UPDATE/MM 869-303 LMR/GENERAL/SEC LMR BNM 0009-25 UPDATE-1

LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER
1. THE COTP LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER IS ISSUING A HIGH WATER SAFETY ADVISORY FOR THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER FROM MM 869 TO MM 303.
2. MARINERS ARE ADVISED TO TRANSIT THE LMR WITH CAUTION DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH STRONG CURRENTS, SEVERE OUTDRAFTS, MISSING/OFF STATION ATON, AND DIVING BUOYS.
3. THE COTP, WITH THE CONCURRENCE OF THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMITTEE, RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING LIMITS FOR TOWS TRANSITING THE LMR FROM MM 869 TO MM 303 WHEN THE MEMPHIS GAUGE REACHES 25 FT AND/OR GREENVILLE GAUGE REACHES 45 FT AND/OR VICKSBURG GAUGE REACHES 36 FT.
4. ALL DOWN-BOUND TOWS:
A. TOWING VESSELS MUST HAVE AT LEAST 240 HP PER LOADED BARGE WITH A MAXIMUM TOW SIZE OF 36 BARGES.
B. TOWING VESSELS WITH LESS THAN 6000 HP A MAXIMUM TOW SIZE OF 25 BARGES.
C. TOWING VESSELS WITH 6001 HP TO 7200 HP A MAXIMUM TOW SIZE OF 30 BARGES.
D. TOWING VESSELS WITH 7201 HP TO 8400 HP A MAXIMUM TOW SIZE OF 35 BARGES.
E. TOWING VESSELS WITH GREATER THAN 8401 HP A MAXIMUM TOW SIZE OF 36 BARGES.
F. UPON THE VICKSBURG GAUGE REACHING 40FT, SOUTHBOUND TOWS GREATER THAN 110FT WIDE ARE LIMITED TO DAYLIGHT TRANSIT ONLY THROUGH THE VICKSBURG BRIDGE.
G. REFER TO THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERWAYS ACTION PLAN FOR FURTHER DETAILS LOCATED ON THE SECTOR LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER HOMEPORT PAGE.
5. ALL UP-BOUND TOWS:
A. MUST MAINTAIN AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 3.0 MPH OVER THE GROUND FOR TWO MILES LEADING UP TO THE MEMPHIS AND/OR VICKSBURG BRIDGES. IF A TOW IS UNABLE TO AVERAGE A MINIMUM SPEED OF 3 MPH, IT MUST ARRANGE FOR AN ASSIST TUG OR REDUCE TOW SIZE THROUGH THE MEMPHIS AND/OR VICKSBURG BRIDGES.
6. FLEET OPERATORS SHOULD REGULARLY CHECK THEIR FLEETS AND IMMEDIATELY REPORT BARGE BREAKAWAYS TO THE U.S. COAST GUARD.
7. MARINERS ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT SECTOR LMR ON CH-16 VHF-FM OR VIA TELEPHONE AT 866-777-2784 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO REPORT AREAS OF CONCERN.
BT