www.louisianamaritime.org
Morning Report
Friday, March 30, 2012
National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/ntas.shtm
No Threat Advisory Issued.
Key Navigation Issues
Fog Conditions
Algiers Point Navigation – Current Status: Opento Navigation.
Southwest Pass Navigation – Current Status: Open to Navigation
HPL Bridge Navigation Issues
For the week of March 26th, KMTC will continue the retrofit work in Span two, but will maintain at least 500 ft of clearance within the navigable channel at all times.
For the week of April 2, it is proposed to have no air draft restrictions.
KMTC will require a Minimum Wake 7am through 7pm, Monday through Saturday.
Operational Advisories and Restrictions Now In Place
USCG
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 28: CARROLLTON GAUGE AT 12 FEET AND RISING – 29 March 2012– NEW POST
The Carrollton gauge indicates a Mississippi River stage of 12 feet on the rise.
1. In accordance with 33 CFR 161.65, the Governor Nicholls Harbor Traffic Control Light 94, Gretna Harbor Traffic Control Light 97 and the Westwego Traffic Light 102 remain energized.
2. The Harbor Traffic Control Lights are located at: Governor Nicholls Light, MM 94.3, AHP, LDB, LMR (LLNR 13855/34770), Gretna Light, MM 96.6, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR 13880/34795) and the Westwego Traffic Light, MM 101.4, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR13950).
3. The Governor Nicholls Light 94 and the Gretna Light 97 are not operating.
4. Downbound vessels check in with Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (call sign "New Orleans Traffic") not lower than Huey P Long Bridge, MM 106.1, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS) and the Marlex Terminal, MM 99.0, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS). Upbound vessels check in with "New Orleans Traffic" not higher than the Algiers Canal Forebay, MM 88.0, AHP (SHIPS), Industrial Canal, MM 92.7, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS) and Crescent Towing Smith Fleet, MM 93.5, AHP (TOWS).
5. Towing downstream on a hawser between Julia Street (MM 95.3) and Desire Streets (MM 93.5) is prohibited without an assist or tail vessel without permission from COTP New Orleans. COTP permission may be requested to and granted by VTS LMR.
6. Title 33 CFR 165.803, Paragraph (M) requires stricter barge fleeting standards on the Lower Mississippi River.
For further information, contact the following:
Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (24 hours): (504) 365-2230 Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2543 Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 21: High Water Safety Advisory: LMR MM 219 to MM 229 – 14 March 2012
As a result of the Baton Rouge gauge reading 25 feet and expected to continue to rise, the COTP New Orleans has issued a Safety Advisory from MM 219 to MM 229, Lower Mississippi River (LMR).The following are recommendations for the advisory:
Port Allen Lock:
A.It is recommended that Canal Tows 600 feet in length or greater, excluding the length of the towing vessel, use a Private Assist Vessel with a minimum of 1000 horse power when entering and exiting the Port Allen Locks.
B.Canal Tows exiting the Port Allen Locks intending to head northbound are recommended to proceed southbound and then top around at or below MM 226 prior to heading north.
C.Owner / Operators are reminded to ensure towing vessel inspections are completed before entering the RNA as per 33 CFR 165.810 (f).
D.Companies should consider staffing vessels with the most experienced crews.
E.Towing vessels are recommended to catch a headline when entering the Port Allen Lock.
F.Vessels will be put on queue for lock turn when their tow is built and may remain in the area in which their tow was built until it is time for lock turn.
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 23: Waterway Status – Navigation Advisory Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker 228-229 – 14 March 2012
Cancelled
T. E. Iberson Construction Company is conducting construction operations in the vicinity of LMR MM 228 to 229 on the RDB.All vessel traffic is advised to proceed at the slowest safe speed when transiting through the area so as to minimize wake.Construction equipment may extend out 100 yards from the existing dock.All vessel traffic is advised to use caution and maintain a distance of 50 yards away from construction operations when transiting the area.
T. E. Iberson Construction Company and the towing vessel MR CHESTER will be monitoring and may be contacted through VHFChannel 13 and 16 or via telephone at (985) 696-1219 for further information.
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 22: Carrollton Gauge at 8 Feet on the Rise – 14 March 2012
As a result of the Carrollton Gauge reading 8 feet and rising, the Algiers Point VTS Special Area Operating requirements are in affect:
1. In accordance with 33 CFR 161.65, the Governor Nicholls Harbor Traffic Control Light 94, Gretna Harbor Traffic Control Light 97 and the Westwego Traffic Light 102 have been energized.
2. The Harbor Traffic Control Lights are located at:
Governor Nicholls Light, MM 94.3, AHP, LDB, LMR (LLNR 13855/34770),
Gretna Light, MM 96.6, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR 13880/34795), and the
Westwego Traffic Light, MM 101.4, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR13950).
3. The Governor Nicholls Light 94 and the Gretna Light 97 are not operating.
4. Downbound vessels check in with Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (call sign "New Orleans Traffic"):
Not lower than Huey P Long Bridge, MM 106.1, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS), and the
Marlex Terminal, MM 99.0, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS).
Upbound vessels check in with "New Orleans Traffic":
Not higher than the Algiers Canal Forebay, MM 88.0, AHP (SHIPS),
Industrial Canal, MM 92.7, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS) and
Crescent Towing Smith Fleet, MM 93.5, AHP (TOWS).
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue: 25 High Water Safety Advisory LMR MM232 to MM237 – 21 March 2012
As a result of the Baton Rouge gauge reading 28 feet and expected to continue to rise, the COTP New Orleans has issued a Safety Advisory from Mile Marker (MM) 232 to MM 237, Lower Mississippi River (LMR).The following are recommended based on the current gauge reading:
Wilkinson Point:
A.Line-towing companies and tow operators are recommended to use towing vessels with a horsepower ratio of 240 hp per barge and a maximum of 36 barges per tow for southbound transit around from MM 232 to MM 237 LMR, which includes Wilkinson Point.Empty barges may be calculated at 1?2 the horsepower requirements to that of a loaded barge when computing the overall horsepower requirement.Vessels in queue currently transiting southbound with 36 barges or more may continue their transit but are requested to contact Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge at 225-281-4789.
B.Towing vessels with 8000 hp are allowed to push a 35 barge tow makeup (400 hp less than requirement stated above).
C.Owner / Operators are reminded to ensure towing vessel inspections are completed before entering the RNA as per 33 CFR 165.810(f).
D.Line-towing companies should consider staffing vessels with the most experienced crews.
For further information, contact the following:
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge:(225) 298-5400
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge CDO: (225) 281-4785
Coast Guard Sector Command Center New Orleans (24 hours):(504) 365-2200
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 29: Waterway Status – Navigation Advisory Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker 228-229 – 26 March 2012
This MSIB replaces the information release in MSIB Vol. XII Issue 23.
T. E. Iberson Construction Company is conducting construction operations in the vicinity of LMR MM 228 to 229 on the RDB.All vessel traffic is advised to proceed at the slowest safe speed when transiting through the area so as to minimize wake.Construction equipment may extend out 100 yards from the existing dock.All vessel traffic is advised to use caution and maintain a distance of 50 yards away from construction operations when transiting the area.
T. E. Iberson Construction Company and the towing vessel MARK K will be monitoring and may be contacted through VHF Channel 69 or via telephone at (985) 870-0585 for further information.
For further information, contact the following:
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge:(225) 298-5400
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge CDO: (225) 281-4785
Coast Guard Sector Command Center New Orleans (24 hours):(504) 365-2200
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Recent Worldwide Piracy Reports
The Senior Watch Officer from the Office of Naval Intelligence has provided the following advisory:
1.
REPORTS FROM MARITIME FORCES AND COMMERICAL MARITIME INTERESTS INDICATE CONCERN WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR LOCALIZED DISRUPTION TO SHIPPING IN CONJUNCTION WITH FUTURE IRANIAN NAVAL EXERICISES. DURING PREVIOUS EXERCISES IRANIAN MARITIME FORCES CONDUCTED BOARDINGS AND INSPECTIONS OF MERCHANT SHIPS, INCLUDING THOSE FLAGGED TO EUROPEAN NATIONS.THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT IRAN WILL ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT BOARDINGS AND INSPECTIONS DURING EXERCISES BETWEEN DECEMBER 2011 AND MARCH 2012. THE MOST LIKELY LOCATION FOR THIS ACTIVITY WOULD BE IN THE VICINITY OFTHE STRAIT OF HORMUZ, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS CLOSER TO IRANIAN TERRITORIAL WATERS.
2. ONI assesses with high confidence that Somali pirates possess both the intent and capability to increase operations in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea during the seasonal monsoon transition period, expected to occur from late March through May 2012. During the seasonal monsoon transition period, sea states are expected to be between 3-5 feet, ideal for operating attack skiffs in open ocean waters. Rain will occur mostly in the form of isolated thunderstorms and brief showers. Fog is also forecasted to occur frequently.
Pirates continue to be armed with assault rifles and RPGs; the use of heavier weaponry in the future cannot be discounted. Somali pirate attack groups in some cases will increasingly probe merchant vessels to determine if weaponry is aboard a potential target. If weapons or armed guards are spotted, the pirates will likely seek out another nearby transiting vessel and repeat the observation process. Generally speaking, many pirate attack groups will conduct an attack on a vessel after observing a lack of weaponry or armed guards. Pirates remain capable of operating in excess of 1200nm from the Somali coast for weeks at a time leveraging the use of motherships. Vessels previously hijacked and being held at anchor for ransom could, at times, also proceed to get underway for the purpose of conducting mothership operations. Overall, all vessels operating in the region are considered potential targets.
Vessels operating in the region are encouraged to implement Best Management Practices and report pirate activity to the appropriate authorities, to include the UKMTO.
3. A merchant vessel reported being hijacked at 0330Z on 26MAR12 in position 0700N - 06949E, approximately 467 nm SW from Cape Comorin, India. This area will remain high risk for at least the next 24-48 hours. Posted 3-26-12
4.A merchant vessel reported coming under fire at 1351 Z on 25MAR12 in position 1417N – 05651E, approximately 215 nm NE from Socotra Island, Yemen. This area will remain high risk for at least the next 24-48 hours. Posted 3-26-12
5.A merchant vessel reported being attacked at 0240Z on 26MAR12 in position 0521S - 04918E, approximately 600 nm NE from Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. This area will remain high risk for at least the next 24-48 hours. - Posted 3-27-12
Please share with vessel owners, operators and charterers.
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BAR Pilots
Operational Area – SWP to Pilot town
NormalOperational Draft - 45' Freshwater. (See temporary restrictions below)
Current Restrictions in Place –Updated January 2, 2012
Maximum recommended draft for all vessels in Southwest Pass is44 feet.
On December 31, 2011Capt Mike Lorino, President of the BAR Pilots provided the following information:
"Due to channel conditions, Bar Pilots are lowering the draft to44ft fresh waterin their operating territoryeffective Monday,January 2,2012."
Important Note from BAR President Captain Mike Lorino – Posted March 13
As a result of the lack of federal funding for dredging during the past year, the Bar Pilots membership had to reduce the RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT in Southwest Pass. The decision to reduce the loading draft was given careful consideration by the Bar Pilots and was the subject of much discussion and debate amongst the Bar Pilot membership. Our membership recognizes the complications and difficulties that a reduction in draft causes your principals in using our River system. Because of this, the Bar Pilot membership has worked closely with industry on vessels that were loaded to our recommended draft in the event that the RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT decreased before arrival here. As has always been the case, vessels are only moved through Southwest Pass if the Bar Pilot for the vessel believes that it can safely be transited.
I regret to report that some vessels have not complied with the above accommodation that the Bar Pilots have made. We are aware that some vessels are arriving inbound after loading to a deeper draft than our recommended draft. Moreover, and more disturbing, there are an ever increasing number of vessels being loaded on the River for outbound transit OVER the RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT.
Yesterday, an agent for an outbound vessel asked whether the Bar Pilots would move a vessel with a 44.4’ draft. Later it was learned that the vessel was actually loaded to 45.6’ with knowledge that the recommended draft was 44ft. The vessel was then trimmed by the master to 44.8’ but still requested transit through Southwest Pass over the 44ft. draft limitation. This evening the vessel was denied transit and is heading back to the dock to discharge cargo that should have never been loaded. There is no excuse for this to occur.
Therefore, as of today, any inbound or outbound vessel more than 1 inch over the Bar Pilot RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT will not transit Southwest Pass. The only exception to that policy will be in the event that there is a lowering of the RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT and a vessel is already in transit. In this instance, the Bar Pilots will evaluate it upon arrival and, if it can safely be transited, the Bar Pilot membership will try to accommodate that vessel.
Mike Lorino, Jr.
Associated Branch Pilots
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Crescent Pilots
Operational Area – Pilot town to Mile 90 AHOP
NormalOperational Draft - 47' Freshwater(See temporary restrictions below)