National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)

Transcription

1 Subject: (HTML Version) Louisiana Maritime Association Morning Report for Thursday, February 7, 2013 Date: Thursday, February 7, :28:57 AM Central Standard Time From: Christine Titus Louisiana Maritime Association 3939 N. Causeway Boulevard, Suite 102 Metairie, LA (504) Phone (504) Fax Thursday, February 7, 2013 Morning Report National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Key Navigation Issues No Threat Advisory Issued. Algiers Point Currently Open to Navigation Plaquemine Point Northbound transits only from 0630 to approximately 1800 No Wake Areas Due to various ongoing operations in the Vessel Traffic Service Area, the following no wake requests are in effect: 1. Heavy Lift MM 57 AHOP, LDB 2. HPL Bridge Construction at MM Harvey locks due to low water conditions. 4. Poland Ave dive ops under the dock (daylight only) thru Jan Rock laying operations IVO MM LMR. 6. Reserve Ferry Landing, MM RDB due to a partially sunken vessel.

2 HPL Bridge Navigation Issues For the Week beginning Monday, February 4: KMTC will be working above the main navigation channel on movable platforms from Monday February 4th through Saturday February 29th. The movable platforms reduce the vertical clearance of the Huey P. Long Bridge to 130 feet minus the Carrollton gage. Below is KMTC s work schedule for the aforementioned dates. Vessels with an air draft greater than 130 ft minus the Carrollton gage are required to give 2 hour notice of transit to the VTS while the platforms are in use so KMTC can move them towards Pier 2 to create a minimum navigation channel width of 500 ft. February 4 through February 9 -- KMTC will have one platform at Pier 1 and one platform at Pier 2 all day. The clearance width between the platforms will be 615. For the week of Monday February 11th to Saturday February 16th: KMTC will be working above the main navigation channel from movable platforms. February 11 thru February KMTC will have one platform at Pier 1 and one at Pier 2. The distance between the platforms will be 615. Please refer to the closure schedule for exact rolling platform locations. KMTC will require a Minimum Wake 7am through 7pm, Monday through Saturday and Sunday January 20. Other Daily Requirements: KMTC will require a Minimum Wake 7am through 7pm, Monday through Saturday. Mariners are urged to consult the attached documents for updated information about the location of the work platforms when stored, AIR DRAFT RESTRICTIONS, and additional information. Throughout the construction period, Monday through Saturday from 0700 to 1900 while workers are present, all mariners are requested to pass with extreme caution at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, ensuring the safety of the contractors working on the Huey P. Long Bridge. The primary contact for the bridge from this point forward will be the KMTC Rolling Platforms and can be reached on VHF-FM channel 67 or 82. Mariners are reminded of the Safety Zone in place at the bridge site to prevent vessels with significant air draft from meeting or overtaking other vessels as they approach the bridge. The Safety Zone is also in place to enforce traffic management measures needed following partial or full river closures. Safety Zones:

3 There will be a COTP Safety Zone affecting vessel traffic on Monday, Feb 11 from 5:30 pm to 6:50 pm on the LMR from MM Details: The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans: - Will establish a safety zone; - On the LMR, AHOP, from MM 93 to MM 96; - Extending the entire width of the river IVO the Riverwalk, New Orleans, LA. - To protect persons and vessels; - From hazards associated with the Lundi Gras boat parade and fireworks display. - Effective on February 11, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. until 6:50 p.m. (local). All vessels are prohibited from entering this safety zone: - Unless they have been granted permission by the COTP or designated representative. - The COTP designated representative for this Safety Zone is the VTS, LMR. - All vessels requesting permission to enter or transit through this safety zone are required to contact VTS via VHF Channel VTS will evaluate and allow vessels to transit through the Safety Zone on a case-by-case basis. The USCG small boat will be on scene for the duration of the event and can be contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16 in the event of an emergency. Operational Advisories and Restrictions Now In Place USCG MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 29: Waterway Status Navigation Advisory Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker 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) for further information. MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 149: Carrollton Gauge at 8 Feet on the Rise 22 January 2013

4 CARROLLTON GAUGE AT 8 FEET ON THE RISE 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 , 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). 5. In accordance with 33 CFR (c ), the COPT has determined that during periods of high water, unless moored to a shore side facility or mooring buoys, all deep draft vessels must have three means to hold position. An example would be two fully operational anchors and the propulsion system in standby. Should a vessel loose an anchor or become inoperable with no redundant capabilities available, such as aft anchors or two main engines, a third means of holding position could be via tug assist. For further information, contact the following: Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (24 hours): (504) Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) Cornerstone Chemical Company Draft Restriction The USCG has issued a COTP Order restricting The Cornerstone Chemical Company (MM AHOP LMR) from receiving at their dock any vessel drafting over 23 feet. This restriction has been issued due to two previous groundings at that terminal. MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN, Volume XII, Issue 120: Mississippi River Anchorage Low Water Hazards 20 September 2012 OVERVIEW

5 During routine Port State Control exams over the last several weeks, Sector New Orleans Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) discovered numerous vessels whose rudders may have set into the soft mud of the river bank while safely anchored. The vessel's contact with the river bottom appears to be the result of the vessel swinging on her anchor coupled with the reduction in available anchorage area do to the low water levels of the Mississippi River. There was no evidence that any of the vessels dragged their anchors. In all cases the vessels were able to free themselves without assistance and no damage to the rudder or steering was reported. DETAILS Masters and/or operators of vessels are reminded of their responsibility, as noted in 46 Code of Federal Regulations , to notify the nearest Coast Guard Sector Office whenever their vessel is involved in a marine casualty which includes any unintended grounding [46 CFR (a)(1)]. In addition, Masters and/or operators of vessels are reminded of their responsibility under 33 Code of Federal Regulations part which require all vessels over 1600 gross tons to test their steering gear no more than 12 hours before entering port or getting underway. Vessels which discover their rudder set in the soft mud of the river bank as noted above shall notify the New Orleans Vessel Traffic Center via VHF marine radio channel 5A, 11 or 12 or via landline at (504) Once the vessel comes off ground, the Master shall conduct a steering test prior to getting underway in accordance with 33 Code of Federal Regulations part and report the results of the test to the New Orleans Vessel Traffic Center. This MSIB is intended to maintain the Captain of the Port's awareness of the potential consequences to vessel operations during low water conditions on the Mississippi River. MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN, Volume XII, Issue 124, October 19, Dredging in Mississippi and Empire Waterway in support of Schoefield Island Restoration Project Beginning October 12, 2012 and continuing through to summer of 2013, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company will begin installation of a 17 NM submerged pipeline as part of the restoration of Schoefield Island. The pipeline will run from the borrow area, located on the right descending bank of the Mississippi River between MM 23 and 24, extending to MM 29 and cutting through the levee into the Empire Waterway. The pipeline will rest on the bottom of the Empire Waterway in the eastern portion outside of the navigational channel. There will be an additional borrow site offshore located at 29 12' 1.44" N/ ' 51.24" W with a pipeline connecting the dredge to the Schoefield Island area.

6 Pipe mobilization will proceed from October 12, 2012 to November 20, Dredging operations are scheduled to begin on November 29, 2012 and continue to May 19, Demobilization of the project will proceed from May 20 to August 20, Work will be conducted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The pipeline, dredge and 4 booster stations will be marked with lit buoys every 600 feet. There will be no restriction or obstruction to river traffic but mariners are reminded to transit this area with caution. The Coast Guard will provide updated information on the status and potential impacts of this project as they come. MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN, Volume XII, Issue 133, November 8, SLOW BELL REQUESTED AT MM 163 LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER Commencing Thursday, November 8, 2012 and continuing until April of 2013, Massman Construction will be conducting pile driving operations in the vicinity of MM 163. Due to the risk of all vessels and personnel involved, a slow bell is requested while transiting this area. Operations will be conducted Monday through Friday from 07:00 to 17:30 and on Saturday from 07:00 to 15:30. The M/V BILL O'DONLEY will be on scene and monitoring channels 67 and 05A. MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN, Volume XII, Issue 126, November 19, 2012 LMR Slow Speed LMR MM Beginning on November 19, 2012, repairs will begin on the bridge fender system on pier 4 and 5 of the Sunshine Bridge at Lower Mississippi River (LMR) Mile Marker (MM) near Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Construction will take place during day light hours only. Two crane barges will be utilized during the reconstruction of the bridge fender system extending approximately 40 feet into the navigation channel. One crane barge will be alongside pier 4 and one alongside pier 5. All vessel traffic is advised to proceed at the slowest safe speed when transiting through the area to minimize wake during daylight hours only. Mariners are requested to exercise caution when transiting the bridge and the construction site. Coastal Bridge Company will be on site and can be contacted on the crew boat M/V Robert Clyde monitoring VHF channels 16 and 67 or via telephone at MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN, Volume XII, Issue 138, December 21, 2012 Security Zone - Escorted Vessels, Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker 88 to Mile Marker The Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans, under the authority of the Magnuson Act, 33 CFR sections and , has established a moving security zone 300 yards on all sides of vessels being escorted by one or more Coast Guard assets or

7 other federal, state, or local law enforcement assets clearly identified by lights, vessel markings, or with agency insignia between Mile Marker (MM) 86 and MM 106 Lower Mississippi River (LMR). Vessels may enter and transit through the security zone with the permission of the COTP New Orleans or the on-scene Coast Guard or enforcement agency asset. If permitted to enter the security zone, a vessel must proceed at minimum safe speed and must comply with the order of the COTP New Orleans, or the on-scene asset. No vessel may enter the inner 50-yard portion of the security zone closest to the vessel being escorted unless authorized by the Coast Guard. On-scene Coast Guard or enforcement agency assets may be contacted on VHF channel 16 or VHF channel 67. The COTP New Orleans will be enforcing this moving security zone at various times between January 1, 2013 and March 31, Marine Safety Information Bulletins or Broadcast Notice to Mariners will be issued during additional periods of enforcement. While the Security Zone is in effect all vessels transiting between MM 88 and MM 106, including those less than 300 gross tons, are required to report their cargo to the Vessel Traffic Center (VTC). Up-bound vessels are required to report cargo 15 minutes prior to arrival at MM 88. Down-bound vessels are required to report cargo 15 minutes prior to arrival at MM 106. Also, any vessels entering and departing the Algiers, Industrial, or Harvey locks are required to report cargo to the VTC one hour prior to transiting the locks. The Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Center will facilitate safe passage and can be contacted on VHF 12 or (504) for more information. MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN, Vol XIII Issue 2, January 22, 2013 High Water Safety Advisory: LMR AS a result of the Baton Rouge gauge reading 25feet and expected to continue to rise, the COTP New Orleans has issued a Safety Advisory from MM 129 to MM 229, Lower Mississippi River (LMR). The following are recommendations for the advisory: PORT Allen Lock: A. It is recommended that Canal Tows 600ft 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 aer 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 (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.

8 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 the lock turn. For Further information, contact the following Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge: Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge CDO: Coast Guard Sector Command Center New Orleans (24 hours): Upper Mississippi River Low Water Information Ø USACE, St. Louis District released a new website for UPDATES. At Piracy Reports No new reports BAR Pilots Operational Area SWP to Pilottown Current Recommendation Draft as of June 28, 2012: Maximum recommended freshwater draft for all vessels in Southwest Pass is 47 feet Crescent Pilots Operational Area Pilottown to Mile AHOP Current Recommended Draft as of June 28, 2012: Maximum recommended freshwater draft for all vessels from Venice to MM AHOP is 47 feet NOBRA Pilots Operational Area Mile to Mile Current Recommended Draft: Maximum recommended freshwater draft for all vessels from Mile up to Mile 180 AHOP is 47 feet, and Maximum recommended freshwater draft for all vessels from Mile 180 to AHOP is 45 feet. Current Restrictions in Place NOBRA Pilots have announced that due to the USACE mat sinking work in the area

9 around LMR, Mile , AHOP, navigation restrictions are in effect. They are working at MM R as of February 3rd. Currently: Southbound traffic is restricted to night transits only at the location of the mat-sinking operation at MM 209.1, and northbound traffic will be one-way transits for vessels with a draft of 30 feet or greater and vessels with a draft of 35 feet or greater must transit the area at night. The revetment work in this area is expected to be completed on the 8 th of February LMR Federal Pilots Current Restrictions in Place As below. Captain Jaime Colón, President of the Federal River Pilots reports the Federal Pilots are making operational decisions on a case by case basis Reports of Marine Incidents and Safety Advisories Affecting Navigation on the LMR The USCG & USCBP have released navigation notices for vessels navigating near Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Plant. For further information, see LAMA Circular "USCG & USCBP Navigation Alerts For Vessels Navigating Near Japan's Nuclear Plant" posted at: Upcoming Scheduled Events of Interest 1. USCBP Quarterly Agents Meeting CY2013 Tentative Dates February 21, 2013 May 16, 2013 August 15, 2013 (Continuing every third month on the Third Thursday of the month.)

10 Today's Lower Mississippi River Conditions 1. Southwest Pass Tides Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon /Low Time Feet Sunset Visible Th 7 Low 4:07 AM :42 AM Rise 4:15 AM 15 7 High 7:00 PM 1.2 5:42 PM Set 3:12 PM F 8 Low 4:54 AM :41 AM Rise 5:06 AM 7 8 High 8:01 PM 1.1 5:42 PM Set 4:18 PM Sa 9 Low 5:35 AM :41 AM Rise 5:53 AM 2 9 High 8:59 PM 1.0 5:43 PM Set 5:23 PM Su 10 Low 6:08 AM :40 AM Rise 6:36 AM 0 10 High 9:55 PM 0.7 5:44 PM Set 6:26 PM M 11 Low 6:22 AM :39 AM Rise 7:15 AM 0 11 High 10:48 PM 0.5 5:45 PM Set 7:28 PM Tu 12 Low 6:03 AM 0.0 6:38 AM Rise 7:53 AM 3 12 High 12:40 PM 0.2 5:46 PM Set 8:27 PM 12 Low 4:20 PM High 11:45 PM 0.3 W 13 Low 4:52 AM 0.2 6:38 AM Rise 8:29 AM 7 13 High 12:09 PM 0.4 5:46 PM Set 9:24 PM 13 Low 7:22 PM 0.1 Th 14 High 12:21 PM 0.5 6:37 AM Rise 9:06 AM Low 10:50 PM 0.0 5:47 PM Set 10:20 PM F 15 High 12:49 PM 0.6 6:36 AM Rise 9:43 AM :48 PM Set 11:15 PM Sa 16 Low 12:11 AM :35 AM Rise 10:23 AM High 1:28 PM 0.7 5:49 PM Su 17 Low 1:00 AM :34 AM Set 12:09 AM High 2:16 PM 0.9 5:49 PM Rise 11:05 AM 2. Today's River Stages, Bridge Air Gaps, Lock Status Updated Daily. River Stages

11 Bridge Air Gaps Lock Status

12 3. Today's 3-Day Weather Forecast: 315 AM CST THU FEB SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS MORNING TODAY NORTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS EASING TO 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET SUBSIDING TO 3 TO 4 FEET IN THE AFTERNOON. PROTECTED WATERS VERY ROUGH. SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS IN THE MORNING. CHANCE OF SHOWERS THROUGH THE DAY. TONIGHT WEST WINDS NEAR 5 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTH IN THE LATE EVENING AND EARLY MORNING...THEN BECOMING NORTHWEST AFTER MIDNIGHT. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. PROTECTED WATERS CALM. FRIDAY NORTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. PROTECTED WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. FRIDAY NIGHT EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 1 TO 2 FEET. PROTECTED WATERS CHOPPY. SATURDAY SOUTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 4 FEET. PROTECTED WATERS ROUGH Today s LMR PORTS Screen (Includes HPL Air Gap Sensor Reading AND River Velocities). Lower Mississippi River PORTS, NOAA/NOS :24 CST Water Levels (above MLLW) Carrollton-LWRP 7.8 ft, Steady Pilottown 1.0 ft, Stead y Pilots St. East 1.1 ft, Steady Winds Spd Dir Gusts Spd Dir Gust s Pilottown 11 kn N 19 Pilots St. East 14 kn N Air and Water Temperature Air Water Air Water Carrollton-LWRP 47 F Pilottown 61 F *** F Pilots St. East 62 F *** F

13 Barometric Pressure Pilottown 1011 mb Rising Pilots St. East 1012 mb Rising Air Gap/Bridge Clearance (above water surface) Huey P. Long Bridge ft, Stdy. Crescent City ft, Stdy Currents (F)lood, (S)lack, (E)bb, towards T Spd Dir Spd Dir Port Allen *** kn ( ), *** T First Street Wharf 2.6 kn (E), 61.0 T 5. Luling "Hale Boggs' Bridge Renovation The NOBRA Pilots are requesting that any vessel that has an air draft measurement that falls within 10' of [158.4 less the Reserve Gage] to contact VTS NOLA with the vessel information. For further information, see LAMA Circular "Luling 'HALE BOGGS' Bridge Repairs Air Draft Reporting Instructions" posted at: LMR River Stage Predictions The following River Stage Predictions are provided by the USACE. The Information is updated as received. Posted February 5, The LMR at New Orleans is predicted to fall 0.8' feet down to9.5' and then rise back up to 10.0' over the next ten days. 7. LMR River Crossings Survey Reports The following survey reports are provided by the USACE. The information is updated as received. The below information was posted on February 7, Updated

14 Below are the latest USACE survey results for the LMR crossings, with updated survey information for the crossings at Upper Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, Red Eye, and Sardine Point. Changes from the previous surveys at these locations, which were completed on January 28, are reflected below. Capt Ron

15 Ronald W. Branch, CAPT. USCG (Ret.) President