MSIB Vol XX Issue 099 Regulated Navigation Area-EAST Enforcement

united states coast guard

Regulated Navigation Area East Enforcement

Effective immediately, the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector New Orleans has ordered the enforcement of the Hurricane Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) - East described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 165.838 as follows:

• The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) from Mile Marker (MM) 22 East of Harvey Locks (EHL), west on the GIWW, including the Michoud Canal and the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC), extending north ½ mile from the Seabrook Flood Gate Complex out into Lake Pontchartrain and south to the IHNC Lock

Vessels shall evacuate RNA-East as soon as possible.  The IHNC Lake Borgne Surge Barrier and Seabrook Floodgate Complex are anticipated to close at 12:00 pm local time on Monday, September 14, 2020.

Mariners are reminded that the IHNC lock is closed; the GIWW Alternate Route has been established via the Baptiste Collette Bayou Channel, through Breton and Chandeleur Sounds, as well as to and from the eastern reaches of the near its intersection with the Gulfport Ship Channel. Mariners using the GIWW Alternate Route should be aware of shoaling found in the vicinity of Buoy 22 (mile 1.7) in Baptiste Collette; refer to https://hydrosurvey.mvn.usace.army.mil/navpgs/n_outlets_at_venice.asp for the updated USACE survey of the area.

All vessels shall make immediate preparations to evacuate the RNA if not moored at a facility with an Annual Hurricane Operations Plan.

Port partners and mariners are cautioned that the COTP New Orleans may quickly progress through port conditions as the situation develops, so vessel evacuations from the RNAs should be completed as soon as possible. 

If unable to comply, vessels shall contact the Waterways Management Division at SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil or (504) 365-2280 with the mitigating efforts they will take while remaining within the RNA.

Attachments:
1) 72 Hour Storm Specific Verification Report Form (Facilities with an Annual Hurricane Operations Plan) – submit via email to SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil

For additional information, contact the following:

Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 Email address: SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hour): (504) 365-2200
Vessel Traffic Center (24 Hour): (504) 365-2514 or VHF-FM channels 5A, 12, or 67
Coast Guard District Eight Bridges: (504) 671-2128
National Response Center (24 Hour): 1-800-424-8802

CAPTAIN W. E. WATSON
Captain of the Port New Orleans