MSIB Vol XVIII 025 High Water Safety Advisory: VTS Measure at 167.5 to MM 254.5 AHP LMR (BELOW 40

When the Baton Rouge gauge reads 40 feet and falling, a U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Measure is established in accordance with the Navigation Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations Title 33, Subpart 161.11, for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from Mile 167.5 Above Head of Passes (AHP), to Mile 254.5 AHP. This VTS Measure is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the effects of high water levels on the Lower Mississippi River. This Measure is effective at sunrise on March 29, 2018 with the following provisions.

Wilkinson Point LMR MM 232-237

1.    All vessels are limited to a max tow size of 30 barges with 280 HP per barge for southbound transits within this area. Empty barges may be calculated at ½ the horsepower requirements to that of a loaded barge when computing the overall horsepower requirement. Vessels unable to meet the HP requirements must make adjustments to meet the requirements prior to transiting Wilkinson Point.

2.    An 8000 HP towing vessel is authorized to push a 30 barge tow (400 HP less than the requirement in paragraph 1 above).

3.    All South Bound traffic will utilize the towing assist vessel (TAV) (min 5000 HP) and will be escorted until transit of the Hwy 190 Bridge is complete. The TAV must meet the southbound vessel no lower than 2,000 feet above Wilkinson Point.   The TAV will position itself alongside the most appropriate agreed upon location on the barge tow after consultation with the vessel’s captain.

4.    No more than two southbound vessels will be allowed below Thomas Point (MM 240) at any time regardless of tow size

5.    All southbound traffic will transit Wilkinson Point during daylight hours only.

6.    Northbound vessels unable to make 3 MPH under the Highway 190 Bridge and around Wilkinson Point must use a Private Assist Vessel (PAV).

7.    Vessels shall not meet or overtake between MM 232 to MM 237.

8.    Tank barges shall be placed in the most protected position in the tow makeup.

9.    All tows shall be squared off. No spiked barges shall extend greater than 50 feet beyond the head of the tow. All towing companies should use their most experienced crews.

10.  Tows transiting Wilkinson Point pushing one loaded standard barge or two empty standard barges are exempt from the TAV queue, but are still required to check-in with VTS LMR and the TAV prior to getting underway.

Tows Topping Around between the I-10 and the HWY 190 Bridges and Harbor Fleet Tows

1.    Tows greater than 300 feet in length must use a minimum 1000 HP Private Assist Vessel when topping around between the bridges.

2.    Tows less than 300 feet in length must use a minimum 800 HP Private Assist Vessel when topping around between the bridges.

3.    Harbor Fleet Tows of one load or two empties are exempt from daylight only restrictions, but must coordinate transits with the VTC.

Ocean Going Vessel requirements, Baton Rouge Harbor (MM 225-234):

1.    Ocean going vessels must use tug escorts with adequate horsepower alongside while transiting northbound past the I-10 Bridge to dock, as well as departing the dock and transiting southbound past the I-10 Bridge.

2.    Only one ocean going vessel at a time will be allowed to be underway between the I-10 Bridge and the US-190 Bridge.

3.    Ocean going vessels shall not anchor in the upper half mile of the Baton Rouge General Anchorage. The Pilot must notify the VTC if it is necessary to anchor any vessel in the remainder of the anchorage.

4.    Ocean going vessels must contact the VTC with ETA to Richard Powell range light

(MM 218.4) and check in again once at MM 219.

5.    Ocean going vessels departing this area must contact the VTC prior to getting underway.

Check In/Reporting

1.    Vessels will primarily contact the Vessel Traffic Center via VHF-FM channel 12; and can be hailed using the Call Sign “BATON ROUGE TRAFFIC”. In the event the VTC cannot be reached via radio, they may also be contacted via the 24-hour contact number at (504) 365-2230.

2.    Down bound vessels shall report at MM 254.5 (Port Hudson Light) and at MM 240 (Thomas Point).

3.    Up bound vessels shall report at MM219 (Sardine Crossing) and MM 226 (Bottom of the Baton Rouge Anchorage).

4.    Vessels getting underway or entering the river between MM 255 and MM219 must provide a sail plan report prior to entry. The sail plan report must include the following information:

a.    Name of Vessel

b.    Current Location

c.     Vessel Type and Horsepower

d.    Number of loaded barges & number of empty barges

e.     Number of Red Flag barges in the tow

f.     Destination

81-Mile Point

1. All tows should stay 300-400 feet off the left descending bank within ½ mile of 81-mile point to avoid dangerous eddies.

This Marine Safety Information Bulletin supersedes Volume XVIII, Issue 016 High Water Safety Advisory: MM 167.5 to MM 254.5 AHP LMR (Above 40’).

For additional information, contact the following:

Vessel Traffic Center Lower Mississippi River: (504) 365-2230 (24 HR), VHF-FM ch 05A, 11, or 12

Coast Guard Baton Rouge Waterways Management: (225) 298-5400 X230

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center:   (504) 365-2200

CAPTAIN W. R. ARGUIN

Captain of the Port New Orleans