HIGH WATER SAFETY ADVISORY: VTS Measure at MM 167.5 to MM 234 AHP LMR (ABOVE 40’)

united states coast guard

HIGH WATER SAFETY ADVISORY:
VTS Measure at MM 167.5 to MM 234 AHP LMR (ABOVE 40’)

When the Baton Rouge gauge reads above 40’, 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 234 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 6:00 A.M. on Monday, March 30, 2020
with the following provisions:

Port Allen Lock LMR MM 219-229:

1.   Mariners are advised that the Port Allen Lock is limited to a maximum length of 1000 ft, 
including the
towboat.
2.   All tows are to employ an assist vessel of at least 1200 HP when entering or exiting the 
locks.
3.   All tows exiting Port Allen Lock into the LMR intending to turn northbound shall use an assist 
vessel of at least 1200 HP or proceed southbound below MM 221 if topping around unassisted before 
heading north.
4.   Approval must be granted by VTS prior to exiting Port Allen Lock and turning northbound.
5.    All tows are required to have 300 HP per standard loaded barge on canal tows entering/exiting 
the Locks. Empty barges may be calculated at ½ the horsepower requirements to that of a loaded 
barge when computing the overall horsepower requirement. Towing vessels with Z-drive propulsion 
type may be treated as having a horsepower 20% greater than its engine’s rating for the purpose of 
this calculation.
6.   VTS has authority to grant exceptions to these requirements up to 400 HP based on conditions 
and the size of the
tow.

Tows Topping Around between Duncan Point and the HWY 190 Bridge including Harbor Fleet Tows MM 221 – 234:

1.    Tows greater than 600 feet in length (excluding the length of the towboat) must use an 1800 
HP Private Assist Vessel (PAV) when topping around.
2.    Tows 300 feet to 600 feet in length (excluding the length of the towboat) must use a minimum 
1000 HP PAV when topping around.
3.    Tows less than 300 feet in length (excluding the length of the towboat) must use a minimum 
800 HP PAV when topping around.

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

1.    Ocean going vessels must use tug escorts with adequate horsepower alongside while transiting 
upbound past the I- 10 Bridge to dock, as well as departing the dock and transiting downbound 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 VTS if it is necessary to anchor any vessel in the remainder of 
the anchorage.
4.    Ocean going vessels must contact VTS 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 VTS prior to getting underway.
81-Mile Point and Bringier Point (MM 170-182)
1.    Ocean Going vessels shall navigate between MM 170 and MM 182 during daylight hours only.
2.    Towing vessels must be able to average a minimum of 3 mph through the VTS regulated area (MM 
170-182).
3.    No vessels are allowed to push up within ¾ of a mile of 81 Mile Point on the Left Descending 
Bank.
4.    All vessels transiting the area shall avoid meeting or overtaking situations at or near: 
Philadelphia Point, 81 Mile Point, Bringier Point, and Point Houmas.

Dangerous Eddies: 81-Mile Point, Bringier Point, & Plaquemine Point:

1.    All tows should stay 300-400 feet off the left descending bank within ½ mile of 81-mile point 
(MM 178-179) to avoid dangerous eddies.
2.    Mariners are advised to proceed with caution in the vicinity of Bringier Point (MM 172-173) 
where dangerous eddies have been reported.
3.    Mariners are advised to proceed with caution in the vicinity of Plaquemine Point (MM 206-208) 
where dangerous eddies have been reported.
4.    Although the above locations have had eddies specifically reported, mariners are advised to 
be continuously on the lookout for irregular currents which may pose a threat to navigation 
throughout the LMR.

This Marine Safety Information Bulletin supersedes Volume XX, Issue 033 High Water Safety Advisory: 
MM 167.5 to MM254.5 AHP LMR 40’ and Falling.

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 K. M. LUTTRELL
Captain of the Port New Orleans

For a current list of MSIBs within the COTP New Orleans Zone visit: https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans under “Safety Notifications”