MSIB Vol XX Issue 125 Setting of Port Condition Normal and RNA-East Re-Opened

 

Setting of Port Condition NORMAL
and RNA-East Re-Opened

Effective immediately on October 29, 2020, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans will set Port Condition NORMAL in accordance with the Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan (MHCPP) found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans.

Vessel movement and cargo operations are authorized within the COTP New Orleans Zone, as described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 3.40-15 as follows:

• On the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 20 Below Head of Passes (BHP) to MM 303 Above Head of Passes (AHP)
• On the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) from MM 20 West of Harvey Lock (WHL) to MM 44.2 East of Harvey Lock (EHL)
• On the GIWW Port Allen – Morgan City Alternate Route from MM 30 to MM 65
• On the Atchafalaya River from MM 0 to MM 45

The GIWW Alternate Route (refer to MSIB Vol XX Issue 087a for details) remains closed to navigation at this time pending Aids to Navigation (ATON) verification and channel surveys. 

Also effective immediately, the COTP New Orleans rescinds the enforcement of the Hurricane Regulated Navigation Area - East, which includes the following areas:

• 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

Mariners are reminded that the IHNC Lock and St. Claude Avenue Bridge are closed.

The LA 23 Belle Chasse Highway and New Orleans & Gulf Coast (NOGC) Railroad bridges have no power and cannot open for vessels.  Estimated time of repairs is unknown.  Vessels should contact the bridges for updated information.

The Harvey-LaPalco Sector Gate remains closed at this time.

Although waterways are open to traffic, shoaling, storm debris, and other hazards may still exist.  Mariners must be mindful of their vessel wake, as flooding conditions may exist in many communities near waterways. Aids to Navigation may also be damaged or missing. Mariners transiting the area should use caution, and report any Aids to Navigation damage or other waterways issues to VTS LMR via VHF-FM Channel 05A, 12, or 67, or via landline at (504) 365-2514.

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

 

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

• MSIB Vol XX Issue 125 Setting of Port Condition Normal and RNA East Re-Opened.pdf