Mississippi River-Baton Rouge to Venice, LA

Notice Number: 23-27
Date: Until Further Notice

During present high river stages, revetments and levees south of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are subject to damage from wave wash resulting from vessels traveling at excessive speeds, and also from contact with barges and vessels moored along the riverbank.

Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the section of the river between Baton Rouge and Head of Passes, proceed at slowest safe speed, and steer a course as far away as possible from the levees and revetments to avoid damage by suction and wave wash.

Mariners are also advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating or mooring their vessels in the forebays of Algiers, Harvey, Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, Port Allen, and Old River Locks to prevent vessels and tows from coming in contact with the controlling levee line in those areas.

MARINERS AND FLEET OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO SECURE THEIR VESSELS AND BARGES IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO ENSURE THAT THERE WILL BE NO CONTACT WITH THE LEVEES OR REVETMENTS AND THE BARGES ARE NO CLOSER THAN 180 FEET FROM THE CENTERLINE OF THE LEVEE. Vessel owners or other persons responsible for any vessel or barges making contact with the levees or revetments in any way may be charged as provided for in Section 7 of the River and Harbor Act of 8 August 1917, and Title 33 of the United States Code, Sections 408 and 412.

//signed//

MICHELLE C. DAIGLE
Chief, Technical Support Branch
Operations Division