MSIB Vol XXI Issue 061 - Setting of Port Condition NORMAL

Setting of Port Condition NORMAL

Effective September 1, 2021 at 1500, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans has set port condition NORMAL. 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.

The following waterway closures and/or restrictions remain in effect:

• A Temporary Safety Zone from MM 105 - 108 Ahead of Passes, Lower Mississippi River (LMR) is in effect PROHIBITING ALL vessel operations to ensure safety of persons and vessels from the hazards associated with the downed electrical transmission lines posing a threat of electrical shock or fouling.

• LMR from MM 108 – 167.5 AHP remains closed to all vessel traffic. Vessels desiring a waiver to transit this area should contact vessel waiver manager at (505) 818-9814.

• GIWW from the West Closure Complex to MM 20 west of Harvey Locks.

• Deep Draft vessels operating on the LMR are restricted to day light transit only.

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, obstructions, and/or other waterways issues to Sector New Orleans Command Center at (504) 365-2209.

Mariners are cautioned to a large field of partially sunken barges along the West descending bank of the LMR at MM 57.5.

COTP Zone HOUMA: Vessel operators are reminded the GIWW at MM 35 West of Harvey Locks remains closed.

For most up to date information please visit:

• Floodgates:
o Flood Protection Authority West: http://slfpaw.org/floodgate-summary/
o Flood Protection Authority East: https://www.floodauthority.org/closures/
• Bridges:
o http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/operations/ferrystatus/fmbs_status.aspx?PID=B_STATUS
Bridges still under evaluation include the Belle Chase, Claiborne, Florida, and St. Claude.
• Locks:
o https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/LockStatus/

Vessel Traffic Service Status
VTS capabilities, including communications, AIS, radar, and close circuit television are significantly limited at this time. Until mission capabilities can be fully restored, vessels operators should use caution when transiting New Orleans and/or Baton Rouge Traffic. Further updates to VTS capabilities will be communicated via broadcast notice to mariners and/or industry wide email. Vessels operating in the Berwick Bay VTS Zone may contact (985) 380-5374 for traffic updates.

Owners and operators should submit required lightering and salvage plans to: secnola.salvage@gmail.com.

Owners and Operators are requested to continue submitting the following status reports:
1) Regulated Waterfront Facilities
- Any immediate concerns threatening the safe operation of your facility?
- Will you require any deviations to COTP approved plans?
- Does your facility have power?
- Are vessels able to safely moor?
- Will your facility have a priority cargo movement request?

As a reminder, the recent increase in current and water levels may have altered the bottom conditions at your berths. It is the facility’s responsibility to provide safe berthing to all visiting vessels. It is highly encouraged that facility operators conduct a dock survey to ensure vessels docking have sufficient water depth.

2) Barge Fleeting Areas
- Are all barges accounted for safely moored?
- Barges unaccounted for, list current known status including any cargo onboard?

Above reports should be sent to:
Facilities/fleeting areas within MM 303 AHP to MM 167.5 AHP, or the GIWW Port Allen – Morgan City Alternate Route from MM 30 to MM 60 and the Atchafalaya River from MM 0 to MM 45: D08-SMB-MSUBatonRouge-Response-Facilities@uscg.mil

Facilities/fleeting areas within MM 167.5 AHP to MM 20 BHP on the LMR or the GIWW, send reports to FacilitiesNOLA@gmail.com

For additional information, contact the following:

Waterways Management: LCDR William Stewart (504) 269-7251 or SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hour): (504) 365-2209
Coast Guard District Eight Bridges: (504) 671-2128 or D8DPBALL@uscg.mil
National Response Center (24 Hour): 1-800-424-8802
DOTD Bridges: (225) 659-2581

 

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

 

For a current list of MSIBs in the COTP New Orleans Zone visit: https://homeportr.uscg.mil/my-homeport/safety-Notifications/MSIB?cotpid=39

• MSIB Vol XXI Issue 061 Setting of Port Condition NORMAL_signed.pdf