GIWW: USCG Notice to Mariners LNM 18-22
NOTICE TO MARINERS
Gulf and Intracoastal Waterway
LNM 18-22
SECTION VII – GENERAL
This section contains information of general concern to the Mariners. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting these areas.
FL - GULF OF MEXICO - PENSACOLA - PANAMA CITY - TALLAHASSEE - Hazardous Operations – UPDATE
Mariners making plans to transit offshore Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola, Florida, are advised of frequent rocket activity and associated hazardous areas which may include free falling debris and/or descending vehicles or vehicle components under various means of control. Offshore Pensacola, bound by the following approximate positions:
29-55-48.0N 087-38-35.0W,
29-55-48.0N 087-21-25.0W,
29-40-12.0N 087-38-35.0W and
29-40-12.0N 087-21-25.0W.
Offshore Panama City, bound by the following approximate positions:
29-21-25.0N 086-19-34.W,
29-21-25.0N 086-02-24.0W,
29-35-10.0N 086-19-34.0W and
29-35-10.0N 086-02-24.0W.
Offshore Tallahassee, bound by the following approximate positions:
29-24-47.0N 084-20-31.0W,
29-24-47.0N 084-03-29.0W,
29-09-91.0N 084-20-31.0W and
29-09-91.0N 084-03-29.0W.
Mariners should contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile at (251) 441-5976, for more information. Specific scheduled information and Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) can be found at the following website https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/jacksonville. Upcoming information and Hazardous Areas are also posted on the Patrick Air Force Base website: https://www.patrick.af.mil, or can be obtained by calling 1 (800) 470-7232.
FL - SANTA ROSA SOUND - LAFITTE COVE CHANNEL - LITTLE SABINE BAY - Dredge Operation/Shoaling – UPDATE
Contractor equipment damage has delayed completion of dredging the entrance to Lafitte Cove Canal. The western side of the entrance channel is reportedly obstructed by an unmarked sand shoal. Mariners should use extreme caution. Dredging will resume when contractor’s equipment is repaired Mariners are urged to use caution when transiting this area.
LA - SOUTHWEST PASS - MISSISSIPPI RIVER - Virtual AIS Aid to Navigation
The U.S. Coast Guard has temporarily established a Virtual AIS Aid to Navigation in the Mississippi River for the following federal aid: Jump Shoal Lighted Buoy 10 (LLNR-13075) at position 29-15-50.250N 089-20-02.658W, near Lower Mississippi River Mile 9.8, AHOP, RDB. The lighted buoy was temporarily removed due to dredging operations and this Virtual AIS Aid to Navigation has been temporarily established until a U.S. Coast Guard unit can reestablish the lighted buoy.
LA - ELOI BAY - Breakwater Construction Operations
Commencing June 1, 2022 and continuing until approximately December 31, 2022, breakwater installation operations will be conducted in Eloi Bay, in approximate position 29-46-40.75N 089-20-50.13W, approximately 25 miles southeast of Hopedale, LA. Operations will be conducted 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. On-scene vessels will consist of 3 tug boats, 15 barges, 3 crew boats, 4 spud mounted excavator barges, 6 deck barges and 1 house boat. On-scene vessels will monitor VHF-FM Channel 10. Mariners are urged to use caution when transiting the area.
LA - LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN - Construction Operations
Continuing until approximately May 6, 2022, construction operations are being conducted in Lake Pontchartrain, at approximate position 30-0325.6N 090-17-05.13W, from 6:00 a.m., until 6:00 p.m., each day. Operations will consist of structure and flowline installation. M/V LIL EMI will monitor VHF-FM Channels 11 and 16. Mariners are urged to use caution when transiting the area.
LA - BAYOU LaFOURCHE - Visible Obstruction
A metal pole has been reported visible approximately 3 inches above the water line, in the vicinity of Bayou LaFourche, in approximate position 2914-40.8N 090-12-30.7W. The metal pole is reportedly not marked. Mariners are urged to avoid this area.
LA - BARATARIA PASS - Sandbagging Operations – UPDATE
Continuing until May 12, 2022, Chevron Pipe Line Company is conducting sandbagging operations in Barataria Pass, at approximate position 29-1635.09N 089-57-26.36W, between Mile 1.0 and 2.0. Operations will be conducted 7-days a week, during daylight hours only. On-scene vessels will consist of BH101-Open Deck Barge, BH104-Spud Barge, Tug ANDREW C., Tug MAGGIE LYNN, Crew Boat JORDIE LYNNE and M/V CAPT BLAKE TERRY. On-scene vessels will monitor VHF-FM Channel 13 and 16. On-scene point of contact is Jace Serigny; at (985) 258-7618. Mariners are urged to use caution when transiting the area.
LA - ATCHAFALAYA RIVER, MILE 113.0 TO MILE 116.0 - Channel Conditions, COTP Restrictions – UPDATE
All mariners are advised of extensive shoaling and narrow channel width in the vicinity of Stouts Pass, from Atchafalaya River Mile 113.0 to Mile 116.0. The channel conditions have contributed to an influx of groundings. Therefore, the COTP has implemented the following restrictions between Mile 113.0 to Mile 116.0:
- Vessels shall not meet or overtake between these mile markers.
- All tows are required to have a draft no greater than 10 feet.
- All tows shall have a maximum length of 600 feet and maximum width of 70 feet.
- Any tows with a length greater than 400 feet are strongly advised to have an assist vessel while transiting this area.
- Vessels are highly recommended to use the Alternate Port Allen Route. All mariners must check in with Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay, at Mile 110.0, on the Atchafalaya River. The U.S. Coast Guard sets advisories based on the information obtained on the hydrographic surveys conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers. These surveys should be considered during voyage planning and can be found here: https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/ under missions > navigation > channel surveys. Buoys are in place marking known shoaling, but be advised that shoaling in this area changes daily. All mariners transiting Morgan City should report any hazards to navigation to U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay, at (985) 380-5370. Vessels failing to comply with these measures may be subject to a civil penalty and /or suspension and revocation proceedings. For further information, mariners can contact Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay, at (985) 380-5374.
LA - MORGAN CITY TO PORT ALLEN - Submerged Construction Hazards - Vessel Restrictions - Channel Closure - UPDATE
The Bayou Chene Floodgate construction site is open to 24-hour traffic with restrictions, as it remains an active construction site. Mariners should exercise caution and navigate at slowest safe speed when transiting at Bayou Chene. Any tow configuration with a combined beam greater than or equal to 54 feet or a length greater than 600 feet are required to have an actively engaged, shadow assist tug when transiting through the construction site. To be in compliance with this requirement, tows must ensure the assist tug is ready and in position to provide immediate assistance throughout the entire transit through the floodgate. Vessels shall not meet or overtake when transiting through the construction site. All vessels intending to transit the Bayou Chene Floodgate area are required to report their dimensions to Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay before entering Bayou Chene. Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay can be reached , at (985) 380-5370 or VHF-FM Channel 11. All allisions with the Bayou Chene Floodgate structure must be reported and will be investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard. For further information on this advisory mariners can contact U.S. Coast Guard Morgan City Waterways Management, at (985) 397-3289.