MSIB Vol XXI Issue 012 Baton Rouge 33' and Rising Safety Advisory

BATON ROUGE HIGH WATER SAFETY ADVISORY (33' and Rising):  VTS MEASURE MM 219 to MM 229 AHP LMR

As a result of the Baton Rouge gauge reading 33' and predicted to rise, the Captain of the Port of New Orleans has issued a safety advisory for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from Mile Marker (MM) 219 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to MM 229 AHP.  

Port Allen Lock LMR MM 219-229

1. All tows >600' (excluding towboat) shall employ an assist vessel of at least 1200 HP when entering and exiting locks.
2. Tows should use their most experienced crews.
3. Tows shall catch a headline when entering the locks.
4. Vessels will be placed on queue for lock tum when their tow is built and may remain in the area in which their tow is built until it is time for lock turn.
5. All tows exiting Port Allen Lock into the LMR intending to tum northbound shall use an assist vessel of at least 1200 HP or proceed southbound below MM 221 if topping around unassisted before heading north.
6. All tows are recommended to have 280 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. 
 
This Marine Safety Information Bulletin is supplemental to Volume XXI, Issue 010 High Water Safety Advisory: MM 219 to MM 240 AHP LMR (30' and rising).  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
 

CAPT W. E. WATSON 
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 and look under "Safety Notifications"