MSIB Vol Issue 063 - Port Condition NORMAL

Port Condition NORMAL

On September 1, 2021 at 1500, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans 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 restrictions remain in effect:

• Vessels operating on the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from Mile Marker (MM) 108 – 167.5 Above Head of Passes (AHP):

 Maintain slowest safe speed in the vicinity of ongoing vessel salvage operations, and
 Tow sizes shall be limited to 36 barges Southbound and 42 barges Northbound respectively, with six wide being the maximum allowed.

Vessels operating in this zone are advised to sail as close to centerline of the channel as possible. Vessel operators are reminded that there may be sunken or partially sunken obstructions near the right or left descending banks and should use caution when transiting these areas.

• Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from MM 18-20 West of the Harvey Locks remains closed due to shoaling. 
 
• Deep Draft vessels operating on the LMR are restricted to day light transit only.

Mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting the LMR between MM 56-58. A large field of partially sunken barges has been identified along the right descending bank of the LMR.

Although waterways are open to traffic, shoaling, storm debris, and other hazards may still exist.  Mariners must be mindful of their vessel’s 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 exercise caution, and report any Aids to Navigation damage, obstructions, and/or other waterways issues to the Sector New Orleans Command Center at (504) 365-2209.

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
• 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 are requested to continue submitting the following status reports:
1) Regulated Waterfront Facilities
- Any immediate concerns threatening the safe operation of your facility?
- Is your facility open for cargo operations
- Are there any restrictions for vessels calling at your facility
- Will you require any deviations to COTP approved plans?
- Does your facility have power?

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@uscg.mil

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

• MSIB Vol XXI Issue 063 Port Condition Normal.pdf