National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)

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1 Subject: [Lama- daily] Louisiana Maritime Association Morning Report for Wednesday, September 5th, 2012 Date: Wednesday, September 5, :51:17 AM Central Daylight Time From: Ronald Branch (sent by <lama- daily- To: Ronald Branch Louisiana Maritime Association 3939 N. Causeway Boulevard, Suite 102 Metairie, LA (504) Phone (504) Fax Morning Report Wednesday, September 5th, 2012 National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) No Threat Advisory Issued. Key Navigation Issues New - Safety Zone MM LMR The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port New Orleans, under the authority of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, has established a safety zone on the Lower Mississippi River, Above Head of Passes, from MM 79.4 to MM 80, extending 150 yards from the East Bank of the river in the vicinity of the Stolt Braithwaite Marine Terminal. This safety zone is needed to protect persons and vessels from potential safety hazards associated with clean up operations taking place at the chemical facility. This rule is effective from 12:00 p.m. local on September 4, Saltwater Sill Construction Here are the current navigation guidelines for the LMR MM65 MM63 AHOP. Daylight Transits

2 One-way traffic only. 47' Draft Restriction. Night Transits One-way traffic only. 40' Draft Restriction The CRPPA continues to monitor the situation and will review these guidelines as more experience with the dredging operation and equipment is gained. The VTS LMR traffic management scheme around this operation requires reporting at the locations listed below: All downbound vessels must contact VTS LMR at the Scarsdale Light (Mile 75.2 AHP) on VHF Channel 11. All upbound vessels must contact VTS LMR at Myrtle Grove (Mile 57 AHP) on VHF Channel 11. Vessels are required to contact Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River, call sign "New Orleans Traffic", on VHF-FM Channel 11 and must report: * Vessel Name and Type * Current Location * Destination and ETA * Dangerous Cargo on-board * Number and status (loaded or empty) of barges (tows only) * Any unusual conditions or special handling considerations The construction process is estimated to take days. HPL Bridge Navigation Issues For the week of September 3rd: KMTC will be conducting work on the main navigational channel but will not require the moveable platforms from Monday September 3rd to Saturday September 8th. September 3rd - September 5th the horizontal clearance between the platforms will be 615 ft. September 6th - September 7th the horizontal clearance between the platforms and pier 2 will be 350 ft. September 8th the horizontal clearance between the platforms and Pier 1 will be 615 ft. Week of September 10: For the week of Monday September 10th to Saturday September 16th KMTC will be conducting work on the main navigational channel reducing the vertical clearance of the Huey P. Long Bridge to 130 feet minus the Carrollton Gage. Vessels with an air draft greater than 130 ft minus the Carrollton gage are required to

3 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. September 10rd - September 14th the horizontal clearance between the platforms and pier 1 will be 615 ft. September 15th - September 16th the horizontal clearance between the platforms and pier 1 will be 375 ft. 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. Long-term look: The official completion date on the widening of the Huey P. Long is August However, it is anticipate that the work over/on the river will be complete before then. The contractors are working on a timeline with the dates & phases and their affects on Marine Transportation that will be released soon. USACE Mat-Laying Operations Below is the current revetment schedule for 2012 season. The schedule is subject to dramatic change as it is based on a number of variables. Channel restriction and closures will also change based on river conditions and available information. Schedule and channel restrictions will be updated regularly. A slow down/no wake is requested while passing the Mat Sinking Unit. The USACE

4 will pass any traffic which can be passed safely during working hours (typically 6am to 6pm) and as needed will make adjustments to limit or remove the restriction while the USACE is not working at night. The M/V HARRISON and M/V WILLIAM JAMES will be the contact vessels for channel restrictions. They will monitor Ch's 13 & 82, 24 hrs/day while sinking operations are ongoing. 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.

5 MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 43: Carrollton Gauge at 9 Feet and Falling 14 April 2012 AS A RESULT OF THE CARROLLTON GAUGE READING 9 FEET AND FALLING THE FOLLOWING ARE NOW EFFECT: 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 DE-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 PROPERLY OPERATING. MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 53: Waterway Status - Low Water Safety Advisory: LMR MM 167 to MM 303 May 31, As a result of the Baton Rouge Gauge reading below 12 feet and expected to continue to fall, the COTP New Orleans has issued a Safety Advisory from MM 167 to MM 303, Lower Mississippi River (LMR). This safety advisory is needed to protect vessels and mariners from hazards associated with low water, including possible shoaling and decreased channel widths. 2. Industry Navigating and Operating in the LMR A. Commercial vessels are recommended to reduce loads and/or barges, to enable them to navigate through trouble areas. B. Pilots and Masters of Oceangoing vessels should review the facility's docking procedures prior to arriving at the facility. C. All vessels should transit in the charted navigational channel to the greatest extent possible. D. Towing companies should consider staffing vessels with their most experienced crews. 3. Movement of Vessels in the Vicinity of 81 Mile Point (MM , LMR) A. In accordance with 33CFR (e), all vessels moving or intending to move in this area must complete the appropriate check-in procedures with VTS New Orleans prior to transiting. B. Mariners are also advised of the increased possibility of shoaling in this area and should use extreme caution while transiting. Asian Gypsy Moth Inspections Notice (8/2/2012) The USDA has issued a joint US-Canadian bulletin regarding an increase in the number of incidents where Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) live egg masses have been found on vessels entering US and Canadian Ports. Mr. Merlin Hymel, Acting Port Director for USCBP Port of New Orleans has confirmed they have seen an increase in the number of vessels arriving in the U.S.

6 with AGM egg masses. Such vessels are subject being expelled from port until all egg masses are removed from the vessel. The joint US-Canada bulletin provides guidance for vessels arriving at US or Canadian Ports. If the arriving vessel visited ports in China, Korea, Japan and Far East Russia ANYTIME during period of May through September, the following measures are required: 1. Vessels must obtain pre-departure certification and forward a copy of the CERTIFICATION that the vessel is free of Asian Gypsy Moth life stages to their U.S or Canadian agents. The inspections should be performed as close to departure time from the regulated port as possible. 2. Shipping lines are to perform intensive vessel self-inspections to look for, remove (scrape off), and properly destroy all egg masses and other life stages of AGM prior to entering U.S. and Canadian ports to avoid facing inspection delays; re-routing and other potential impacts associated with mitigating the risk on entry to North America. All vessels should, five days prior to the vessel's arrival at its first US or Canadian port, perform their own comprehensive self-inspection according to the GYPSY MOTH INSPECTION POCKET GUIDE and confirm to the agents whether their vessel is free of any infestation. Additional images of recent detections are also available and are attached. 3. At least two days prior to the vessel s arrival to please forward to agent a copy of the vessel's voyage memo in order agents may provide to the local U.S. and Canadian inspectors an opportunity to review the vessel's history of ports and dates. It is the responsibility of the shipping lines to meet all requirements for entry to the US and Canada for freedom from AGM and other pest concerns. This is turning into a season where AGM populations in Northeast Asia are considered to be high. THE USDA strongly urges maritime interests to take all possible precautions. Updated Instructions for the handling of AGM Egg Masses (Posted August 8, 2012) Suspect AGM Egg Mass Discoveries By Vessel Crew: If a suspect AGM egg mass is discovered on board a vessel before arrival at the Port of New Orleans, the vessel agent/representative should: Inform the Captain to have a crewmember carefully scrape off the suspect AGM egg mass with a knife or paint scrapper and place the egg mass in a Ziploc bag. DO NOT ADD ALCOHOL. Have the crew member immediately place the specimen in a refrigerator. DO NOT FREEZE. NOTIFY THE CBP DESK AT (504) If a suspect AGM egg mass is discovered on board a vessel arriving at a foreign port before entering the Port of

7 New Orleans, the vessel agent/representative should: Inform the Captain to have a crew member carefully scrape off the suspect AGM egg mass with a knife or paint scrapper and place the egg mass in alcohol and/or incinerate the specimen. NOTIFY THE CBP DESK AT (504) NEVER THROW A SUSPECT AGM SPECIMEN OVERBOARD A copy of the US Canadian Bulletin and Gypsy Moth Inspection Pocket Guide are both posted on the LAMA Website. 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. Greenville LMR Area - USCG COTP Memphis Safety Zone The Coast Guard Sector LMR is enforcing a Safety Zone around the area (Mile 526 to 524 AHP). 1. THE SAFETY ZONE AT MM 524 TO MM 526 IS STILL IN EFFECT. THERE WILL NO LONGER BE SEPARATE PERIODS FOR NORTH AND SOUTH BOUND TRAFFIC EFFECTIVE 0600 THURSDAY, 30 AUG. A QUEUE WILL NO LONGER BE MAINTAINED BY THE COAST GUARD. 2. THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS WILL STILL REMAIN IN EFFECT: A. NO MEETING, PASSING OR OVER TAKING WITHIN THE SAFETY ZONE. B. PASSING ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE WITH THE DREDGE JADWIN PRIOR TO ENTERING THE SAFETY ZONE. 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

8 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 None LMR Federal Pilots Current Restrictions in Place As below. Captain Steve Paquette, 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 CY2012 Tentative Dates November 15, 2012 February 21, 2013 Continuing every third month on the Third Thursday of the month

9 Today's Lower Mississippi River Conditions 1. Southwest Pass Tides Tides for Southwest Pass starting with September 5, Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon Low Time Feet Sunset Visible W 5 High 12:23 AM 1.5 6:38 AM Set 11:13 AM 82 5 Low 10:54 AM 0.6 7:14 PM Rise 10:14 PM Th 6 High 12:59 AM 1.6 6:39 AM Set 12:05 PM 74 6 Low 12:14 PM 0.5 7:13 PM Rise 10:56 PM F 7 High 1:44 AM 1.7 6:39 AM Set 12:57 PM 65 7 Low 1:15 PM 0.5 7:12 PM Rise 11:42 PM Sa 8 High 2:38 AM 1.7 6:40 AM Set 1:47 PM 56 8 Low 2:07 PM 0.4 7:11 PM Su 9 High 3:41 AM 1.7 6:40 AM Rise 12:30 AM 47 9 Low 2:53 PM 0.4 7:09 PM Set 2:34 PM M 10 High 4:51 AM 1.8 6:41 AM Rise 1:21 AM Low 3:34 PM 0.4 7:08 PM Set 3:19 PM Tu 11 High 6:02 AM 1.7 6:41 AM Rise 2:16 AM Low 4:09 PM 0.4 7:07 PM Set 4:02 PM W 12 High 7:11 AM 1.7 6:42 AM Rise 3:12 AM Low 4:40 PM 0.5 7:06 PM Set 4:42 PM Th 13 High 8:18 AM 1.7 6:42 AM Rise 4:11 AM Low 5:04 PM 0.6 7:05 PM Set 5:21 PM 2. Today's River Stages, Bridge Air Gaps, Lock Status River Stages

10 Bridge Air Gaps Lock Status 3. Today's 3-Day Weather Forecast: 430 AM EDT WED SEP TODAY SW TO W WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 2 TO 3 FT.

11 TONIGHT SW TO W WINDS 10 KT. SEAS 2 TO 3 FT. SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED TSTMS. THU AND THU NIGHT W WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 2 TO 3 FT. SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED TSTMS. FRI AND SAT W WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 2 TO 4 FT Today s LMR PORTS Screen (Includes HPL Air Gap Sensor Reading AND River Velocities). Lower Mississippi River PORTS, NOAA/NOS :39 CDT Water Levels (above MLLW) Carrollton-LWRP 1.1 ft, Steady Pilottown 0.9 ft, Stead y Pilots St. East 1.1 ft, Steady Winds Spd Dir Gusts Spd Dir Gust s Pilottown 10 kn W 14 Pilots St. East 19 kn W Air and Water Temperature Air Water Air Water Carrollton-LWRP 83 F Pilottown 82 F 84 F Pilots St. East 83 F 84 F Barometric Pressure Pilottown 1012 mb Rising Pilots St. East 1013 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 0.8 kn (E), 60.0 T Information Regarding Hale Boggs (Luling) Bridge Navigation

12 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 (NA). (Awaiting Update) 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 September 5, Updated. Below are the latest USACE survey results for the LMR crossings, with updated survey information for the crossings at Medora, Granada, Bayou Goula, Alhambra, and Philadelphia. Changes from the previous surveys at these locations, which were completed on August 6, 13 & 21, are reflected below.

13 Ronald W. Branch, CAPT. USCG (Ret.) President Louisiana Maritime Association (LAMA)