MSIB Vol XX Issue 041 Baton Rouge 40' and rising Wilkinson Point

united states coast guard

HIGH WATER SAFETY ADVISORY:
VTS Measure at Wilkinson Point (40' and Rising)

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 Wilkinson Point, Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from Mile 232 Above Head of 
Passes (AHP) to Mile 237 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:

1.   All vessels are limited to a max tow size of 30 barges with 300 HP per standard barge and 700 
HP per oversize barge for down bound transits within the Wilkinson Point special area. For the purpose of 
this calculation, barges with dimensions 290' x 50' or larger are considered "oversize" while 
barges with dimensions less than 290' x 50' are considered "standard." If one of the barge 
dimensions (length or width) meets or exceeds the 290' x 50', then the barge is considered 
"oversize." 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 the Wilkinson Point special 
area. Towing vessels with Z-drive propulsion types may be treated as having a horsepower 20% 
greater than the engine's rating for the purpose of this calculation. A towing vessel with 8400 HP 
may push a 30-barge tow.

2.   VTS LMR is no longer managing the vessel queue at the Wilkinson Point special area. The Towing 
Assist Vessel (TAV) will be managing the Wilkinson Point queue from this point forward.  Mariners 
are only requested to contact the TAV if they are transiting Wilkinson Point. Any other requests or 
questions should be directed to VTS LMR.  As outlined below, all TAV rules remain in effect. 

3.   All down bound traffic will transit Wilkinson Point during daylight hours only and will 
utilize the TAV (min 5000 HP). Vessels pushing more than one loaded barge or two empty barges are 
required to flank, not steer, Wilkinson point.

4.   The following exceptions apply only to harbor fleet tows: Vessels pushing four barges or less 
are not required to utilize the TAV, but must coordinate transits with the TAV on channel 75. 
Vessels pushing one loaded or two empty barges may transit at night.

5.   The TAV must meet the southbound vessel no lower than 2000 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.

6.   The TAV will then confirm information of current reaction above, around and below Wilkinson 
Point.

7.   The TAV will discuss what the last vessel that transited Wilkinson Point found and continually 
brief down bound vessels of present position in correlation with the last vessel that transited. 
The TAV will make corrections to the down bound vessel's positioning if necessary. 

8.   No more than two down bound towing vessels will be allowed below Thomas Point at any time regardless of tow size.

9.   There will be a LOMRC representative onboard the assist vessel with pilots on scene to ensure 
safe navigation. The TAV captain/pilot may satisfy this requirement provided they are familiar with 
this Waterway's Action Plan and the current MSIB.

10. Up bound traffic may transit Wilkinson Point any time during which the queue is empty of down 
bound traffic. Passenger vessels will have a priority position in the queue.

11. Up bound vessels unable to average 3 MPH around Wilkinson Point must use a Private Assist 
Vessel.

12.  Vessels are prohibited from meeting or overtaking other vessels from MM 232 AHP to MM 237 AHP.

13.  Tows shall be squared off. On tows with five or more barges, there shall be no spiked barges 
that extend 50' beyond the head of the tow.

14.  All down bound tows shall have tank barges placed in a protected position in the tow makeup 
(not on the head of the tow or on either outboard string).

15.  All down bound tows entering Baton Rouge Harbor (Devil's Swamp) with more than one barge 
attached shall hire a private assist vessel to accompany them into the harbor.

This Marine Safety Information Bulletin supersedes Volume XX Issue 038 and is supplemental to 
Volume XX, Issue 039 Baton Rouge 40' and Rising MM 167.5 - 232 Safety Advisory.

For additional information, contact the following:

Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River: (504) 365-2512 (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"