 or email: Allan.H.Storm@uscg.mil

Crescent Beach Bridge: Due to repairs to the Crescent Beach Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Crescent Beach, Florida the Coast Guard has approved single-leaf operation on a twice an hour schedule. Between 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from August 16 through November 30, 2017, the Crescent Beach Bridge will open a single-leaf on the top of the hour and 30 minutes past the hour. A double-leaf opening on this same schedule is available with a two-hour notice to the bridge tender. At all other times, this bridge will open both leaves on demand. Due to scaffolding on the bridge, the vertical clearance will be reduced by two feet on both sides of the bridge at all times. Vessels that may pass without an opening may do so at any time.

Main Street Bridge, AICW Mile 829.7, Daytona: A section of the Fender System of the Main Street Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Daytona Beach, Florida has collapsed and is a hazard to navigation as it is leaning into the navigable channel. Portions of the fender system may be submerged at high tide. All vessels should proceed with extreme caution through this area.

UPDATE:
Coastal Marine Construction, Inc. has been contracted by Volusia County to remove the damaged fender system and install a new fender system on the Main street bridge crossing the AICW at Mile Marker 829.7.

Phase 2, will follow Phase 1, starting approximately 9/29/2017 and be completed by 4/1/2018. During this phase, Coastal Marine construction will be removing and installing the new fender system. Hours of operation will be 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. During this phase, a construction barge will be blocking half of the channel for removal and installation. During Phase 2, the bridge will be on single leaf openings, a 4 hour notice will be required for double span openings. During non-working/Construction hours, The Bridge will operate per normal operations.

During the months of September 2017 through April 2018 a 4 hour notice will be required for double span openings. All marine traffic contact the bridge tender on channel 9 for any special request. Coastal Marine Construction, Inc onsite contact person cell phone is (904)347-1189, Harry (HAP) Heard or (941) 232-5161, Robert Gerdon. For Coast Guard related issues contact USCG Sector Jacksonville waterways at (904) 714-7616.

Veterans Memorial Bridge, Daytona Beach: Johnson Brothers Corporation will commence the deconstruction and rebuilding of the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Daytona Beach, FL. The project will begin on June 6th, 2016 and run until November 2018. The project will include the construction of a trestle to assist with the deconstruction and rebuilding of the entire span of the bridge. On July 26, 2017 Johnson Brothers will construct two coffercells to remove the remaining portions of the old Veterans Memorial Bridge. They are expected to remain in place through October 2017. Recreational and commercial boaters are advised to use extra precaution when navigating through this section of the waterway. For more information contact Project Manager Jim Charles at (321) 200-3147.

George Musson Bridge: The Coast Guard is modifying the operating schedule that governs the Coronado Beach (George Musson) Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, mile 845, at New Smyrna Beach, FL. This rule will change the existing 20 minute opening schedule to a 30 minute opening schedule between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The rule will also add the local bridge name to the regulation published in the Code of Federal Regulations, George Musson/Coronado Beach (SR44).
DATES: This rule is effective September 14, 2017.
ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2016-0205 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or email Mr. Eddie Lawrence with the Coast Guard; telephone 305-415-6946, email Eddie.H.Lawrence@uscg.mil.

NASA RR (Jay Jay) Bridge, AICW Mile 876.6: The Coast Guard has approved an extension to the Temporary Deviation to allow the NASA Railroad Bridge "Jay Jay" at mile 876.6 across the AICW to remain closed to navigation for repairs from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily from August 14, 2017 until 4:00 p.m. October 10, 2017. The bridge will open for navigation traffic from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily and then operate as normal from 4:00 p.m. until 7:59 a.m. The Bridge will maintain normal operations on weekends. The docket for this deviation, USCG-2017-0778 is available at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH”. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this deviation. If you have questions on this temporary deviation, call or e-mail LT Allan Storm, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, Waterways Management Division; telephone 904-714-7557, e-mail Allan.H.Storm@uscg.mil.

SR 401 Bridge, Canaveral Barge Canal: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the SR 401 Drawbridge, mile 5.5 at Port Canaveral, Florida. This deviation is necessary to allow fuel trucks a less restrictive access to and from Port Canaveral to pick up and deliver fuel due to the critical fuel supply in the region. With the passage of Hurricane Irma, delivery of fuel from the port is critical to the local community and beyond. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation the majority of the day to facilitate the safe passage of vehicles picking up and delivering fuel. The bridge will open on demand from 6 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., noon to 2:00 p.m., 6 to 6:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies.
DATES: This deviation is effective until October 14, 2017.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0161] is available at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH”. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this deviation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this temporary deviation, call or e-mail LT Allan Storm, Sector Jacksonville, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 904-714-7616, e-mail Allan.H.Storm@uscg.mil.

Flagler Memorial Bridge Update: The Flagler Memorial Bridge has resumed normal operations per CFR. Mariners are advised that with the removal of the old bridge, rip rap was determined to be in the water on the northeast section of the new bridge. This rip rap is submerged at high tide. Mariners are advised to avoid this area. The bridge owner is currently working with the contractor to remove the obstruction to navigation.

Southern Boulevard Bridge: Johnson Brothers Corporation has advised the Coast Guard that they will start working on the Southern Boulevard Bridge replacement on April 1, 2017. There will be floating equipment in the vicinity of the bridge for the next four years. There are no channel restriction at this time. Future updates will be provided as the temporary bridge is built and the old bridge is removed and replaced.

Venetian Causeway Bridges, East and West: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes modifying the operating schedule that governs the Venetian Causeway Bridge (West) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 1088.6, Miami, FL and the operating schedule that governs the Venetian Causeway Bridge (East) across Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL. This action will extend the twice an hour opening schedule of the Venetian Causeway Bridges (East and West) across Miami Beach Channel and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Miami, FL between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., to include weekends and Federal holidays. This action is intended to reduce vehicular traffic caused by these bridges opening on demand on weekends
DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before: October 5, 2017
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2017-0068 using Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. See the “Public Participation and Request for Comments” portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or e-mail Mr. Eddie Lawrence of the Coast Guard Bridge Branch; telephone 305-415-6946, e-mail Eddie.H.Lawrence@uscg.mil.

Bakers Haulover Cut Bridge: The contractor working on the repairs to the Bakers Haulover Cut Bridge has provided the following schedule:
2. Work on the south bulkhead will start on June 16 and continue through November 1, 2017
4. Structural repairs will begin April 1 and continue through January 1, 2018, a barge will be in the waterway during these repairs.
5. Painting operations will begin on September 1 and continue through March 1, 2018. This operation may reduce the vertical clearance. Mariners should maintain slow speed and minimum wake through this construction area.

Snake Creek Bridge: Due to the effects of Hurricane Irma, at the request of the Monroe County EOC the Snake Creek Bridge will be unable to open for vessels until further notice. This action is necessary to not impede to flow of Emergency and restorative traffic in and out of the lower Keys. Vessels that may pass through the bridge without requesting an opening may do so at any time. For further information contact LT Scott Ledee, Coast Guard Sector Key West Waterways, 305-292-8768 or email: Scott.G.Ledee@uscg.mil or SKWWaterways@uscg.mil.

Channel Two Bridge: The Florida Department of Transportation has advised the Coast Guard that their contractor Coastal Gunite Construction Company will be conducting long-term repairs to the Channel Two Bridge fender systems at Mile Marker 72. A 16’construction barge will be abutting either the north or south fenders during work hours, the remainder of the channel will be open for vessel traffic. All equipment will be removed at the end of each work shift. Mariners are advised that National Marine Sanctuary regulations prohibit vessels from operating at less more the 4 knots or in a matter to create a wake within 100 yards of stationary vessels. This project is expected to continue Monday through Friday, 7:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M. until January 2018. For more information please contact the Sector Key West Command Center at (305) 292-8727.

Seven Mile Bridge: The Florida Department of Transportation has advised the Coast Guard that their contractor Southern Road & Bridge, LLC will be conducting long-term maintenance and repairs to the Seven Mile Bridge. The main span of the bridge for Moser Channel will not be affected. Lighted 20’ x 40 ‘construction barges and work floats will be positioned within other spans along the bridge but the remaining spans will be open for vessel traffic. Mariners are advised that National Marine Sanctuary regulations prohibit vessels from operating at less more the 4 knots or in a matter to create a wake within 100 yards of stationary vessels. This project is expected to continue until March 2019. For more information please contact the Sector Key West Command Center at (305) 292-8727.

Old Seven Mile Bridge: The Florida Department of Transportation has advised the Coast Guard that their contractor SAFFO Contractors Inc. will be conducting long-term maintenance and repairs to the Old Seven Mile Bridge. The main span of the bridge for Moser Channel will not be affected. Certain bridge spans will have lighted work platforms suspended from the bridge reducing the vertical clearance by from 2.5-5 feet as well as lighted staging extending 5 feet from all side of certain bridge piers. The remaining spans will not be affected. Mariners are advised to abide by all Navigation Rules, proceed with caution in the vicinity of the project, and are urged to plan transits accordingly avoiding areas of the bridge with active work crews. This project is expected to continue until July 2021. For more information please contact the Sector Key West Command Center at (305) 292-8727.

Stickney Point, Siesta Drive, Cortez, and Anna Maria Drawbridges: Final Rule
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is modifying the operating schedule of four bridges across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW); Stickney Point Drawbridge, mile 68.6, Siesta Drive Drawbridge, mile 71.6, Cortez Drawbridge, mile, 87.4, and Anna Maria Drawbridge, mile 89.2, in Sarasota, FL. The request was made to the Coast Guard to change the operation of four drawbridges due to an increase in vehicle traffic throughout these areas at all times of the year. This rulemaking would change the bridges’ operating schedules from a three times an hour opening schedule to a twice an hour opening schedule throughout the year.
DATES: This rule is effective October 5, 2017.
ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2016-0330. In the “SEARCH” box and click "SEARCH." Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this rule, call or e-mail, Ms. Jennifer Zercher with the Seventh Coast Guard District Bridge Office; telephone (305) 415-6740, e-mail Jennifer.N.Zercher@uscg.mil.

General Announcements

NOTE: East Coast Alerts are no longer archived on BoatUS.com . If you want to retrieve earlier information you should copy the emails to your hard drive or some type of backup so you can access it later. It is not possible to keep posting information that is still current as some projects continue for years. We try to repeat important issues for several rounds of Alerts, but as situations stabilize and become somewhat common knowledge, we move on to more current issues. Where waterways are blocked, serious or dangerous shoaling or other events impede safe travels, bridges close or have their clearances compromised we try to carry the information as long as it is relevan .MN

Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30:
The hurricane season extends from June 1st through November 30th. 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.

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 Public Advisory (TCP) 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.
Four alerts are issued:
(a) TROPICAL STORM WATCH - An announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
(b) TROPICAL STORM WARNING - An announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
(c) HURRICANE WATCH - An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
(d) HURRICANE WARNING - An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

Additional information of interest to mariners is included in the Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory (TCM) and the Tropical Cyclone Surface Wind Speed Probabilities (PWS) products. The TCM provides current and forecast storm positions, intensities, and wind fields out to 120 hours. The PWS provides probabilities of sustained wind speeds equal to or exceeding 34-, 50-, and 64-kt wind speed thresholds for select coastal and offshore locations.

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 hurricanes 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. Port Hurricane Conditions are set up by the COTP and will change as the threat of severe weather increases, or as a storm approaches a specific COTP Area of Responsibility. For COTP-specific Port Hurricane Conditions, you should review information provided under the Port Directory tab of http://homeport.uscg.mil
Condition 4 - Hurricane Seasonal Alert. 01 June-30 November; port status: open.
Condition Whiskey - Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 72 hours; port status: open.
Condition X-Ray - Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 48 hours; port status: open.
Condition Yankee - Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 24 hours; port status: restricted; vessel/facility control measures in effect.
Condition Zulu - Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 12 hours; port status: closed to all vessel traffic and waterside activities except for activities approved by the COTP.

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. Extended closure periods may be authorized up to 8 hours prior to arrival of Gale Force winds to facilitate evacuation of land traffic. 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. (7th District LNM Week 21/2017)

Storm Surge Watch & Warning to Become Operational in 2017:
Will be tailored to the specific locations at risk for life-threatening storm surge flooding

Beginning with the 2017 hurricane season, the National Weather Service (NWS) will issue storm surge watches and warnings to highlight areas along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the continental United States that have a significant risk of life-threatening inundation from an ongoing or potential tropical cyclone, a subtropical cyclone, or a post-tropical cyclone.

Storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical cyclone, and it can occur at different times and at different locations from a storm’s hazardous winds. In addition, while most coastal residents can remain in their homes and be safe from a tropical cyclone’s winds, evacuations are generally needed to keep people safe from storm surge. Having separate warnings for these two hazards should provide emergency managers, the media, and the general public better guidance on the hazards they face when tropical cyclones threaten.

The storm surge watch/warning areas are determined by a collaborative process between the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs). The primary objective guidance will be P-Surge, an ensemble-based probabilistic system driven by the SLOSH model, the latest NHC official tropical cyclone forecast, and the typical historical errors associated with NHC forecasts. Forecaster confidence, continuity from advisory to advisory, and other subjective factors will also help determine the areas placed under a watch or warning. A graphic depicting the watch and warning areas will be available on the NHC website (www.hurricanes.gov) whenever these watches/warnings are in effect.
In addition to the graphic, the watch and warning areas will be included in Hurricane Local Statements issued by NWS Forecast Offices, and in the NHC Public Advisory.

The definitions of the new storm surge watch and warning are:
Storm Surge Watch:The possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 48 hours, in association with an ongoing or potential tropical cyclone, a subtropical cyclone, or a post-tropical cyclone. The watch may be issued earlier when other conditions, such as the onset of tropical storm-force winds, are expected to limit the time available to take protective actions for surge (e.g., evacuations). The watch may also be issued for locations not expected to receive life-threatening inundation, but which could potentially be isolated by inundation in adjacent areas.

Storm Surge Warning:The danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours, in association with an ongoing or potential tropical cyclone, a subtropical cyclone, or a post-tropical cyclone. The warning may be issued earlier when other conditions, such as the onset of tropical storm-force winds, are expected to limit the time available to take protective actions for surge (e.g., evacuations). The warning may also be issued for locations not expected to receive life-threatening inundation, but which could potentially be isolated by inundation in adjacent areas.

The Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map, which became operational in 2016, will continue to be issued in 2017. This product provides quantitative information on the storm surge hazard associated with tropical cyclones, highlighting geographical areas where inundation from storm surge could occur and the height above ground that the water could reach. The map depicts inundation levels that have a 10 percent chance of being exceeded, which can be thought of as representing a reasonable worst-case scenario for any individual location. The first map is usually issued at the same time as the initial hurricane watch, although in some cases it will be issued with the initial tropical storm watch. The map is based on the latest forecast track and intensity for the tropical cyclone, and takes in to account likely forecast errors. The map is subject to change every six hours in association with each new NHC full advisory package, and is generally available about 60 to 90 minutes following the advisory release.

Storm surge watches and warnings will only be issued for the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the continental United States, and only during ongoing or potential tropical cyclone, subtropical cyclone, or post-tropical cyclone events for areas that have the potential for life-threatening coastal inundation. Coastal flood watches, warnings, and advisories are used for alerting the public for all other coastal flooding threats. For example, coastal flood watches and/or warnings may be issued for unusually high tides, or when there are persistent onshore winds that have pushed water into places it does not normally go. Coastal flood advisories are issued for coastal flooding that is not expected to be life-threatening and can be issued in areas adjacent to a storm surge watch or warning.

Note that the NHC Public Advisory also contains quantitative estimates of inundation, but these will differ from the values shown the Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map. The NHC Public Advisory is not point- specific, but instead attempts to estimate the highest expected inundation that will occur anywhere within fairly long stretches of coastline, while the Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map describes a reasonable worst-case scenario for specific locations. Contact: NHC Public Affairs - nhc.public.affairs@noaa.gov(5th District LNM Week 30/2017)

MARINER ALERT-SHIP/WHALE COLLISIONS:
Collisions between vessels and whales are a threat to a number of endangered large whale species - most notably, the right whale. The United States has established measures to reduce this threat. A vessel speed restriction requires that vessels 65 feet or greater in length travel 10 knots or less in certain areas and on a rolling basis at certain times where endangered right whales may be present: http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected/shipstrike/training/NOAA-RightWhalesCD.iso . This rule applies within 20 nautical miles around all major ports and in other locations along the U.S. eastern seaboard. Temporary voluntary speed limits also may be imposed in other areas when an aggregation of three or more right whales is confirmed. In addition, ships 300 gt and greater are required to report their location and speed to a USCG shore station in certain prescribed areas: https://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/shipstrike/doc/guidelines%20placard_high.pdf . A computer-based interactive guide and training resource for mariners is available at: http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/shipstrike/doc/mtr.html . The guide provides information on endangered whales, recommended navigational actions when operating in whale habitat, a guide to reporting sightings of dead or injured right whales, and related information. Additional steps mariners can take to help reduce the chances of hitting a right whale can be found at: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/shipstrike/doc/guidelines%20placard_high.pdf . (7th District LNM Week 10/2017)

US Army Corps of Engineers Websites for AICW Surveys and Reports:
Despite the federal government reduction in funding, the USACE, in our opinion, does a really good job at surveying and recording depths in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW). They may not be able to dredge every little shoal, but at least they let you know where the shoals are so you can plan accordingly. Some areas in North Carolina are currently being dredged or are scheduled to be dredged soon. So, before you get too excited about the shallow depths reported by some fellow cruisers, check out the latest surveys at the following:

Norfolk, VA District:
http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/AIWW.aspx
Wilmington, NC District:
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/HydrographicSurveys/AIWW.aspx
Charleston, SC District:
http://www.sac.usace.army.mil/missions/navigation/hydrographicmaps
Savannah, GA District:
http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/Portals/61/docs/OPS/ChannelConditionSurveys/OtherProjectSurveys/2016/Aiww-2016-08.pdf?ver=2016-08-25-104520-420
Jacksonville, FL District:
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/HydroSurveys.aspx

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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.

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