Lower Mississippi: USCG Notice to Mariners 18-22

NOTICE TO MARINERS
Lower Mississippi River

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.

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.